Basse’s Taste of Country in Colgate, Wisconsin, offers an action-packed fall adventure that’s perfect for families.
Located just 25 minutes from Milwaukee, this family-owned farm is known for its vibrant seasonal activities, including apple picking, a sunflower maze, and their energetic Pumpkin Fest.
If you’re looking for an action-packed day on the farm packed with plenty of kid-friendly activities, Basse’s is a good choice.
Apple & Sunflower Fest
The Apple & Sunflower Fest, held from late August to mid-September, is a great way to experience the farm’s early fall charm.
Families can pick from a variety of apples like Honeycrisp, McIntosh, and Fuji, with each ticket including a 1/4 peck bag to fill.
The farm’s sunflower fields are also a highlight, offering a stunning backdrop for photos, and if you want to take a bouquet home, you can purchase a sunflower bucket to fill with your own handpicked sunflowers or zinnias.
Kids will enjoy activities like the Grain Train ride, bubble bin, and outdoor games. Parents can relax in the beer garden within the sunflower patch, featuring local craft beers, wine slushies, and hard seltzers.
Pumpkin Fest: High-Energy Fall Fun
If you’re looking for a lively fall festival experience, Basse’s Pumpkin Fest is the place to be.
Running from late September through October, Pumpkin Fest offers more than 65 activities for families, making it one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic fall destinations.
The pumpkin patch is a major draw, with pumpkins of all sizes to choose from, but that’s just the beginning.
Here are a few of the many activities included with admission:
- Corn Mazes: Test your navigation skills in the giant 8-acre corn maze or try the smaller “Who Done It” corn maze, a family-friendly murder mystery game.
- Pig Races: Watch as Wisconsin’s fastest pigs race for the win every Saturday and Sunday.
- Candy Cannon: End your weekend visit with a sweet treat as candy rains down during the 5 p.m. Candy Cannon event.
- Barnyard Games: Kids will love games like Farmer Skee Ball, corn toss, and life-sized Connect 4.
- Slides and Play Areas: Giant slides, a corn kernel beach, and pedal carts are perfect for active kids, while younger ones can enjoy playsets and the animal barn filled with friendly farm animals.
- Shows and Performances: Special shows like the dog show, lumberjack show, and Munchkin Mike’s Dance and Foam Party keep the energy high on weekends.
For those seeking even more excitement, there are additional activities like pony rides (on select weekends), apple blasters, and tractor pulls.
Plus, don’t miss snapping photos at one of the many creative photo ops around the farm, like the giant swing or the pumpkin Volkswagen bug.
Tips for Your Visit
- Weekdays offer a more relaxed experience, with fewer crowds but nearly all the same activities available.
- Pumpkin Fest weekends are high-energy, with mid-October being the busiest. If you prefer a quieter experience, plan to visit early in the season or on a weekday.
- Food and drink options include seasonal snacks, craft beer, and wine slushies, with the Beer Barn open on weekends.
- Cashless Payments: The farm accepts credit, debit, and mobile payments only, so leave the cash at home.
Related Post: 10 Best Places to go Pumpkin Picking Around Milwaukee
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.