A sunny winter day in the National Elk Refuge may be the most incredible wildlife spotting experience outside of the Serengeti or Yellowstone's Hayden Valley.
The refuge is named for (and protected for) the thousands of elk that come here after the fall rut and breeding season. They spend the winter grazing, sleeping, fighting, and resting on this large, open plane outside of Jackson.
While the thousands of elk are the main attraction for nature lovers who visit the refuge, there are dozens of other species who call this sanctuary home in the coldest months.
Pronghorn are among the easiest to spot, as their way of hopping through the fields is unmistakable. While they don't winter here in huge numbers, you're almost certain to see a herd if you look hard enough.
In late winter and early spring, Moose come to the area. It's not uncommon to catch them wandering through the refuge or even heading into town! Be sure to keep your distance, as these gigantic beasts can be a bit temperamental.
Much of the refuge sits under the watchful eye of the Pinnacle Pack or Huckleberry Pack of wolves. They hunt elk here, and if you're looking to spot some of these beautiful creatures, bring a spotting scope and settle in for a long day. They're among the most elusive creatures in the state!
Speaking of elusive - this photo shows some of the most and least obvious residents of the refuge. Coyote aren't great at hiding themselves, and mountain lions tend to keep far out of sight. What an amazing photo of these not-so-subtle coyotes tracking some young lions!
If you want a way to take this all in, get tickets for a sleigh ride. While you likely won't be able to see the more evasive animals, a sleigh ride is a magical experience that showcases the best of the elk refuge in a fun way.
If your social media feed is bursting with warm-hued decorating ideas, at-home PSL recipes, and autumn day trips, you know for sure that fall in Wyoming is on its way! While Wyoming isn't known for its pumpkin patches (our state's unpredictable freezes make squash growing a challenge), that doesn't mean all hope is lost. This nostalgic fall tradition is alive and well in the Cowboy State! At each of these festive Wyoming pumpkin patches, you'll find tons of gourd-geous pumpkins ready to be picked, baked, carved, and decorated all season long. But that's not all that the best pumpkin patches in Wyoming offer! Often, these fun family destinations offer a bevy of autumn treats, photo-worthy corn mazes, and numerous other things to do in Wyoming in the fall.
Mid-September - end of October | A unique home for organic fruits, vegetables, and sustainable farming practices, Blue Ribbon Barn is a family-run farm and garden center that overflows every season with produce, baked goods, jerky, flowers, locally crafted items, and much much more. In the fall, kiddos can partake in wagon rides, a hay maze, and other festive events, or families stop by the Pumpkin House to pick out the perfect orange token to paint or carve. You can also check out the fun annual Halloween Party as well! Bonus: it's all set against a magnificent mountain backdrop!
September 28 - October 31, 2024 | This long-time Wyoming corn maze and pumpkin patch knows how to dive into the fall spirit and create lasting memories in the process! Enjoy the fun and fantastically complex themed corn maze, then stroll through the massive pumpkin patch to grab the perfect specimen straight off the vine. While you're here, monkey around in the corn boxes and on the climbing towers, play some festive fall games, and bounce around on the jumping pillows…all before heading over to the Feed Bunk to refuel for even more fun fall activities!
September 29 - October 29 | Gallagher Natural Beef and Produce has earned a reputation for raising up the highest-quality meat and some truly fantastic sweet corn. But come fall, Gallagher also boasts a wonderful, six-acre corn maze - and alongside it, a two-acre pumpkin patch. While you're here, check out the hay bale maze, corn pit, and tasty concessions as well. Gallagher's is typically open Friday through Sunday.
Season Varies | This family dairy farm houses a lot more than just cows! In fact, stop by this sweet pumpkin patch in Cody and you'll find pumpkins of every size and shape filling the barn - all carefully protected from the weather and boasting a variety of colors and wart levels - and even gourds and squashes for fall decorating. Pop by at just the right time, and you might even get to ogle (or claim) your own ginormous "monster" pumpkin! Feel free to dive on into the corn pits as well or have a chat with the local, four-legged residents while you're here.
September 13 - October 8 | Auctions, raffles, wagon rides, and rows upon rows of numerous pumpkin and squash varieties … that's what Koltiska Farm is made of! This mom-and-pop pumpkin patch in Sheridan is a cornerstone of the community, welcoming schools, FFA groups, families, and much more to the Patch to enjoy festive fall outings. Koltiska Farms also offers face painting, concessions, and endless seasonal enjoyment. Cash/check only.
Season Varies | For nearly two decades, the family-owned SonHarvest Seasons has been wooing locals and visitors alike with seasonal delights: pumpkins, raspberries, a corn maze, and more. This Riverton pumpkin patch is just a few miles out of town and farm guests will immediately fall head over heels for the rural beauty here. Crops are rotated regularly to keep the produce (pumpkins included!) healthy, hearty, and ripe for the picking! The bevy of winter squash is sure to delight as well.
Of course, this short list isn't a complete snapshot of all the pumpkin patches in Wyoming. That's why we'd love for you to nominate YOUR favorite as well. We know there are some gems hiding in those overlooked corners of our state!
Amidst Wyoming's golden fields and grazing cattle, a lesser-known harvest emerges each year with quiet splendor - fresh produce. Fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-packed microgreens are all grown by green-thumbed locals and often shared at community farmer's markets. But the state’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather patterns pose unique obstacles to farming, especially when it comes to cultivating more delicate crops, like berries. Fortunately, Wyoming does have a few berry farms and U-pick patches tucked away! SonHarvest Seasons in Riverton has stood the test of time and is a fantastic place to take the whole family for some good old-fashioned quality time spent raspberry picking.
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While Mother Nature's wild bounty abounds in every corner of Wyoming, there are surprisingly few full-scale berry farms around the state.
This long-standing family-run farm in Riverton is known for its annual fall pumpkin and corn maze offerings, but you can also swing by and enjoy an excellent abundance of vibrant, perfectly ripe raspberries throughout the year.
Is there anything better than fresh-picked berries in summer or a warm biscuit with homemade jam? We don't think so! Throw in a raspberry pie a la mode and we're sold. Give SonHarvest Seasons a follow on Facebook to stay on top of this year's berry harvest and upcoming special events.
If you know of any local farms, markets, or growers that could use some extra love, nominate them!
For more farm-to-table goodness in Wyoming (and there is a LOT to choose from!), check out this delicious restaurant in Jackson. Or take an extended road trip that not only passes through Riverton but has been rated one of the best in the country.
