Best Pumpkin Patches Near Joliet & Plainfield: Top Fall Farms Ranked (2026)
Families in Joliet, Plainfield, Shorewood, and Crest Hill are in the catbird seat when autumn arrives. Will County is home to Illinois' two most famous fall farm attractions: Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen and Siegel's Cottonwood Farm in Lockport. Both are located within a short 15 to 25 minute drive for western Will County residents. But which farm is right for your crew? Here is your complete 2026 comparison of the best pumpkin patches near Joliet and Plainfield.
The Will County Heavyweights: Bengtson's vs. Siegel's
Because both premier farms are so close to Joliet and Plainfield, local families often debate between the two. The choice comes down to what kind of experience your kids want:
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm (Homer Glen) is a full-scale amusement farm theme park with 14 mechanical rides, family roller coasters, spinning carnival rides, 200+ petting zoo animals, and pig races - all included in one admission price. Siegel's Cottonwood Farm (Lockport) specializes in classic agricultural adventures with a massive 15-acre corn maze, pumpkin cannons, and climbing attractions.
| Feature | Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm (Homer Glen) | Siegel's Cottonwood Farm (Lockport) |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Downtown Joliet | 18-20 mins (13 miles via US-6 E / I-355 N) | 12-14 mins (7.5 miles via IL-171 N) |
| Drive from Central Plainfield | 24-28 mins (17 miles via 135th / 143rd St) | 18-22 mins (12 miles via Renwick Rd / 135th St) |
| 2026 Admission Pricing | Weekday: $19.99 | Friday: $24.99 | Weekend: $29.99 | Weekday: $19.95 | Weekend: $24.95 (Online save $5) |
| Ride Attractions | 13 Mechanical carnival rides (100% unlimited in gate) | Mountain slides, zip lines, giant swing (some pay-extra) |
| Corn Maze | None (Focused exclusively on rides, animals & food) | 15-Acre 'State of Illinois' mega corn maze |
| Animal Experience | 200+ petting zoo animals & Swifty Swine racing pigs | Baby barnyard petting area & goat walk |
| Best For | Toddlers, kids & families wanting unlimited rides & shows | Teens, maze wanderers & active physical adventures |
Fastest Driving Routes from Joliet & Plainfield
From Joliet: Take I-80 East to I-355 North, exiting at 159th Street East or 143rd Street, and head directly to 13341 W 151st St in Homer Glen. Total drive time is under 20 minutes with zero rural gravel roads.
From Plainfield: Drive east along 135th Street or 143rd Street across the Des Plaines River valley through Romeoville and Lockport directly into Homer Glen.
Top Ranked Picks & Why We Recommend Them
Which Farm Should Will County Families Choose?
If your children are between ages 2 and 12, Bengtson's is almost always the superior choice because the unlimited mechanical rides, gentle kiddie trains, and pig races provide continuous active entertainment without exhausting them with miles of maze walking.
If your group consists primarily of teenagers or adults on a fall date night looking for a challenging 1-hour corn maze trek and flashlight nights, Siegel's in Lockport is your ideal target. Many Will County families visit both during October!
Essential Checklist & Pro-Tips
- Both farms feature free on-site parking for Will County drivers.
- Bengtson's features paved concourses that are much easier to navigate with standard strollers after heavy autumn rains than dirt maze paths.
- Purchase tickets online ahead of time on busy October weekends to guarantee admission windows.
Guide FAQs
Essential facts, ticket details, and seasonal planning questions answered for Fall 2026.
Bengtson's Pumpkin Farm in Homer Glen (18 minutes away) is the top-ranked pumpkin patch for Joliet families, featuring 13 unlimited mechanical rides, coasters, pig races, and a massive 200+ animal petting zoo.