BRODHEAD – As the weather cools and leaves change, Southern Wisconsin residents are getting outside to enjoy traditional fall activities.  

For many families, that means taking to pumpkin patches or apple orchards, activities that can quickly become expensive when entry fees and other expenses are involved. The Raupp family in Brodhead hopes to offer families the same fall experience, but in a more affordable manner.

As parents of five, Jessica and Bryan Raupp know how difficult it can be to find affordable, child-friendly activities. 

“We just thought ‘with our family in mind, what would we like to see?’,” Jessica said. “We want to keep the prices low.”

When families or couples venture out to the seven-acre rural Brodhead farm, they can enjoy any of the many free activities offered, including a large sand box, a corn crib, $1 hayrides and even pumpkin bowling. Visitors can also purchase apple cider, doughnuts or hand-made Halloween-themed art and decorations, all made by Jessica. 

The Raupps have had an honor-system style pumpkin stand for three years, but this year has been their first doing a larger-scale operation. Since opening in late September, the family-run pumpkin patch has welcomed visitors from around the region.

“The best part is when I’m driving by doing the hay rides and I see the smiles on the kids, playing and just having fun,” Bryan said.

The pumpkin patch is located at N4455 County E in Brodhead. The monitored roadside stand is open daily from dawn until dusk. The shop and activities are open Saturdays and Sundays 12-6 p.m.