My family is very lucky to have Ramseyer Farms close to our house. We absolutely love Ramseyer Farms, and it is what I consider the premier Family Fall Fun Festival in all of Northeast Ohio. The farm outdoes itself each year, adding new activities, hosting educational field trips, trying new layouts, and accommodating families who need special accommodations.
A Little Bit of Ramseyer Farms History
I truly believe it’s important to learn the story of the places we visit. We can learn a lot about the paths people take and why such a wonderful place exists.
According to their website (https://ramseyerfarms.com/history/), Ramseyer Farms was established in 1880 by Daniel Ramseyer. In the 1920s, Daniel’s on Alvin began producing potatoes that were sold to area grocers and peddlers in Northeast Ohio. In the 1930s and 40s, the farm niched their potatoes to “chipping’“ potatoes sold to interested potato chip processors to make them. The farm continued to produce and sell potato chip makers in OH, PA, and WV until 2018.
In the 1990s, raising potatoes had begun to exhibit many economic challenges. And like many farm families, Dennis and Karen Ramseyer, fifth-generation owners, had to find ways to diversify and supplement their income to offset the loss of potato income.
They first responded to the challenge by adding a side crop of pumpkins to their farm portfolio and selling the pumpkins to retail stores.
Entrance into the Agri-Tourism Industry
Agri-Tourism is the marriage of educational and/or entertainment activities with agricultural production to attract visitors to a farm or business to generate additional farm income.
A complete list of Agri-tourism examples can be found in “What is Agritourism?” Factsheet from UC Davis
Ramseyer Farms began its own venture into the Agri-Tourism industry in 2000.
Karen and Dennis Ramseyer had an epiphany after an inspirational visit to their farm from their Sunday School Group. The couple realized they loved sharing their beloved farm and enjoyed providing educational farm tours to youth that centered around agriculture and food production. The couple had hosted educational field trips for their four daughters’ classes, and Karen worked for the school system as a nurse. (Mommas have many paths!
Pumpkins and school field trips morphed to include an eight-acre, educational Ohio Corn Maze, which was developed to help teachers teach Ohio’s history for state testing in a new and exciting way.
In 2018, the Ramseyer potato business was officially closed, and the farm concentrated its current crop production to include pumpkins, wheat, corn, popcorn, and soybeans. Evidence of their storied potato production can still be seen in their spud-themed fall activities and the use of retired potato boxes and equipment in the farm’s fall decor and activities.
Planting Traditions and Harvesting Memories
Since moving back to Ohio in 2018, my family and I have visited Ramsyers every fall, and just like Ramseyer Farm’s motto, we are “Planting Traditions and Harvesting Memories.” We have never been disappointed after a visit and plan to return yearly!
My son absolutely loves Ramseyer’s Farm and is beside himself every year when he sees the “Welcome” sign announcing their fall opening.
The farm, even on its busiest weekends, has never felt over-crowded. Primarily due to their spacious layout and flow of activities. The cost of admission is quite reasonable for the generous amount of activities available, and we have always left happy and exhausted.
The best part is that adults can share just as much fun as kids! By participating in the farm’s Sunflower Days, I checked another item off my bucket list. I was able to pick a gorgeous sunflower and zinnia bouquet and was simply enamored by the extensive varieties of sunflowers found in the generous field.
Tip: Like Ramseyer Farms’ Facebook page and watch for notifications for when season passes go on sale in August. Other discount codes and ticket sales are available online on their website.
Ramseyer Farms’ Educational Activities
School Field Trips: School groups can choose between the Farm Tour, Ohio Adventure Tour, or Combination Tour. Students learn about agriculture production and/or Ohio History. In addition to the tours, the students have time to enjoy the 50-plus activities at the farm, plus pick a pumpkin to take home.
Homeschool Days: Homeschool Days are set aside just for homeschool families to take advantage of the farm’s educational tours described above, usually from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm on a weekday.
Sensory Friendly Days: Days set aside to accommodate those who need a safe place to enjoy fall activities in a quieter, more toned-down environment.
The Ohio Corn Maze, as mentioned above, is a great place to wander through as you crisscross the state on the major US and State Highways, learning fun historical facts about each region along the way.
Tip: Its fall in Ohio. Dress in layers, wear play clothes, and expect to empty corn out of your kids’ pockets and shoes. You are going to get sweaty, dirty, and love every minute!
Our Favorite Fall Festival Activities
My family especially loves the following activities and food!
- Corn Mazes: Ohio and Themed Maze (2021: Cornstalk Cup; 2020: A Farm Story; 2019: Dinosaurs)
- Ramseyer Spudway: Pedal Carts for Adults and Children (Yes, please!)
- Pumpkin Picking
- Hayride
- Hide and Slide Hill (2 different slides!)
- Spud Slinger
- The Tire Patch
- Tractor Pull
- Farm Animals (especially the goats!)
- Cider Slushies
- Lerch’s Donuts
Tip: Take your time. Plan on spending several hours at the farm and if you get too warm, stop to enjoy a cider slushie!
Other activities we enjoy
- The Corn Barn
- Hamster Wheel
- Giant Swing
- Steer Roping
- Duck Races
- Obstacle Course
- Conk the Crow
- Wall Ball
- Jump Pad
- Hook and Ring Game
- Pumpkin House
Tip: Check out Ramseyer’s Website for a complete listing and map of activities.
Activities for the Littlest Ones
I love the fact that Ramseyer’s has activities for all ages, even the littlest farmers!
Here is a list of some of the activities for the little ones…
Little Farmer’s Corral (designated for kids 5 and under)
Obstacle Course
Corn Slide
Conestoga Wagon: You can ride with them!
Hay Maze
Corn Bin
Rocking Horses
Diggers
Musical Chimes
Tip: Parents with older youth, please monitor that your older children aren’t playing in areas designated for the littlest farmers. Nothing makes this Momma Bear angrier when older youth play in these areas and knock over the little ones.
Food at Ramseyer’s Farm
You will not go hungry at Ramseyers!
You can buy “roast your own” s’mores kits on your visit. Have a seat at a designated campfire and roast your marshmallow. You will also find snack vendors and kettle corn for sale as well.
You can find a variety of food booths, concessions, and food trucks to satisfy your hunger. Everything from fries, hamburgers, tacos, BBQ, coffee, apple cider slushies and more! If you have never tried one of Wayne County’s famous Lerch’s Donuts, you must take a box home! I love their pumpkin spice and cinnamon sugar donuts.
In 2020, the eating area was expanded to include plenty of picnic tables. For larger groups or parties, tents and other areas can be rented.
Tip: Pace yourself and enjoy the beautiful farm. A Baby Barn is available as a private spot for mothers who are nursing or need a quiet spot for themselves and baby.
Wrapping up a Day at Ramseyer’s Farm
As you wrap up a day at Ramseyer’s, grab a wagon and load up your pumpkins, gourds, and other fall decorations. I especially love Ramseyer’s assortment of heritage varieties.
Purchase a box of Lerch’s donuts, Ramseyer’s own Home-grown Kettle Corn, or varieties of jams and other preserves to enjoy at home.
Load up the kids and enjoy the quiet ride home as the kids nap in the back! Or stop in Smithville for dinner at The Barn Restaurant, pizza from Sam’s Pizza, or a cup of coffee from The Carpenter’s Cup. (More about Smithville here)
Know Before You Go
Location: 4000 Ramseyer Lane, Wooster, Ohio 44691 (Wayne County) (off of State Route 585, between Smithville and Wooster)
Operating Hours: Open September-October (check website for ticket information and special events)
Special Accommodations: Handicap Accessible; Sensory Friendly Day
Parking: Lots of parking for even their busiest days.
Potty: Port-a-potties located throughout the facility
Website: https://ramseyerfarms.com
Pumpkin Patch Activity Pack
Download our 26-page Pumpkin Patch Activities Guide with tips for planning the perfect pumpkin outing and easy-to-implement pumpkin supplemental learning activities you can do before, during, and after your visit.
