Established in 2008, this 40-acre centennial farm is all about celebrating local produce, good food, and a-maze-ing community connection – and once the harvest season hits, it all starts with their iconic corn maze.
Per Jacob’s Farm Operations Manager, Ed Blackburn, this year’s maze, which runs from August through October, is decked out in a spooky circus theme just in time for Halloween. This makes for delightfully-ghoulish fun, especially in the dark with flashlights, and culminates on October 26th with the ticketed “Thriller Night” finale.
The event starts in the 130-year-old barn, before “spirits” are led out to haunt the maze. “We’ll have actors [dressed as clowns] running and hiding in the corn,” he notes. “700 people go out and get scared in [a span] of about two hours!”
Other quintessentially autumnal attractions include scratch-made donuts and cider, offered on Saturdays and Sundays (be sure to arrive early – these treats sell out fast!); as well as an outdoor tent for live music with a rotating program of nightly performers; crackling fire pits, Thursday table games, and plenty of piping hot pizzas and snacks.
For the littlest pumpkins, there’s a kiddie corn maze, as well as an antique Farmall Cub tractor, complete with six cars, that chugs through the farm. Adult drinks – notably, seasonal cocktail features, local drafts, and spiked cider - are also available; as are horse-and-wagon rides, and plenty of gourd-themed photo opportunities. There might even be an old-school barn dance in the works in case of inclement weather!
“It’s outside, so dress accordingly – but we [love to see] people milling about, being able to eat and enjoying the farm and the music!” adds Blackburn.
Find Jacob’s Farm at 7100 East Traverse Hwy, M-72 West, Traverse City. Open hours are from 4-8 on Thursdays, 4-9 on Fridays, 12-9 on Saturdays, and 12-8 on Sundays. Sunday, October 27 is the last of the 2024 season, and the u-pick orchard is now closed. For more information, including ticket prices and the live music lineup, visit jacobsfarmtc.com. @jacobsfarmtc. (231) 632-6293.