Is it Really Fall Until You Visit Gull Meadow Farms?
Fall has arrived and for my family, that means it’s time for one of our favorite fall activities: our annual trip to Gull Meadows Farms! A local favorite since 1985, they offer farm activities for all ages.
Located in Richland, Gull Meadow Farms is much more than a spot to grab some apples or pick a pumpkin (although they do offer both).
This farm continues to grow each year, now offering over 30 fall activities, summer events and Christmas events with Santa.
8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083
In this guide
Plan Your Visit
Ready to head to the farm? Weekend activities begin September 7, 2024 and weeknight activities begin September 12, 2024. Read on for location, packing tips and whether you need tickets for admission:
Do I Need To Purchase Tickets?
Not everyone needs tickets for the farm. Select the visit that applies for your family:
1 – We are picking apples, pumpkins or shopping the farm market
» No Admission Fees, No Tickets Needed. Purchase u-pick bag to enter the orchard.
2 – We are visiting on a weekday for farm activities, between 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
» Reduced Admission Fees, Pay Admission Upon Arrival.
3 – We are visiting on the weekend, or a weekday after 4:00 PM for farm activities
» Purchase Tickets Online in advance to save $2.
4 – We plan to visit the farm multiple times this fall for farm activities
» Purchase a Season Pass
Anyone 36 inches or taller requires a ticket for admission.
FAQs
Where is Gull Meadow Farms?
Gull Meadow Farms is located at 8544 Gull Road in Richland. If you live in the Kalamazoo or Portage area, plan for a 20-25 minute commute.
What Should I Bring?
Farms are big places with little shade, so dress for comfort and weather. Sunny days may require sunscreen; humid or drizzly days may need bug spray.
Footwear: Wear covered shoes, irrespective of the weather. With grass, straw, corn fields and dirt, flip-flops are not a good choice here. Expect muddy spots if it’s rained recently. There isn’t a wagon to take you to the corn maze, pumpkin patch or apple orchard so plan on walking a lot.
Bring socks for the jumping pillows (see #1 below).
Finally, pack quarters for the petting farm (see #3 below).
Can I Use a Stroller or Wagon at Gull Meadow Farms?
You can definitely navigate the farm with a stroller or wagon. The terrain is flat, but you will be walking through dirt or grass (it is a farm, after all).
If you have more than one option, grab the child transport with the biggest wheels.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes. The farm has public restrooms located near the market. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations are still available in areas throughout the farm.
10 Things to Do on the Farm
You made it! Now that you’re at the farm, where do you start? We have 10 suggestions to dive right into fall fun at Gull Meadow.
1 – Jump, Ride and Play With Farm Activities
Gull Meadow’s attractions keep getting better each year, and 2024 is no exception. They have over 30 activities for families to enjoy on the farm.
Here are some of our favorites:
Corn Crib
Picture a massive sandbox, only filled with corn instead. There are some shovels and toys for digging; expect clothes to get dusty. The Corn Crib is huge and shady—your kids will love it.
Grain Train
All ages can ride the grain train, including adults!
Jumping Pillows
These are likely the biggest trampolines you’ve ever seen. No shoes are permitted on these and staff members only allow a few visitors to jump at a time for safety. Follow the signs because jumpers are separated by height.
Carnival and Giant Yard Games
Enjoy some carnival-inspired games on the farm, including baseball and basketball tosses. Or have a little fun playing a giant game of cornhole.
Apple Chute Slide
If you’re a tunnel slide fan, be sure to add these ones to your must-do list at the farm. You can even have three people slide at the same time!
More Activities
Get excited for the brand new activities you’ll find on your visit this year. Wall Ball and a Spider Web will be waiting for you to try out!
Gull Meadow Farms Map
Are you a planner? Use their map online for farm fun prep:
2 – Take a Photo in the Giant Chair
Gull Meadow Farms has multiple Kodak-worthy spots, but this giant chair is one of our favorites and is located close to the activities’ entrance.
There is also a giant swing and other themed cutouts throughout the farm for photo ops.
3 – Visit the Petting Farm + Feed the Goats
The animals at Gull Meadow love visitors; especially visitors who feed them.
Break out the quarters and feed the very friendly goats and visit with the alpacas, miniature horses, sheep, donkeys, and more.
4 – Cheer for your Favorite Pig to Win (Friday – Sunday)
Don’t underestimate how entertaining speedy pigs can be. Catch a pig race on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Shows run every two hours at the Porkchopville Raceway, but will be canceled if the weather is too hot for the animals. The pigs are rewarded with donuts for their efforts.
5 – Take a Scenic Wagon Ride
While many have taken the wagons to reach another spot on the farm, Gull Meadow upped their wagon game in 2021, adding a more scenic tour. The ride features a tour through the woods.
Note: Wagons are handicap accessible; let the tractor drivers know and they will make sure everyone can ride.
6 – Get Lost in the Corn Maze
Like many local orchards, Gull Meadow Farms updates its corn maze theme annually. For 2024, the Peanuts-themed maze features it’s beloved character Snoopy in celebration of the comic’s 75th anniversary.
Corn Mazes at Gull Meadow Farms
6-Acre Corn Maze: Included with activities’ admission on weekends and weeknights.
Mini Maze: Great alternative for younger visitors with fewer turns and less walking. There’s only one entrance and exit. Included in general admission.
7 – Grab Some (Farm) Grub
With so much to see, expect to spend a few hours here which may leave some rumbling tummies. Have no fear- there is food on the farm to refuel and picnic tables to enjoy it.
Gull Meadow offers pizza in addition to its market food on Friday nights and all-day Saturday and Sunday. Back for 2024: Food Trucks! See the food truck schedule here.
8 – Go Apple Picking
In addition to the 25+ varieties they sell in the market, Gull Meadow Farms offers nine varieties during U-Pick season: Jonagold, Empire, Golden Delicious, Jonathan, Red Delicious, Rome, Mutsu, Fuji, and Granny Smith. Varieties change as they ripen so follow their Facebook Page for what is available.
Apple Text Alerts: If you want to be “in the know” for apple updates, you can sign up for Apple alerts! Be the first to know when varieties are added in the market as well as when they are available for U-Pick. To sign up, simply text APPLE85 to 8332804403.
9 – Select a Carve-Worthy Pumpkin
Gull Meadow sells pumpkins in a variety of sizes. You can head out to the fields for U-Pick, or snag your future jack-o-lantern on your way out at the Pumpkin Corral, near the market.
10 – Buy Donuts, Cider and Other Farm Market Fare
No trip is complete without some of Gull Meadow’s donuts and cider.
Donuts come in three different flavors (plain, apple, or pumpkin) and three toppings (plain, iced, or cinnamon sugar). They are made fresh daily and melt in your mouth.
The market also sells apples, caramel apples, giant cookies, baked goods, candy, decorations, and gifts.
2024 Special Events
Fall isn’t the only time of year to visit Gull Meadow Farms; see what the farm has planned in different seasons:
Fall
• Sept 7-8: Grandparents Weekend + Touch a Tractor
• Sept 14-15: Character DUO Weekend
• Sept 20-22, 27-29: All-Star Stunt Dogs
• October 26-27: Giant Pumpkin Drop & Candy Cannon
Winter
• Santa Visits
• Walk Through The Lights
• Dear Santa
Summer
• Sunflower Days
• Kalamazoo Balloon Fest
• Art Fair
What’s your favorite activity at Gull Meadow Farms?
Are you a Gull Meadow Farms regular? Leave us a comment with your favorite things to do on the farm!
More to Explore
Love this place! It doesn’t feel like fall until we’ve visited Gull Meadow Farms 🙂
Gull Meadow Farms is always a great time. My family loves all the great activities they offer! Looking forward to going again this year. I didn’t know they have pig races…too cute!
Great article about a great place. We’ve made some great memories at Gull Lake!! And we love the cider and donuts 🙂