2023 Gull Meadow Farms Trip Planner: NEW Farm Activities, Corn Maze, Apple Picking, Petting Farm + Food Trucks!

Gull Meadow Farms

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.

Boy Petting Zoo

Gull Meadow Farms

8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083
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Plan Your Visit

Ready to head to the farm? Weekend activities begin September 9, 2023 and weeknight activities begin September 13, 2023. 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 upick 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.

Where is the Farm?

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?

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?

The farm has public restrooms located near the market. Portable restrooms 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 2023 is no exception. They have over 30 activities for families to enjoy on the farm.

Here are some of our favorites:

Corn Crib (new location!)

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.

Find the corn crib in its new giant, blue building at the farm

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 Games

Enjoy some carnival-inspired games on the farm, including baseball and basketball tosses.

Climbing Spots

Conquer this tower of tires; there are also similar spots with hay bales.

More Activities

Get excited for the brand new activities you’ll find on your visit this year. A zipline, bubble bin, tractor garden and sound garden will be waiting for you to try out!

New for 2023, all activities are in one location called The Farmyard. Their huge variety of fun activities are in one large space making it safer for families.

We recommend reviewing their updated farm map to help plan your fun.

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 on the farm worthy of a photo op.

Gull Meadow Farms

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, zebu and Quackers the friendly duck.

Kids feeding farm goats

Petting Zoo

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 2023, the maze theme is First Day Shoe Fund.

FSDF is an organization that supplies students in Kalamazoo County with FREE brand new athletic shoes. Let’s help them fuel their mission.

Gull Meadow Corn Maze 2023
Gull Meadow Corn Maze 2023

Corn Mazes at Gull Meadow Farms

6-Acre Corn Maze: Included with activities’ admission on weekends and weeknights. Available for an additional fee with early weekday admission (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Mon – Fri).

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. Back for 2023: 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 91011.

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.

Gull Meadow Farms

The market also sells apples, baked goods, caramel apples, candy, decorations, and gifts.

2023 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 9-10: Grandparents Weekend + Touch a Tractor
• Sept 15-16: Princess + Superhero Weekend
• Sept 23-25, Oct 1: All-Star Stunt Dogs
• October 28: Giant Pumpkin Drop & Candy Cannon

Winter

• Santa Visits
• Walk Through The Lights
• Dear Santa

Gull Meadow Farms Walk Through the Lights
2021 Walk Through the Lights at Gull Meadow Farms

Summer

• Sunflower Days
• Kalamazoo Balloon Fest

Kalamazoo Balloon Fest Gull Meadow Farms
2022 Kalamazoo Balloon Fest at Gull Meadow Farms

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!

Fall Fun Finder

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About The Author

3 thoughts on “2023 Gull Meadow Farms Trip Planner: NEW Farm Activities, Corn Maze, Apple Picking, Petting Farm + Food Trucks!”

  1. Love this place! It doesn’t feel like fall until we’ve visited Gull Meadow Farms 🙂

  2. 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!

  3. Great article about a great place. We’ve made some great memories at Gull Lake!! And we love the cider and donuts 🙂

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