A Perfect Fall Family Day at Big Springs Farm in Lanesboro

If you’re looking for the perfect fall family adventure, Big Springs Farm in Lanesboro, Minnesota, is the place to be! We just spent the most amazing day there, and I can’t wait to share all the reasons why you should grab the kids, hop in the car, and head out to this hidden gem. Trust me, it’s everything you love about a fall festival — activities for all ages, animals, food, fresh air, wide open spaces, and gorgeous views — without the crowds and chaos.

Plus use my code TCFM2024 to save 20% off general admission!

The Drive: A Scenic Adventure on Its Own

If you’re coming from the Twin Cities like we did, or anywhere else outside the area, the drive out to Lanesboro is gorgeous, especially in the fall. The bluffs and hills, the little farmhouses scattered along the way — it’s like driving through a living postcard. We enjoyed the changing scenery on this 2-hour drive from the Twin Cities to Lanesboro as it became more and more majestic.

Big Springs Farm: Where Nature and Fun Come Together

As soon as we arrived, we felt like we’d discovered our own little slice of country paradise. Big Springs Farm isn’t one of those overly-commercialized places where you have to fight for parking or wait in long lines for activities. Nope — this is a real, family-owned, working farm, full of open spaces where kids can run around, explore, and just be kids.

There is SO much to do here!

They have tons of activities and adventures including:

200 Foot mini Zipline
Giant 100 Foot Open Slide
10 acre Corn Maze
1 acre Mini Corn Maze
Corn Pit
60 Foot Tube Slide
Jump Pad
Hay Rides
Sand Box
O-Ring Swing
Wall Ball
Gravity Box Basketball
Duck Races
3-D Tic Tac Toe
Playground
Photo Ops
Farm Toy Play Shed
Jumbo Corn Hole
Round Bale Jungle Gym
Goat Pen
Chicken Coop

There’s so much! Here’s an aerial photo my husband took with his drone:

Our Experience

We were here 4 hours but didn’t do it all. Here’s what we did do though: the hayride, slides, zipline, many games, the mini corn maze and part of the corn maze (it’s huge!), lunch and much more.

The hayride was so fun! We got the FIRST ride of the season and it was a perfect 15 minutes. We saw farm equipment and even cows along the side of the road.

The 10 acre corn maze is huge and can take 1-1/2 hours to go through. We didn’t go through it all, but we did the 1 acre mini corn maze which is a good beginner size. So if you’re intimidated by large corn mazes – no worries here! There are multiple options for the big corn maze too, and even a game for kids to play through it.

The Theme

Speaking of the corn maze, the theme for this year is Norwegian gnomes. The corn maze design has gnomes and says “Velkommen” which of course means “Welcome.” This fits the farm well as the whole place is very welcoming!

There are gnomes and Norwegian themes throughout the farm too. Even the food has some Norwegian items like a Nordic Dog (hot dog wrapped in lefse), and Lefse Chips. The food is tasty and affordable – we had the Nordic Dog, Bratwurst, a Mac and Cheese Dog (hot dog topped with Mac and cheese), and a Queens Apple which has Caramel and whipped cream plus other toppings. It was all yummy! There are also other options like Popcorn, Kettle Corn, and even Pumpkin Spice Cappuccino.

I love that all ages can do everything so it’s a place for the whole family. I ziplined and many other things with my kids. You can easily spend a whole day here and have fun returning again and again.

Kid-Approved: Fun and Freedom to Explore

One of the best things about Big Springs Farm is how kid-friendly it is. There’s so much space for little ones to roam around safely, and you don’t have to worry about keeping them on a leash (figuratively, of course!).

Little kids will be busy for hours here. They’ll love the corn pit, jump pad, and games throughout the place. There are original activities too like pretend milking a cow. Remember – you can do all these activities with your kids too!

A highlight of this farm is seeing the chickens, goats, and even cats. They’re all friendly and my teens couldn’t get enough of them.

Here you’ll see animals living their best farm life. The farm animals are friendly and used to visitors, so there’s no need to worry about the kiddos getting too close.

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

Big Springs Farm has sunflowers in September, which are perfect for photo opportunities. There are props in the field and it’s like a maze to explore. The further you go the more props you find!

Next to the sunflower field there is a “Pick Your Own” field of flowers with zinnias and many other flower varieties. Everything is provided including water and vases. My kids enjoyed choosing flowers for our bouquet to take home. The cost is $20 for a vase or $30 for two (basically buy one, get one 1/2 off). You can even cut and take home sunflowers! Just take them from the designated areas of the sunflower fields.

More Photo Opportunities

Throughout the place there are opportunities for photos. Not just in the sunflower field, but interspersed with the games, like this fun straw bale couch with props, chairs, and a “how tall are you in 2024” measuring chart.

About this straw bale couch: Straw is essentially the dried stalks of small grain plants. This type of bale is called a small square. Large round hay bales were used to make the Round Bale Jungle Gym and the Gnomes this year. Look for them when you’re here!

Peace for Parents, Fun for the Whole Family

Even if parents just want to watch their littles, this farm is the perfect size to let them be free but close by. While kids are busy having their own adventures, this farm gives parents a chance to relax and soak in the peace and quiet. We just took our time here because it felt so laid back here and we weren’t worried about doing an activity before it got too crowded.

Why Families Will Love It Here

Big Springs Farm is one of those places that’s perfect for families who want to slow down and spend quality time together. There’s enough space and freedom for kids to play and explore, but it’s still small and intimate enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed trying to keep track of everyone. It’s a place to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the season in its purest form.

For families who need a break from the hustle and bustle, Big Springs Farm is the ultimate reset button. It’s an unplugged experience where you can actually breathe and reconnect with each other. No screens, no overstimulation, just good old-fashioned outdoor fun.

Whether you’re looking for a low-key fall day trip or just need a break from the everyday grind, this farm is the perfect escape. I’m sure your family will love it just as much as mine did!

What to Bring: Essentials for Your Farm Day

If you come in September, there are sunflower fields that are perfect for fall photos. We saw some little kids in dresses and nice clothes for that – consider photo-worthy outfits for your family.

Otherwise, be sure to wear clothes for playing – and that includes you, mom and dad! This is a place for everyone to play so dress to move around.

Admission and DISCOUNT

Admission is only $12 per person or $22 for a season pass and this includes almost everything. Food, cut your own flowers and pumpkins are some extra costs and they’re optional.

Remember to save 20% with my code TCFM2024 too!

Kids 3 and younger are free.

Visit their website for more info and to purchase tickets!

Follow them on social too! Here are their social pages –

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigspringsfarmmn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigSpringsFarmMN

Check them out and explore the beautiful bluffs in the area while you’re here!

Explore Lanesboro While You’re Here

Lanesboro is a hidden gem located in the Root River Valley, which is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. It’s a go-to spot for anyone who loves biking or hiking, thanks to the Root River State Trail that winds through the area. I learned that the trail was built in the 1990s and has beautiful views of bluffs, forests, and the river itself. Since it was built, the town has grown as more of a tourist area to accommodate all the people coming to enjoy the new trail. Lanesboro became known as the “bed and breakfast capital of Minnesota.” Historic downtown also has art galleries, cute shops, and local restaurants. And there’s a live theater called the Commonweal, which offers performances year-round.

We actually came the night before our visit to Big Springs so we could enjoy some of downtown Lanesboro and an overnight at the Cottage House Inn, which was like a bed and breakfast/hotel/airbnb hybrid. It was simple yet impressive! We had a code to check-in to our room, and there was a living room, coffee room and a community room with tables and a shared fridge. Our room was very comfortable, clean and quiet. And it had no TV or phone! Some of the newer rooms here do but not the original rooms like ours which was actually just fine with us.

Exploring Lanesboro

We explored downtown when we arrived, and enjoyed a pizza dinner at Clara’s Eatery, a newer restaurant owned by a young couple. We ate every bite! They serve homemade pizza, sandwiches, and Chocolate Shoppe ice cream. Across the street is another ice cream shop called Another Time Ice Cream Parlor where our family shared pumpkin ice cream. Then we walked around to get views of the river and the dam which was lovely in the evening. Later, my husband and I went to Sylvan Brewing which is located in what used to be a converted granary.

The next morning we had a lovely breakfast at the Lanesboro Pastry Shoppe. I had a veggie omelet which was delicious.

Then we headed to the farm for the day. It was the perfect adventure!

Have you been to Lanesboro?