Papa's Pumpkin Patch Moves to a New Location
After more than four decades, Papa’s Pumpkin Patch is entering a new chapter this upcoming season. A longtime tradition is now under new ownership and moving to a new location next door.
Dave Pearce and his family decided to sell after seeing a need for a succession plan.
“The family realized an ‘aging core group’ and understood the need for a succession plan … a plan to hold together the value of a community pumpkin patch and a community tradition worth sustaining,” Pearce said.
Papa’s has been an important part of Bismarck-Mandan because of its focus on family, traditions, and community. Pearce said his father, Thomas Pearce, “believed that the land should be privately owned and publicly shared.”
This idea became part of Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, Papa’s Greenhouse, and Papa’s Polar Patch.
Grandpa Al’s Hayrides owned by the Dauenhauers purchased Papa’s Pumpkin Patch this spring. Pearce said the new owners are people the family has known for years.
“I’ve grown up with the Dauenhauers,” Pearce said. “Grandpa Al and I were very good friends and grandson Chase has longtime dreamed of being in the position he now finds himself.”
The new location will bring several changes to Papa’s Pumpkin Patch, including new attractions. Visitors can expect a new jump pad, Slide City, and laser tag. The location also has more space, along with more varieties of pumpkins and squash and new play areas. Some familiar activities, including the hay maze, will also return.
Pearce says we can expect a new property, new backgrounds, and a new core team.
“Some old activities will become new again,” he said.
The 2026 season runs through Oct. 25 at its new location, 4205 Burnt Creek Loop in Bismarck. The patch is now open daily from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
While Papa’s Pumpkin Patch may look different this year, it marks the beginning of a new chapter with many of the same traditions and fun continuing.
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