The Bartels Farm and Pumpkin Patch, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, has a rich history that dates back to 1905. Initially founded by Clyde Bartels and his son, Frank Bartels, the farm primarily functioned as a sheep ranch, growing various crops such as corn, hay, and barley. Over the years, the farm transitioned from sheep to hogs, and eventually, when the hog market began to decline, the focus shifted entirely to crops.
The turning point for the Bartels Farm came about 21 years ago when Nancy Bartels, who was working with a flower shop franchise in Fort Collins called Flowerama, was asked if they could grow pumpkins for the store. That year, Doug Bartels planted three rows of pumpkins. Today, those three rows have expanded into a sprawling 72-acre pumpkin patch that serves thousands of visitors each season.
The Bartels Farm and Pumpkin Patch is more than just a place to pick pumpkins. It has become a community hub, a place where residents of Colorado and Wyoming come to engage with agricultural traditions in a relaxed, outdoor environment. The pumpkin patch was born out of a simple question from a neighbor’s child playing in the fields, and since then, it has grown primarily through word of mouth.
Despite the pressures of urban expansion and economic challenges, the Bartels Farm has remained committed to its community. They have continually innovated, adding new attractions like a field of sunflowers for photo ops, a caramel apple stand, hay rides, and a pumpkin chucker. These additions have turned into traditions, making the Bartels Pumpkin Patch a beloved fall destination for the Fort Collins community.
In the words of Doug Bartels, “If we didn’t stick out our neck and try to do something different, it wasn’t gonna work.” This spirit of innovation and resilience has ensured the survival and growth of the Bartels Farm, making it a cherished part of Fort Collins’ history and community.