Fall Fun on the Farm

Seven-generation farm hosts the ultimate autumn festival

By Angie Helvey, Active Media

Photos by Brittany Jungenberg, Active Media 

The seasons are changing, which means it’s time to visit the pumpkin patch! Luckily, the ultimate autumn wonderland is nestled right in the heart of Tualatin: Lee Farms, a seven-generation women-run family operation that features every attraction you’re looking for this fall, including a u-pick pumpkin patch, hay rides, animals to pet and feed, a giant jump pad, homemade treats from the on-site bakery, and a full lineup of all-ages activities to create memories you’ll cherish forever.

For 150 years, Lee Farms has remained in the hands of the same extended family, beginning with the Jurgens family in 1869, followed by the Martinazzis in 1889, and the Lee family in 1936. Early generations raised row crops, dairy cattle, hay, and berries. In the 1960s, Loyce Martinazzi and Laurance Lee began inviting visitors to pick strawberries straight from the fields, laying the foundation for what would become one of Oregon’s most beloved agritourism destinations. Nowadays, it’s one of the few places that combines a real, working farm with fun family traditions year-round, including Easter celebrations, berry picking, the Sunflower Festival, the Fall Harvest Festival and Christmas trees during the holiday season.

Kicking off this year on September 19 and running through Halloween, the Fall Harvest Festival is a longtime favorite for folks across Oregon. “It’s been great to see people I grew up with coming back with their kids,” says Annie Lee-Bartelamia, who currently runs the farm with her sister, Kara Lee Huffman. It features a u-pick patch where you can cut your pumpkin right off the vine, in addition to a wide variety on display — all homegrown by the Lee family! This is where you’ll find the perfect pick for your front porch, or the ideal carver for a Jack-O-Lantern.

Whether you’re looking for a low-key, dreamy fall day at the farm or are bringing kiddos who can’t wait to run wild, Lee Farms has options for all. General admission tickets include entry along with access to the animal displays, hayrides, the corn maze, the playground area, the snack barn, and more! Weekday and Weekend Activities Wristbands also include admission to the farm, and provide unlimited access to all available activities, from the giant jump pad and Super Mega Slide to carnival rides, hay mazes and barrel wagon rides. And these aren’t just for kids — adults can also enjoy the attractions, excluding the baby bouncy houses.

A trip to the pumpkin patch wouldn’t be complete without homemade fall treats, and Lee Farms is famous for making the best pumpkin and apple cider donuts around! The farm market and bakery also offer sweet and savory scratch-made pies, locally grown produce, and other seasonal treats. The apple cider slushies are always a hit for all ages ( they’ll even make it a float with vanilla ice cream), and you’ll find wine and locally brewed beer and cider for anyone over 21. Other delicious eats like loaded nachos and bratwurst are available in the food barn. 

As one of the region’s last remaining historic farms, rooted in history, hospitality and community, Lee Farms is more than just a trip to the pumpkin patch — it’s a chance to become part of the family farming legacy that began so many years ago. “We have many families who’ve been coming for generations,” says Annie. “We’re so excited to welcome them back for another season.”

Lee Farms is located at 21975 SW 65th Ave in Tualatin. Please give them a call at (503) 638-1869 or visit their website at www.leefarmsoregon.com