A Northern Michigan farm has been awarded a $100,000 grant to beef up two seasonal tourism attractions that are part of its operations.
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Courtesy of Pahl Enterprises, LLCA pumpkin patch at Pahl's in Buckley.Pahl Enterprises, LLC in Buckley will use the grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) to expand the farm's country store, seasonal pumpkin patch, Santa experience and youth field trips. The money also will be used to purchase items for a new commercial kitchen; and to improve the structural integrity of the farm’s historic barn.
“We add new features every year to keep up the interest and be able to compete with other pumpkin patches,” says Holly Pahl, one of the farm’s owners.
What’s happening: Pahl Enterprises, LLC, of Buckley has been awarded a $100,000 Rural Development Fund grant from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, one of 21 projects awarded monies in the spring. In all, more than $1.8 million was awarded to projects across Michigan, including in Marquette, Ishpeming, Owosso and Ludington, according to a press release from MDARD.
"Through programs like the Rural Development Fund, MDARD can support projects that strengthen infrastructure, promote sustainable land-based industries and deliver new jobs to rural communities,” says Tim Boring, who is director of MDARD.
About Pahl’s Country Store: The family-owned operation builds affordable cabins, sheds, and garages, delivering and installing them as well. In addition, owners Holly and Dave Pahl operate two seasonal attractions, a fall pumpkin patch and a winter Santa Claus cabin. Visitors to the pumpkin patch can select pumpkins from the u-pick patch, and enjoy homemade cider, donuts, and other treats from the country store. Squash, gourds, straw, and corn stalk bundles are available for sale as well. The patch features hayrides, barrel train rides, and apple cannons. School classrooms visit Pahl's in the fall to interact with farm animals and explore mazes.
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Courtesy of Pahl Enterprises, LLCA miniature train is one of the activities at Pahl's Pumpkin Patch each fall.After the pumpkin patch closes, the Christmas holiday season begins, with weekend activities that include a tractor-pulled hayride into the woods to visit Santa Claus in a small, cozy cabin. Visitors can chat with Santa, roast marshmallows, and drink hot cocoa at Pahl’s Santa Experience. The experience also includes a warming bonfire, and local gifts and treats from the store.
The back story: Pahl's Pumpkin Patch originated as a small family venture in 1999 on the Ted Pahl farm on Zue Road in Buckley. After many years and growth, the family decided to stop the annual attraction. However, Ted’s brother Dave and his wife, Holly, took over the seasonal event, moving the pumpkin patch to their shed business site three miles away, on M-37.
What’s next: Now, Dave and Holly plan to relocate the pumpkin patch to their farm, which sits directly across from the original pumpkin patch’s Zue Road location. Their farm offers 140 acres to work with, instead of the 30 acres along M-37. The property’s original barn and other buildings there will be used for other activities. Plans include adding square dances and other farm-related activities.
“The grant will allow us to build a commercial kitchen and to update the historical barn to use for field trips and other events we hope to hold in the future,” Holly Pahl says. “We will be able to make our own fresh donuts and to be able to provide concessions.”
During pumpkin season, the operation typically requires between 15 to 20 employees; seven employees during the Santa Experience; and three to five workers during the year to assist with sales and with grounds upkeep. The Rural Development Fund grant will allow the family to hire at least six more workers.
“With the grant award and moving the Pumpkin Patch back to its original farm location, we are hoping to add more agricultural activities in the future,” Holly Phal says. “Our goal for it all is 2026.”
Rosemary Parker has worked as a writer and editor for more than 40 years. She is a regular contributor to Rural Innovation Exchange and other Issue Media Group publications.
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