Schwabe Pumpkins Manitoba has been part of my autumn memories for more than a decade. From my first visit along Henderson Highway in 2014 to returning to the St. Andrews farm in 2018 and 2024, this family-owned pumpkin patch near Winnipeg has become one of my favourite places to experience Manitoba’s fall colours, creative Halloween displays, and seasonal traditions with family and friends.
My memories of Schwabe Pumpkins go all the way back to 2014, when I visited its original location along Henderson Highway. I returned in 2015, explored the St. Andrews farm in 2018, and visited again in Fall 2024.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed these autumn outings with family and friends, sharing the simple pleasures of colourful pumpkins, playful decorations, and time spent together.
Looking through my photographs from those years, I realized that this was more than a pumpkin patch I’d visited a few times. It was a place that had quietly become part of my Manitoba fall traditions.
And after connecting with the family behind Schwabe Pumpkins in October 2026, I discovered a story that made those memories even more meaningful.
The Family Story Behind Schwabe Pumpkins Manitoba
Generations of Farming Along Henderson Highway
Long before the pumpkin displays and Halloween decorations, the Schwabe family had deep roots in Manitoba agriculture.
The history of Schwabe Pumpkins Manitoba is closely connected to generations of farming along Henderson Highway, where the Schwabe family built a tradition of selling fresh vegetables to local customers.
In October 2026, I reached out to Schwabe Pumpkins through Instagram and received a heartfelt response from Melody Schwabe, who generously shared the history of her family’s farm and the dedication behind the autumn attraction that so many Manitobans have come to love.
Melody shared that when she met her husband, George, in 2001, his family had already been farming and selling vegetables along Henderson Highway for more than 50 years, possibly even longer.
George represented the third generation of his family selling vegetables along the highway, while earlier relatives had also worked as farmers.
Melody came from a retail background and described herself as a city girl. She and George married in 2004, and she gradually brought her own creative ideas into the family business.
What began as a farming tradition would soon grow into something much more than a roadside vegetable stand.
How the Pumpkin Displays Began in 2005
Around 2005, Melody began setting up a pumpkin-themed experience in George’s mother’s front yard along Henderson Highway in East St. Paul.
She started decorating hay bales and creating cheerful seasonal displays. Every year, the family added something new.
These weren’t simply decorations placed beside pumpkins for sale. They became part of the experience—something families could explore, photograph, and look forward to each autumn.
As the displays grew more popular, the municipality approached the Schwabes about joining other farmers along Henderson Highway to create a larger pumpkin-themed event called Pumpkin Palooza.
Instead, the family decided to take a chance and move their growing attraction to their own farm in St. Andrews.
That decision marked the beginning of the Schwabe Pumpkins location visitors recognize today.
Building a Family Farm Experience in St. Andrews
At the St. Andrews farm, the family continued expanding its creative displays and activities.
Melody explained that maintaining and building these attractions involved significant costs. The family introduced a modest admission fee so they could continue improving the experience while keeping it as affordable as possible for visiting families.
As parents raising three daughters, Melody and George understood how expensive family outings could become.
Building Schwabe Pumpkins also meant years of commitment and sacrifice. Their summers and autumns revolved around the farm, and their daughters worked alongside them.
Melody proudly shared that all three daughters developed strong work ethics, and two have since become entrepreneurs themselves.
Perhaps the most touching part of the story is the relationship the family has built with its visitors.
Some customers have returned for more than 20 years. The Schwabes have watched children grow up and eventually bring their own families back to the farm.
That is the kind of history that gives a place its character.
The 2019 Tornado: The Remarkable Story Behind the Red Barn
One of the most meaningful discoveries from my conversation with Melody Schwabe was the story behind the beautiful red barn that stands at Schwabe Pumpkins today.
During my Fall 2024 visit, I photographed the red barn surrounded by pumpkins and colourful autumn displays. At the time, I had no idea that the building represented something much deeper than a picturesque farm setting.
In June 2019, a tornado struck the Schwabe family’s St. Andrews farm, bringing down the building that stood there before the current red barn.
For a family that had dedicated so many years to building a memorable seasonal experience, the destruction was another unexpected challenge.
But amid the damage, something extraordinary happened.
Melody explained that a giant pumpkin the family had created from spray foam unexpectedly helped save their seasonal displays.
When the building collapsed, the enormous decorative pumpkin held up part of the fallen structure, protecting the displays underneath from being crushed.
Remarkably, their displays survived. According to Melody, the original admission stand was the only one of those features they lost.
It’s an incredible detail—a giant pumpkin, created to bring joy to visitors, ended up helping protect the very decorations that made the farm so special.
Fortunately, the family had insurance, and the company rebuilding the barn completed the new structure in time for September 2019.
For Melody, the rebuilding brought an unexpected silver lining.
She shared that she had always dreamed of having a beautiful red barn. Despite the damage caused by the tornado, the family’s new building became the realization of that dream.
And the story doesn’t end there.
Rather than letting every piece of the damaged building go to waste, the family found meaningful ways to reuse some of its materials.
Parts of the original structure were transformed into the Baby Barn, a space where mothers can nurse their children and change diapers.
Some of the old building’s pillars were also repurposed to create the canopy at the front of the current red barn.
These thoughtful details reflect the same resourcefulness and creativity that helped turn a traditional vegetable farm into a beloved Manitoba autumn destination.
Melody also shared how the support of their customers helped the family through some of their most difficult experiences.
After learning this story, I see my photographs of the red barn from Fall 2024 in an entirely different light.
What I once saw as a beautiful backdrop for autumn memories now represents years of perseverance, hard work, family dedication, and a dream that finally became reality.
The red barn is more than part of the scenery at Schwabe Pumpkins. It is a reminder of what the family has overcome and everything they have continued to create for their community.
And perhaps that is what makes places like Schwabe Pumpkins so special.
Behind every cheerful pumpkin display and every family photograph, there may be a remarkable story waiting to be discovered.
My First Schwabe Pumpkins Memories: 2014
My earliest photographs from Schwabe Pumpkins were taken at its original Henderson Highway location in 2014.
One of my favourite photos shows a giant Thanksgiving turkey decoration rising above a round hay bale. Another captures two cheerful scarecrows sitting among pumpkins beneath brilliant red autumn leaves.
Even in those early photographs, the creativity that would become a signature part of Schwabe Pumpkins was already there.
The decorations were colourful, playful, and unmistakably autumn-inspired. Instead of simply shopping for pumpkins, visitors could enjoy the displays and take photos among the seasonal scenery.
Looking at those pictures now feels like opening a little time capsule of Manitoba autumns.
And what makes these memories even more special is remembering the time spent exploring the pumpkin displays with loved ones.
Returning to Henderson Highway in 2015: Pumpkins, Squash, and Harvest Colours
I returned to the original Henderson Highway location in 2015, enjoying another autumn outing surrounded by pumpkins, colourful squash, and the lively atmosphere of the seasonal farm market.
My photographs from that visit reveal another side of the experience: the harvest market itself.
There were large orange pumpkins, colourful squash, wooden baskets, handwritten produce signs, and hay bales filled with seasonal favourites.
I especially enjoy looking back at the different squash varieties, including acorn squash and Hubbard squash, arranged beside the pumpkins.
The beautiful autumn trees and colourful displays made the market a lovely place to explore and photograph with family and friends.
Beyond the Halloween decorations, Schwabe Pumpkins has always been connected to the family’s agricultural roots.
The colourful produce displays are a reminder that there’s a real farming family behind the autumn atmosphere.
These 2015 photographs are especially meaningful now because they preserve memories of the original Henderson Highway experience before my later visits to the St. Andrews farm.
Visiting the St. Andrews Farm in 2018
By the time I visited the St. Andrews location in 2018, I was able to experience another chapter of Schwabe Pumpkins.
My photos from that year show a giant smiling jack-o’-lantern painted onto a round hay bale, a friendly scarecrow couple surrounded by pumpkins, and an adorable wooden bridge decorated with smiling orange pumpkin faces.
I particularly love that little bridge.
It captures the fun, homemade character of the farm and creates a welcoming setting for autumn photographs.
The open farmyard, hay bales, imaginative decorations, and colourful pumpkins made the visit feel like a celebration of the season.
Sharing these moments with family and friends is part of what makes returning to familiar local attractions so enjoyable.
What I appreciate about these displays is that they don’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be memorable. Their charm comes from the creativity and care that goes into them.
Fall 2024: Another Autumn Adventure at Schwabe Pumpkins
Ten years after my first documented visit, I returned to Schwabe Pumpkins in Fall 2024.
The beautiful red barn, rows of orange pumpkins, and bright autumn sky immediately made for wonderful photographs.
Inside the barn, pumpkins and squash filled large produce bins, while Halloween characters, a giant spider, and warm string lights created a festive atmosphere.
Outside, I enjoyed seeing more playful details around the property, including a vintage red truck with a skeleton behind the wheel.
The pumpkin decorations, scarecrows, seasonal displays, and activities provided plenty of little moments to capture on camera.
I also filmed a short video during this visit, featuring the vintage truck, pumpkin displays, Halloween decorations, the barn, and some of the fun around the farm.
One detail I especially enjoyed revisiting was the cheerful pumpkin-decorated bridge. Seeing that familiar style of display again reminded me of my photographs from 2018.
Different year, another visit, but the same welcoming autumn spirit.
What Can You See and Do at Schwabe Pumpkins?
Based on my visits over the years, there are several reasons to enjoy this Manitoba fall destination.
Explore the Pumpkin and Squash Displays
Pumpkins are naturally the main attraction. From classic orange pumpkins to unusual shapes, sizes, and colours, there’s plenty to discover.
The barn and produce displays are also interesting for anyone who enjoys fall decorating, seasonal cooking, or learning about different varieties of squash.
Enjoy the Halloween and Harvest Decorations
One of the things that makes Schwabe Pumpkins memorable is its creativity.
Over the years, I’ve photographed scarecrows, giant hay-bale creations, whimsical pumpkin characters, and playful Halloween scenes.
They’re also wonderful backdrops for autumn photos with family and friends.
Spend Time Outdoors With Family and Friends
My 2024 footage includes children’s play activities and a basketball-style game, along with decorative areas around the farm.
The atmosphere makes it an appealing outing for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who wants a cheerful seasonal experience.
Keep in mind: Displays and activities can change from year to year, so check the farm’s current updates before visiting for a specific attraction.
Schwabe Pumpkins Admission, Location, and Hours
If you’re planning a visit to Schwabe Pumpkins Manitoba, it’s worth checking the latest admission information and seasonal schedule before heading to the farm.
Location: 1160 Meadowdale Road, St. Andrews, Manitoba, Canada
Admission:
- CA$5 per person
- Free for children aged three and under
Regular seasonal hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM–6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
Hours may change due to appointments, private events, or other scheduling needs.
For the latest information, visit the farm’s official Instagram account: @schwabe_pumpkins.
These admission details and hours were provided by the farm for the 2026 season and should be checked again before future visits.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
A little preparation can make a fall farm visit more enjoyable.
- Dress for Manitoba autumn weather. Conditions can change quickly, so layers and comfortable outdoor footwear are useful.
- Bring your camera or phone. The pumpkins, decorations, and barn provide plenty of photo opportunities.
- Take time to explore. Some of the most charming details are the smaller, handmade decorations.
- Check the farm’s social media before leaving. Seasonal schedules and activities may change.
- Respect the displays and farm signage. The decorations are part of an experience that takes considerable work to create.
If you’re visiting with children, allow time for them to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere rather than rushing through the displays.
Watch My Schwabe Pumpkins Fall 2024 Video
I also created a short Solo Miles video featuring highlights from my Fall 2024 visit.
It captures the colourful pumpkins, playful Halloween scenes, vintage truck, barn displays, and the lively atmosphere of the farm.
Watching the video alongside my earlier photographs is a lovely way to see how Schwabe Pumpkins has been part of my autumn memories over the years.
Why Schwabe Pumpkins Is More Than a Pumpkin Patch
When I first visited Schwabe Pumpkins in 2014, I didn’t know the story behind the decorations or the generations of farming that came before them.
I simply enjoyed the autumn atmosphere and the opportunity to spend time with people close to me.
After returning in 2015, 2018, and 2024—and hearing the family’s story directly—I see those visits differently.
Behind the pumpkins and cheerful displays are years of hard work, creativity, family dedication, and relationships with returning visitors.
It’s especially meaningful to know that some families have been making memories here for more than two decades.
For me, Schwabe Pumpkins represents something I love about exploring local destinations: sometimes, the places that stay with us aren’t faraway destinations, but the local places we find ourselves returning to over the years.
What makes Schwabe Pumpkins Manitoba memorable to me isn’t just the colourful fall displays, but the family traditions and personal memories I’ve collected through visits spanning a decade.
If you’re looking for a fall outing near Winnipeg, Schwabe Pumpkins is a wonderful place to discover when its seasonal farm experience is open.
And if you’ve visited before, perhaps you have your own autumn memories there, too.
This feature is based on my visits in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2024. The family history and October 2026 visitor information were shared directly with Wallet Roamer by Schwabe Pumpkins. All featured photographs are from my personal collection.
Have you visited Schwabe Pumpkins? I’d love to hear about your favourite memories or local Manitoba fall traditions.