When summer turns to fall in Minnesota, our thoughts turn to changing fall colors, sweaters, and, of course, pumpkins. Picking the perfect pumpkin is an iconic fall activity in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, so we thought we'd suggest seven of the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota (in no particular order) for you to consider when you head out to grab your gourds.

1. Country Sun Farm - Lake Elmo

​​Country Sun Farm is one of my favorite pumpkin patches near St. Paul. The farm kicks off its fall season on September 25, and it will be open seven days a week through October. In addition to pumpkins, you'll find plenty of awesome activities for the whole family to enjoy. There may be a charge for certain activities at the farm's fall event.

2. Fresh Acres Farm, Corn Maze, and Pumpkin Patch - Monticello

For folks on the west side of the Metro, ​​Fresh Acres Farm is one of our favorite pumpkin patches near Minneapolis and near St. Cloud. Its Fall Festival runs from September 14 through October 27 and includes a corn maze and other fun family activities. The farm will be open on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays, and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The farm will also be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on October 19 and 20 during M.E.A. break. The $12 admission fee covers all fall festival activities.

3. Pumpkinland at Sekapp Orchard - Rochester

​​Pumpkinland at Sekapp Orchard is one of the best pumpkin patches near Rochester. Pumpkinland is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during peak fall season. Check the orchard's website for dates. In addition to pumpkins, you'll find family-friendly activities like a cornstalk maze and photo stations.

4. Simek's Farm - Kelsey

In northeast Minnesota, ​​Simek's Farm is one of our favorite pumpkin patches near Duluth. The farm's pumpkin patch is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from September 14 to October 20, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's also open on October 17 and 18 during M.E.A. break. Activities include a corn maze, hay rides, and farm animals. The farm does charge a $6 admission fee, and there may be additional fees for certain activities.

5. Barten Pumpkins - New Prague

Barten Pumpkins, outside of New Prague, is ​​one of the largest pumpkin patches in Minnesota. It's also one of our favorite pumpkin patches near Mankato and the south Metro. The patch will be open from mid-September through October for you to pick the perfect pumpkin. You can visit seven days a week during daylight hours. Check out ​​the farm's website for more information.

6. Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch - Glyndon

​​Buffalo River Pumpkin Patch is one of the best pumpkin patches near Fargo-Moorhead. This year, the pumpkin patch will be open on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., from September 21 to October 27. The patch will also be open 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on October 17 and 18 during M.E.A. break. Attractions include a horse-drawn ride, a petting zoo, and a game area. There is a $6 admission charge, and there may be an additional charge for certain activities.

7. Sam's Pumpkin Patch - Montevideo

We think ​​Sam's Pumpkin Patch is one of the best pumpkin patches in western Minnesota. It's just outside Montevideo, and it's not too far from Marshall, Willmar, or Ortonville. The farm will be open weekends from mid-September to late October and during M.E.A. break. Visit the website for specific dates and hours. Attractions include hay rides, a corn pit, and a petting zoo. There is a $5 admission charge for folks older than two.

Getting to some of the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota may involve a little bit of a road trip, so be sure to pack plenty of snacks to keep everyone happy on your way to the patch. Do you have a favorite Minnesota pumpkin patch that you would have included on this list? Let us know in the comments!