There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you turn a family farm into a place filled with laughter, pumpkins, and a few good-natured pranks. That’s exactly what the Nystrom family has done at Grandpa’s Fun Farm, just south of Worthington, Minnesota.
It’s one of those spots that instantly feels like home — where the smell of fresh hay mixes with kettle corn, and every corner has something to make you smile.
🚜 From Family Farm to Fall Favorite
Marlyn and Jolene Nystrom have deep roots in Nobles County. Their family’s farm started as a working operation but has grown into something much more — a place where families come to make memories every fall.
Over the years, they’ve built Grandpa’s Fun Farm into a full-blown seasonal experience: think pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, farm animals, and a good dose of small-town charm. Whether you’re snapping photos among the pumpkins or racing through the corn maze, there’s something for everyone.
And yes — the “Grandpa” behind the name really does have a sense of humor.
🐐 A Place That Lives Up to Its Name
The farm’s name isn’t just cute — it’s accurate. The animals seem to know they’re part of the show, with goats that nuzzle visitors, chickens that strut like they own the place, and kids (the two-legged kind) giggling their way from one adventure to the next.
Each season brings new touches — a themed corn maze, fall treats, wagon rides, and those creative displays that make you pull over for a photo. You’ll probably catch Marlyn himself out there greeting visitors or offering a quick laugh between chores.
🍁 More Than a Farm — It’s a Family Tradition
Ask anyone who’s been, and they’ll tell you: Grandpa’s Fun Farm isn’t just about pumpkins and hayrides. It’s about connection — between generations, neighbors, and the community that’s been part of the Nystroms’ story for decades.
Many families make it an annual stop, marking the start of fall with a visit to pick the perfect pumpkin and say hi to the animals. It’s that kind of place — the kind you look forward to every year.
📍 Plan Your Visit
Grandpa’s Fun Farm is located just south of Worthington, MN, along Read Avenue. They’re open seasonally with special hours for the fall season — and it’s best to follow their Facebook page for the latest updates, weather-related changes, and sneak peeks at what Grandpa’s cooking up next (literally and figuratively).
👉 Follow along here: Grandpa’s Fun Farm on Facebook
❤️ Why We Love It
It’s farms like this that remind us what makes living in Southwest Minnesota special — families who pour their hearts into creating spaces for others to enjoy. The Nystroms’ blend of humor, hospitality, and hometown pride shines through in everything they do.
So grab your boots, your camera, and your favorite people — and make a day of it at Grandpa’s Fun Farm. You’ll laugh, you’ll get muddy, and you’ll leave with memories that stick long after the pumpkins are gone.