Guide to Visiting Schepf Farms - Visit Mesa

Schnepf Farms

Whether you’re picking your own produce, experiencing the thrill of “Agritainment” or attending one of their annual festivals, fun is always in season at Schnepf Farms.

A signature stop along Arizona’s Fresh Foodie Trail, Schnepf Farms is at the forefront of Mesa’s agritourism movement, combining classic farm experiences — like picking fresh produce — with thrilling attractions and family events to deliver one unforgettable agricultural experience for all who visit. What began in the early 60s as a simple farm in the town of Queen Creek growing potatoes, trees, corn and peaches has since evolved into a popular, 300-acre family destination that has been declared an “Arizona Treasure” by former governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Office of Tourism.

Learn more about Schnepf Farms’ and agritourism on a recent episode of the For Love of Mesa Podcast.

A tractor pulls a wagon of hay bales in Schnepf Farms near Mesa, AZ

Top Things to Experience at Schnepf Farms

Pluck fresh fruit from trees, sample farm-to-table treats, ride roller coasters and celebrate all things agricultural at any number of special events throughout the year.

U-Pick Gardens

Procure fresh produce for your next meal, or select an all-natural memento to commemorate your Mesa visit at Schnepf Farms’ U-Pick Gardens. Forage through the gardens and choose from over 20 pesticide-free fruits, vegetables and herbs that are grown throughout the year — perfect ingredients for an authentic farm-to-table feast. And as the largest organic peach grower in Arizona, Schnepf Farms is a must-visit during peach season in the spring, with rows upon rows of peach trees producing one of nature’s sweetest bounties.

Jars of preserves on a wooden display at Schnepf Farms.

Country Store & Bakery

Housed within what was once Schnepf Farms’s original roadside stand, Schnepf’s Country Store & Bakery is the go-to shop for those looking for fresh foods created using ingredients that can be seen growing just yards away. Among the shop’s items: sauces, oils, stuffed olives, picked goods, cookies, and — you guessed it — plenty of peach-infused items, like peach syrup, peach pies and jarred peach cobblers to name a few.

Seasonal Events

In addition to historical re-enactments, car shows and craft fairs that occur throughout the year, Schnepf Farms is also home to some of the region’s most popular seasonal events, ensuring that no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll be greeted with a farm experience like no other.

Schnepf Farms Agritainment Park

In early spring, Schnepf Farms transforms into one of the region’s most unique and unexpected amusement parks, with roller coasters, carousels, ziplines and other all-ages excitement joining the farm’s year-round agricultural experiences. Over 25 rides and attractions join the orchards and gardens at Schnepf, including ferris wheels, bumper cars, a climbing wall and more. Beyond spring, the amusements can also be enjoyed during other seasonal events, like the annual Easter Egg-citement egg hunt and Easter bunny meet-and-greet.

Hometown 4th of July

This 4th generation farm knows how to put on a 4th of July celebration. In fact, the farm’s founder, Ray Schnepf, is responsible for presenting the town of Queen Creek with its first 4th of July fireworks display in the 1960s. After several producers and iterations since then, Schnepf Farms is once again home to Queen Creek’s premier 4th of July fireworks show.

Admission to this Independence Day celebration is $30 per carload, which grants access to Schnepf’s shops, food trucks and seating areas, as well as the petting zoo, little farmers playard, giant slide and more. A per-person VIP pass is also available and includes private parking, a catered BBQ dinner, private bar, and other amenities. The true spectacle occurs once the sun goes down, as stunning fireworks illuminate the skies over the farm while set to patriotic tunes.

Pumpkin & Chili Party

One of the region’s top fall events, Schnepf Farms’ annual Pumpkin & Chili Party spans the month of October and Admission is $23.95 per person ($78.95 for a season pass) and grants you access to dozens of autumnal activities, including 4-acre and 10-acre corn mazes, a spooky train ride, haunted school bus ride, hayrides and all of the thrilling amusements offered at Agritainment. Feast on any number of sandwiches, snacks, baked goods from the Country Bakery, and, of course, chili, as you settle down by campfires or watch a lively pig race.

Pumpkin patch at Schnepf Farms in Queen Creek near Mesa, AZ.

Be sure to visit one of the best pumpkin patches in Arizona to select the perfect pumpkin for your Jack-O-Lantern needs.

Christmas at Schnepf Farms

Be immersed in a winter wonderland in the middle of Arizona as Schnepf Farms transforms for the holiday season during Christmas at Schnepf Farms. Open in the evenings from late November through Christmas Eve, this fantastical, family-friendly farm festival dazzles with thousands of twinkling lights and dozens of holiday experiences. Take a hay ride to see Santa’s reindeer, putt your way through a glow in the dark mini golf course, hop aboard the Illumination Express, and even meet Santa Claus before he dashes off to deliver presents. There’s plenty of holiday cheer to adults as well, including a beer garden featuring beer and wine, as well as the world’s largest inflatable obstacle course.

Stay tuned for additional information for the 2022 Christmas at Schnepf Farms festivities coming soon!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Schnepf Farms located?

Schenpf Farms is located at 24810 S Rittenhouse Rd, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142, just over a 30-minute drive from downtown Mesa. A second entrance to the farm is accessible off of Riggs Road, which connects to the I-10 freeway.

When is Schnepf Farms open?

Schnepf Farms is open 10 months out of the year, closed only between July 5 and Labor Day. Visitors are strongly encouraged to call ahead (480-987-3100) to confirm operating hours, as they are subject to change. Current operating hours are:

  • Monday-Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday- Sunday: 7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

The U-PICK Gardens and Country Store & Bakery are both open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Thursday through Sunday each week.

Seasonal events and festivals, such as the popular Pumpkin & Chili Party in October, operate under their own hours of operation.