WELCOME BACK. Pleasant Valley Farm is hosting its Fall Harvest Festival now through Oct. 27, the first time fall activities have returned to the Dunn County farm in nearly a decade.

Owned and operated by the fifth generation of the Scharlau family, Pleasant Valley Tree Farm is well known for its Balsam, Fraser, and White Pine trees that grow across the hundreds of acres at its Elk Mound homestead. 

For nearly 20 years Dunn County and surrounding community members flocked to Pleasant Valley Tree Farm before the holiday season for family-friendly fall festivities. In 2015, the Scharlau family handed the reins of its Fall Harvest Festival off to its neighbors, Valley Pasture, where festivities continued for nine years.

This year, the Fall Harvest Festival has returned to its roots and is back in full swing at Pleasant Valley Tree Farm. “Our children grew up with the Christmas tree farm and the Fall Harvest Festival,” Robin Scharlau said. “They missed the challenges and excitement that encompassed the fall season, so when the opportunity came to bring the fall business back to Pleasant Valley, our family was excited to welcome it back.”

While a spooky trail and corn maze are included the farm’s list of fall features, the fun only gets bigger and better from there! Some areas are themed, like the Wild West and Lumberjack Village activity areas, while more features await throughout the farm:

• Wild West: Mine for treasures at the gemstone mine and check out the Pleasant Valley Jail, General Store, and Saloon with family-friendly activities throughout.
• Lumberjack Village: Explore a fort in the trees and the trapper’s cabin before trying your hand at some axe throwing or the 20-foot slides.
• Pedal Toy Track and Corn: Race around the pedal toy track or dig into the corn bin (designed for kids ages 6 and under).
• Evergreen Farm: Visit the combine hay fort and play games like Skee-ball, baseball toss, basketball, Pony Hops, and more.
• Pumpkin Launcher, Corn Launcher, and Apple Slingshot: Let ’er fly and take aim at targets with the launchers and slingshot.
• Hayrides: Kick back and relax on a hayride through the farm.
• Harvest Hut and Wild Ridge Coffee Shop: Treat yourself to a delicious lunch, bakery treat, or specialty cup of coffee here.
• Country Store: Make a pit stop at the shop for fall and holiday decor plus a great selection of produce and pumpkins.

Back at Pleasant Valley Tree Farm for the first time in several years, the Fall Harvest Festival is open Saturday-Sunday from 9am-5pm and will run through Sunday, Oct. 27.

“This year has been a wonderful challenge to again prepare our farm for the fall activities. We are very blessed to be surrounded by a great supportive family, a dedicated staff, and incredible customers,” Scharlau said. “Without the help of our children, nieces, nephews, siblings, and great friends who come back year after year to help us, the farm would not be where it is today.”

Evergreen Farm activity area.

20-foot slide.

Perhaps the reason the Scharlau family decided to again host the Fall Festival – for their kids and family – is also what has fueled their farm since the 1970s. “Knowing that we are passing this onto another generation gives us strength to keep on growing the farm,” Scharlau said. “We are grateful that we get to work so closely with our children each day and I truly believe that is what keeps us going.”

The farm will also be open to the public through December with its winter activities and Christmas tree varieties, as it is each year. 

Pleasant Valley Tree Farm is located at N7240 810th St., Elk Mound • Fall Harvest Festival admission is $13.27 per person, plus tax • Learn more about Pleasant Valley Tree Farm on their website and keep up with them on Facebook