Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch is a family favorite for so many in and around the Northeast Nebraska area. Chances are you’ve been there already or you know someone who has gone! They are open in the fall and in the spring for families to visit. And they are continually making improvements and additions to the farm. Hear what owners, Mashaela & Ryan have to say about life at Poppy’s and about being small business owners in Northeast Nebraska.
Where are you from originally and where do you call home now?
We are originally from Battle Creek. We actually live out at the pumpkin patch and just built our forever home out there
Are you a parent? How old are your kiddos?
We are parents to 5 amazing kids. Ashlyn 13, Harley 11, Ryker 8 and the twins, Harper and Sawyer, just turned 5.
How long have you owned Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch and what made you take that leap into owning Poppy’s?
We have owned Poppy’s a little over 5 years and are approaching our 6th season. We have been out to Poppy’s with our kids and always had said if it ever came up for sale we would love to buy it. We always wanted a family business and this sounded like the perfect fit for us. My husband Ryan is very handy and can build anything. I think we work well together as we are constantly bouncing ideas off of each other.
Where is Poppy’s located?
Poppy’s is located southwest of Norfolk. 55275 837 Rd
Tell us about the patch and what you have to offer families that visit.
Poppy’s helps create lasting memories in a farm filled stimulating environment. Kids of all ages can enjoy picking the perfect pumpkin, sliding down our 130 ft twin racer slide, jumping on the pumpkin jump, enjoying a delicious caramel apple and so much more.
Which attractions are your family favorites?
Our family favorites is definitely the corn pit and pumpkin jump.
Where does the name Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch come from?
The name Poppy’s came from the previous owners. They started Poppy’s in 1999 and sold it to us in 2017.
What’s new this spring at the patch? When is the 2022 Spring Event?
Our 2nd Annual Spring Event:
May 7th & 8th
May 14th & 15th
May 21st & 22nd
Most attractions will be open, and we will also have baby animals on the farm including baby goats, chicks, and ducks. Our cafe will be open and will include some delicious homemade pies and caramel apples. This winter we have been working on Farm Skee-Ball and a new Sports Barn. These will be debuting during the spring event.
What did you do before becoming the owners of Poppy’s?
Before owning the patch Mashaela worked as a registered nurse. Now she runs Poppy’s full time. Ryan still works full time at Nucor and full time at the patch.
Since Poppy’s isn’t open year-round, what else do you do (any other businesses or jobs)?
Originally, we were only open in the fall but spring on the farm is so fun and exciting with all the new life. We felt our customers would love to be a part of it as well, so we opened up the patch for a three-weekend event. When we are not open, we are continuously working on new attractions and revamping current attractions and buildings on the farm.
Are there any services you offer year-round? (ie. Venue space for groups and/or parties, rentals, etc.)
We do offer venue space off season as well for corporate events, family reunions etc.
How have the Northeast Nebraska communities around you impacted business?
We have not only had amazing support from the Norfolk area but also from all the surrounding communities. We love to hear where people are traveling from. Sometimes we get people from different states that are here vising families and friends.
What’s your favorite thing about being a small business owner?
Our favorite thing about being a small business owner is the community support and seeing all the families making those special memories with their children. The smiles, the laughter and the photo taking brings the biggest smile to our faces. We feel special that we get to share our farm with our customers.
When things get hard, what’s one thing you tell yourself to keep going when running this business?
When things get hard, we remind ourselves that we do all of this for the joy it brings to the kids and their families. Nothing is better than walking thru the patch and witnessing the joy and fun the families are having. The gratitude expressed from our customers makes it all worth it.
Best advice for someone wanting to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship or wanting to open their own business?
Our best advice would be to be prepared to work hard. Like harder than you have ever worked but it is worth it. If you love it and feel passionately about it then it’s worth the risk.
Future plans for Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch?
Future plans for Poppy’s are endless. We have so many attractions we want to add some day including an obstacle course, sunflower patch, haunted trail, hayrack ride and so much more.
To learn more about Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch:
Website: poppyspumpkinpatch.com
Instagram: poppyspumpkin
Facebook: Poppy’s Pumpkin Patch
