The Brumbaugh Fruit Farm, located at the western edge of Arcanum, Ohio, is known not only for the fruit grown and sold there, but also as a place to have fun. Starting the weekend after Labor Day and continuing on weekends through October 31st, the farm becomes a playground for “kids” of all ages. 

The farm is owned and operated by the Winston and Jeanie Brumbaugh family. The Brumbaughs bought the land in 1962 and planted the first trees about 1968. They planted about 100 trees that first year and followed up with 250 trees the next year. Today the farm is dotted with all sorts of trees—apple, pear, and peach, along with pumpkins, corn and a variety of vegetables. The family has divided the public portion of their land into a variety of play and market areas. Their farm brochure shows 21 sites—for play, educational, food and social events. 

The farm has two corn mazes. A “mini” corn maze (the “Kiddie Korn” Maze) is designed for younger children.  Children find their way through the maze by identifying colors, counting and adding and subtracting. The larger --5-acre-- corn maze is designed for older children and adults who will find clues to direct them among the cornstalks.  

The Brumbaughs have also created walking trails that are easy enough for most people to stroll. Several years ago, trees were planted for a Christmas tree farm. The Christmas tree farm project did not work out but the trees planted for the proposed sales still grow tall and strong. A trail has been cut through the trees and storybook characters in their settings have been placed along the path along with facts about the great outdoors. Johnny Appleseed is featured on a trail through the apple orchard. Along that way, visitors will learn facts about his life and see the wide variety of apples grown on the farm. At Billy Bee’s Flight O’Fun, children will experience what it feels like to be a honeybee buzzing through the air and learning the important role the bee plays in growing apples.

Some areas on the farm are “U-Pick” areas where visitors can pick fruit or pumpkins. At the Kids Korral, small children can pick, carve or decorate pumpkins for a $1.00 fee. Haywagons (called the “Pumpkin Express”) carry visitors to the pumpkin patch where pumpkins are available for picking. (A fee for pumpkins picked will be collected as visitors exit the farm.)

What is particularly nice about the play areas is that they allow youngsters to get into the outdoors and play with simple things, the way many of us remember playing in the past—just running, thinking and imagining. 

Good weather plays an important role in the success of the fall weekend activities. Owner Winston Brumbaugh says, “We like Octobers with very little rain.” Brumbaugh’s daughter, Patti Campbell, notes that on the weekends when there are lots of families with children at the farm, “the farm takes on a carnival atmosphere.”

The farm is available for company picnics, social organization events, birthday parties, family reunions and weddings from July through October. It can accommodate groups from 100 to 1,000 people. Interested parties can call the farm for pricing and menu information.

A small lake provides a wonderful backdrop for weddings, picnics and campouts. Private campsites (15 person minimum) are available by reservation only. The campsites include a bonfire and wiener roast. The Brumbaughs will provide food items (hot dogs, buns, marshmallows and apple cider), condiments and roasting and eating utensils.

The farm is often used a learning center. School groups from a thirty-mile radius come to the farm for educational field trips. Age-appropriate educational programs are available for pre-school through 3rd grade and 4thth grade students during weekdays, mid-September through October. School groups may also pick pumpkins. through 8

A snack shop is located in farm market area. Food can be ordered inside or at an outdoor window. Burgers, hot dogs, fries and soft drinks are available. 

The Farm Market and Country Bakery are opened at the beginning of August and will be open through December. The market features a variety of farm products and gifts including some items from outside vendors. Everything is baked on site at the Country Bakery, which is named the Farmer’s Daughter Bakery. All baked goods are made from scratch including pies, strudel, doughnuts and dumplings. They also make the fillings for baked goods. No preservatives are used at the bakery.

The Brumbaugh Fruit (and Fun) Farm is located at 6420 Arcanum-Hollansburg , Arcanum, Ohio, 1/4 mile west of Arcanum. (937) 692-8084. For information, email Patti Campbell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or check the website at www.brumbaughfruitfarm.com. Directions to the farm are on the website.

The Farm Market and Country Bakery are open August through December, Monday through Saturday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sundays during September & October 12:00 Noon – 6:00 pm.

On Farm Fun Weekends (the weekend after Labor Day through October 31) the hours are Saturdays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm and  Sundays 12:00 Noon to 7:00 p.m. 

Admission for the weekend events is  $6.00 per person, ages 4-64.

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