Found in the scenic countryside of Kelowna, McMillan Pumpkin Patch has a rich history rooted in hard work, dedication, and a deep connection to the land. The farm’s story began in 1950 when Ross and Jean McMillan purchased the property from the Wirche family.
Already home to a small dairy operation, the farm also held a piece of Kelowna’s early European settlement history. With years of determination and the help of their son Jim, Ross and Jean built one of the largest dairy operations in the Kelowna area, supplying milk to the Kelowna Creamery and, later, the North Okanagan Creamery Association (NOCA).
After retiring from the dairy business in the 1970s, Ross and Jim transitioned the farm into a thriving hay operation, which would later set the stage for a new chapter in the farm’s history.
In 2004, Ron McMillan, along with his wife Colleen and their four children, decided to start something new: A small pumpkin patch with just 100 pumpkins for sale to their neighbors. What started as a simple family endeavor has since grown into one of Kelowna’s most beloved seasonal attractions. Today, McMillan Pumpkin Patch produces thousands of pumpkins and gourds each year, boasting nearly 24 different varieties.
In 2008, the McMillan family expanded their operation once again, planting a portion of their 18-acre hayfield with corn to create one of Kelowna’s best corn mazes. The maze quickly became a favorite for families, offering a fun and challenging experience for visitors of all ages.
Now, McMillan Pumpkin Patch is not just a place to pick out pumpkins but a vibrant family-run farm that brings the community together year after year. From the farm’s early days as a dairy operation to its current status as a seasonal destination, the McMillan family’s legacy of hard work, growth, and community spirit continues to thrive.
For more information on visiting McMillan Pumpkin Patch, be sure to check out their website.