At Rutledge Family Farm, their fall traditions happen on a grand scale. Following August’s ever-popular sunflower festival, fall on the farm sees the grounds transformed into a seasonal wonderland of corn mazes, pumpkin patches and family fun. Kick off sweater-weather with your family’s favorite, or newest, tradition and make plans to visit Rutledge Family Farm in Tumwater.
Family Friendly Fall Memories Will Last a Lifetime at Rutledge Family Farm and Corn Maze
Thanks to Rutledge Farm, Thurston County families aren’t the only ones with amazing agricultural memories. Robby Rutledge is a third-generation farmer and general manager of the site. He explains that their family settled in the Littlerock area in the 1850s and he grew up coming to the farm every weekend during maze season. “I knew at eight years old this is what I wanted to do,” he recalls.
The current farm location was developed by Robby’s grandfather Richard Rutledge. The maze portion was added by Richard and Robby’s uncle Rick Rutledge in 2000. As with many jobs on a working farm, everyone knew how to do everything. “My job went from cashier to cashier/corn picker to cashier/corn picker/manager to everything else before marketer then builder then farmer in 2019,” says Robby. “On a family farm, you just keep adding hats, and you never get to take off the old ones. It’s one of the things I love about doing what we do, you never know what the day will look like.”
Thurston County Pumpkin Patch Adds New Tricks and Haunted Corn Maze Treats to Fall on the Farm
Traditions grow from repetition, but don’t worry about these excursions feeling stale. At Rutledge Family Farm, they’re constantly adding fun new experiences while keeping the crowd favorites. There are so many interactive activities for visitors to enjoy while in the crisp autumn weather, ensuring each year’s return visit will be nostalgic and exciting.
On weekdays, there is a Spookley story trail in the pumpkin patch, swing set, calf roping practice station, tetherball, Zach the singing tractor, wall ball game boards, the bubble barn’s giant bubbles and plenty of fun photo ops and selfie backgrounds.
Weekends add in cow train or wagon rides, corn cannon, jump pad (weather permitting), western-themed paintball and the haunted corn mazes. Make any time a celebration by renting a fire pit and bringing a picnic. Fire pit reservations include a 10-by-20-foot tent with four picnic tables, the fire pit, plenty of firewood and an attendant to start the fire for you. These are perfect for birthdays, company events and family reunions, says Robby Rutledge, and fun for the whole family.
Farm-to-Table in Olympia is Easy with Ray’s Country Store and Rutledge Farm Produce
More than just an entertainment destination, Rutledge Family Farm is also a working farm. You can purchase the literal fruits (and veggies) of their labor at an on-site farmstand open from August 1 until late September, when it transitions to pumpkins for sale through November. Sign up for produce alerts by texting ‘Produce’ to 360.625.3489.
There is also a gift shop called Ray’s Country Store open during the fall season selling kid-friendly toys and books, farm apparel, jarred items, fruit slushies and both kettle corn and caramel corn.
October 4, 2025 is Pups in the Patch where guests can bring their dogs for photo ops, pet-themed vendors and pet adoptions thanks to Joint Animal Services. This event runs from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Dogs must be on a non-retractable leash, under the owner’s control and owner’s must clean up after their pet. Dogs are not allowed in the corn maze.
You can follow goings on at the farm through Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest and their website or newsletter. Call 360.357.3700 or email info@rutledgecornmaze.com with questions.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or regular who hasn’t missed a year in the last 25, Rutledge Family Farm and Corn Maze is a tradition that’s fun for the whole family. Come for a taste of the season, a natural and Insta-worthy décor upgrade, or to experience the tingling jump scares and nightmare fuel of their haunted maze experience.
Rutledge Family Farm
302 93rd Ave SE, Olympia
360.357.3700
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