Family farm built on holiday nostalgia

It’s hard to believe Yesteryear Farms has only been open since 2019, especially given the popularity it has gained and the degree to which it has grown. What began as a small Christmas tree market has evolved to include a free-entry pumpkin patch with a 10-acre corn maze, a yearly sunflower festival and a 4th of July fireworks market, all of which have become treasured traditions for families throughout the Portland area and beyond.

The Horner family originally started Yesteryear Farms just down the road from its current spot, on a smaller property with only 15 parking spots. After moving to its present (and much larger) location in 2021, the operation really took off, welcoming the addition of the barn and the pumpkin patch in 2022, followed by the corn maze and sunflowers in 2023. “It’s grown more than we ever expected,” say the owners, who chose the name “Yesteryear” as a nod to the nostalgia of the holidays. 

Autumn is a busy time at the farm, and there’s so much to love about this pumpkin patch, from the free admission and parking to the giant pumpkin selection and exciting character appearances! Over 20 different varieties of pumpkins are brought in from other local farms and priced by size, so you’ll find your favorites whether you’re looking for the perfect jack-o-lantern or a decorative pink doll. Activities for all ages are sprinkled throughout, like game tables and the hay pyramid. The horses, sheep, and cows who live on the property always enjoy greetings from visitors, too! 

And, if you’re up for a little adventure, Yesteryear offers 10 acres total of corn mazes with four miles of trails — this year featuring a spooky Monster Mystery game that will enthrall your whole crew! Tickets include admission to a half-acre maze just for kids. The Nighttime Corn Maze is on Friday and Saturday nights, and Fridays are also free movie night. Bring blankets and chairs to kick back and enjoy family-friendly Halloween flicks every Friday through the end of October — except Friday, October 31st, when they’re showing the original Halloween movie with Michael Myers. 

Yesteryear’s apple cider donuts are wickedly delicious, so you’ll want to buy a half-dozen to take home (hopefully a couple of them make it to the car!), and the apple cider and popcorn are complimentary. The corn dog food truck and beer trailer are owned by the farm, and they host other food vendors with tasty additions like Greek shawarma, Mexican, burgers, pizza, and barbecue. But guard your goodies — you might run into Jack Skellington, Mike Myers, Wednesday Adams, the Sanderson Sisters or Oogie Boogie! Dew Drop, the mini unicorn, also makes appearances. 

No matter the season, Yesteryear Farms sparks pure holiday magic everywhere you look, from the iconic crate wall that’s been decorated with pumpkins in the fall and Christmas adornments in winter — always a fun photo opportunity — to the iconic red vintage truck and the gift shop brimming with handmade trinkets, festive decor, and a variety of locally made treasures like jellies, soaps, and candles. 

When Christmas-time arrives, the farm transforms into a pre-cut tree market with a cozy bonfire, complimentary hot cocoa and snow machines for all the wintertime feels. The beer trailer switches to mulled wine to warm your bones. Visitors can peruse a beautiful, locally sourced selection of Doug Firs, Nobles, Natural Nobles, Premium Nobles, and Nordmanns. Once you’ve found the perfect tree, the family will shake it, bale it, give it a fresh cut, and load it up — which is extra convenient on rainy Oregon winter days. Bring the whole family and enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, The Grinch, and Elsa from Frozen! 

This year was the farm’s third sunflower festival, and it typically runs from the beginning of August through Labor Day. The family cultivates two stunning acres of flowers with just over a mile of trail through 32 different blooms, ranging from standard sunflowers to crimson red varieties and giant blooms bigger than your face! Visitors are invited to grab a pair of clippers and cut themselves a complimentary bloom (after that, it’s priced per stem), and bouquets are also for sale. 

The Horners open the farm just before the 4th of July holiday, which is another nostalgic tradition for the family. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit in the off-season and pick up legal fireworks and patriotic decorations. When you visit Yesteryear, you’ll see family members helping out everywhere you look. “It’s been a joy to share our traditions with the community, and our own friends and family,” the owners say. 

Yesteryear Farms is located at 26802 SW Stafford Rd in Wilsonville. Please give them a call at (971) 260 - 7909 or visit their website at www.yesteryearfarmswilsonville.com/