Ufford Hills wildflower celebration

     Located just outside of Vermillion, nestled amongst the tall grasses of the prairie, sits Ufford Hills, locally owned pumpkin patch.

    This year, Ufford Hills hosted their first natural prairie flower celebration this September, marking the beginning of fall for Ufford Hills.

    “I like the sunflowers and the goldenrods. I like flowers, I think that they’re pretty,” said Stephanie Ufford, co-owner of Ufford Hills. “That is another thing we’re going to transfer to October too is the prairie maze.” 

     This celebration included an array of activities, including the nature walk through the prairie. Stretching about two miles through the bluffs and plains of Vermillion, the trail allows guests to experience South Dakota’s natural terrain and flowers. 

     Along the path are mammoth sunflowers, wild white prairie flowers and goldenrod. Aside from viewing the flowers, guests can build wreaths and boutiques to take home.

     “It hasn’t been overwhelmingly successful, yet. Because it is new, and it takes a little bit to get going,” Ufford said.

     While September was a slow month for the farm, they are looking forward to the future in hopes that this event becomes an annual tradition. This gives guests an opportunity to enjoy the transition period of fall before the festivities of Halloween take over Ufford Hills.  These activities are also all free.

     “It’s very new. This is my first year ever doing [the wild flower celebration],” Ufford said.

     In October, the farm is preparing for Halloween with food trucks, hayrides, crafts, a petting zoo, a live band on Halloween, and their famous haunted maze. 

     For community members, the haunted maze is an opportunity to get into the spirit of Halloween. The maze has a $10 admissions fee and is open to all. 

     “The haunted corn maze is a lot of everyone’s favorites,” said Ufford. “I am getting the big bouncy houses, so if large adults [want to bounce they can].”