Meet the Farmers
The Schilter Family
At its heart, Schilter Family Farm remains a true family affair. Jeff, Stephanie, and Patty, though retired, continue to shepherd the farm, buoyed by the unwavering support of kinfolk, and dedicated team members.
From children to nieces, nephews, and a host of family friends, each hand plays a part in crafting moments of pure, old-fashioned joy, offering up quality products and experiences that linger in the heart long after the season's end.
The legacy of Schilter Family Farm spans over 85 years
Grandpa and Grandma Schilter
Grandpa and Grandma Schilter immigrated from Switzerland, pioneering dairy farming while nurturing a growing family.
Fred & Patty Schilter
Their son, Fred Schilter, and Patty, whose own family tilled the neighboring lands that would later become the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge, united their farming legacies.
Jeff & Stephanie Schilter
In 1997, Jeff Schilter and his wife, Stephanie, took the reins of daily operations, carrying on the family legacy. They raised their seven children on the farm, and today, many of them are actively involved, working together to create the best possible family farm experience for every guest who visits.
Schilter Family Farm Agriculture-tourism
Schilter Family Farm has blossomed into the South Sound's premier harvest festival destination, boasting the region's largest pumpkin patch and corn maze.
1997
The family took a bold step, shifting from dairy farming to agritourism and launching the very first Schilter pumpkin patch. What began as a new venture has since blossomed into the largest fall harvest festival and pumpkin patch in the South Sound.
1999
The farm planted a corn maze—the very first in Thurston County and one of the first in Washington state. Then, in 1999, Christmas trees took root in the fields, paving the way for a cherished choose-and-cut tradition that began in 2005.
2005
This tradition has welcomed guests every holiday season since, creating cherished memories year after year. With each passing season, the Schilter family continues to pour their heart and hard work into making every visitor’s farm experience better than ever.