City: Bennington, NE

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (402) 238-3663

Address: 12020 N. 144th Plaza

Description: One of eastern Nebraska’s newer you-pick-it operations, Pooley’s was a working farm for more than 80 years before morphing into an agritourism destination in 2004. A family-run attraction, Pooley’s still raises cattle, pigs, ducks, horses, chickens, kittens, kids—and pumpkins. Pooley’s aims to give its visitors the you-pick-it experience juxtaposed with an inside glimpse into life on a working Nebraska farm. A hayrack ride takes visitors to the pumpkin fields and pumpkins run 35 cents a pound. Pooley’s has a host of other activities, including face painting, a try at shooting the “corn cannon,” pony rides, a pedal track, and a petting zoo that always includes pigs. The chicken coop is probably the most popular spot on the farm, and baby chicks, roosters, and mother hens let kids learn about the different types of chickens and their important role on a farm. On weekends, Pooley’s plays host to both a magician and a storyteller.With a reservation, Pooley’s will build a campfire that groups can enjoy for a four-hour slot, from noon to 4 p.m. or 5 to 9 p.m. Most popular in autumn evenings, groups can not only enjoy the scenery but enjoy some gooey s’mores and hot cocoa. Seating allows for groups of up to 40, and Pooley’s is happy to cater meals and provide drinks and the fixings for the aforementioned s’mores. The pumpkin patch has a no-alcohol policy.