Despite the growing trend of corn mazes and petting zoos in Northwest Ohio, Country Lane Tree Farm has a unique history and operation. The Bowlander family immigrated from Germany to Northwest Ohio in the 1860s. Over 150 years later, John Bowlander Sr. and his wife, Melissa, are still running the farm in Genoa.
Country Lane Tree Farm has been open to the public for 29 years and has become an educational and family experience. Some of the features of the farm include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, barrel train rides, pony rides, corn cannon shoot and animals that can be seen on the animal tour. Families will have an interactive experience as guests are allowed to hold bunnies, baby ducks and chicks. Receive a kiss from the kissing llamas or feel the warm muzzle of fallow deer eating from your hands. Children can even milk a real cow. There is a wide variety of rare animals such as Red the red-headed Pheasant and Panda the mini cow. Over 200 animals live on the farm. “Our animals are happy because they are in their natural environment on a farm,” Melissa shares. “We don’t make them travel around or sell them. This is their home and they’re a part of our family.”
Yukon the pony smiles while on break from giving pony rides.
Panic In the Pines
If your teenagers are less interested in animals and pumpkins, they can still have fun during night activities. While Country Lane Tree Farm is best known for their family day trips, birthday parties and camps, they’ve also added Panic in the Pines as a Halloween attraction. Panic in the Pines started eight years ago and now has over 60 live actors who bring the thrills to life. This spooky, spectacular attraction has three options: Haunted Pine Woods, Forest of Pines and Haunted Trail.
“It all takes us about three months to set up and take down,” says Melissa. “It even has a 39-foot pirate ship.” Tickets can be purchased online, but please note that parental discretion is advised for this creepy option.
Owner Farmer John serves as conductor for the barrel train ride.
Keeping it cost effective
The all-inclusive tickets are $12 per child (ages two and under are free) and $5 for adults. “We try to be economical regarding the cost because we want people to be able to enjoy everything. There’s no extra charge for things like hayrides or feeding the animals.” Melissa explains.
As a way to show their appreciation for our servicemen and women, active military receive free admission with spouses, and their kids receive half off their tickets. Veterans also receive a discount. Pumpkins from the pumpkin patch are 50 cents per pound.
Panda is one of several mini cows on the farm.
Anyone with a sweet tooth will be happy to know that a candy shooter launches candy over the barn roof every 30 minutes! Families are welcome to purchase homemade donuts and other treats from the snack shop, or they can bring their own lunch to enjoy on-site.
Hours of operation for Fall Family Fun Weekends are Saturdays and Sundays from 11am-4pm. Panic in the Pines is open Saturdays from 8-10pm. Business Hours Monday-Friday are reserved for field trips and large groups.
The farm is located at 3525 N Bolander Rd Genoa, OH 43430. For hours of more information check online at countrytreelanefarm.com. You can check out more fall activities here!
