Farm Fresh: Experience Agritourism in Wisconsin
Farm Tours & Experiences
James Lake Farms
Cranberries are a big deal in Wisconsin — we produce more of them than any other state in the nation. James Lake, a family-owned organic cranberry operation in Three Lakes, gives free tours of the marshes every Saturday during the October harvest season. You and your cranberry crew will learn how and why cranberry bogs are flooded for harvest, and you’ll see how the berries are cleaned and prepared for shipping.
Hinchley's Dairy Farm
Hinchley's Dairy Farm in Cambridge has been around since 1958 and offers a variety of farm tours that bring you up close to the farm animals. This adventure is perfect for families with kids. You might milk a cow during your visit, or pet and feed piglets, lambs, chicks or ducklings. For baby animals, spring is the best time to visit! Hayrides into the fields via an antique tractor may be part of the mix, too. During these rides, you'll learn about crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa.
Sabamba Alpaca Ranch
Alpacas bring joy to all ages, and the award-winning herd at Sabamba Alpaca Ranch in DePere is free to meet. Sabamba offers free guided tours twice daily, and free self-guided tours when the farm store (stocked with alpaca wool products and more) is open. You can also schedule other experiences for a fee, such as a private tour that includes walking an alpaca, or an all-day immersion into life at the ranch. Sabamba also has a small bed-and-breakfast inn on the property.
Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm
Located on Washington Island off the Door County Peninsula, Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm calls itself a magical place, and it’s easy to see why. The fields of purple flowers coupled with their calming lavender scent are nothing short of enchanting. Explore the farm’s demonstration garden (which reaches peak bloom in July and August), peruse the seasonal shop of lavender products, and enjoy gourmet lavender treats and drinks at the farm’s café and distillery for a memorable trip with friends.
Farm Stays
Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast
Rainbow Ridge is an active hobby farm in Onalaska committed to sustainable farming practices, and a stay at the farm’s B&B lets you experience it for yourself. During your stay, you’re welcome to help feed baby animals, collect chicken eggs for breakfast, tend gardens and more. Rainbow Ridge’s goats are a huge highlight — help milk them, watch them climb their “Monkey Tree,” and even take part in a goat yoga class at the farm.
The Dairy at Wegmueller Farm
For a special lodging experience you can only get in Wisconsin, book a stay at The Dairy at Wegmueller Farm. Less than five miles from Monroe and just two hours from Chicago, staying on this 4th-generation working dairy farm is more than just a place for you to lay your heads at night—it's a chance to get away from the stress of everyday life, immerse yourself in the rolling hills of Green County and learn about sustainable agriculture in Wisconsin while getting to pet cute animals—including the family pigs, Professor Paisley and Chonkey.
Spur of the Moment Ranch
Set in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, Spur of the Moment Ranch is a haven for equine adventure. The ranch’s horse experiences range from carriage rides to riding and driving lessons, and the Donkey & Me kid’s lesson is perfect for the little ones. Horse owners, bring and board your own horse to take advantage of the forests world-class trails. Stay in one of the on-site cabins or campsites to get a taste of life on the ranch.
Palmquist Farm
Palmquist Farm in Brantwood began as a Finnish family farm in 1902 and now welcomes travelers looking to enjoy their own piece of farm heaven. It’s still run by the same family generations later, and that family focus helps bring visitors back again and again. While staying in one of the property’s cabins, meet the farm animals, enjoy home-cooked meals prepared for you in the shared dining room, explore nearby hiking and biking trails, and relax in an authentic Finnish sauna. Kids will love the farm’s scavenger hunt — the Palmquists craft a new one each year.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Driftless Café
Set in the rich farmland of Wisconsin's Driftless Region, the Driftless Café in Viroqua uses the passion of local farmers and the deliciousness of their produce to serve up farm-to-table meals. The café's dinner menu changes nightly to match the freshest seasonal ingredients and the chefs’ creativity.
Twisted Willow
Twisted Willow in Port Washington serves up classic Wisconsin fare with a twist. Think mac-and-cheese crafted from sharp white cheddar and cavatappi noodles, or meatloaf made from grass-fed beef and served with beer gravy and fried leeks. Many of the ingredients come from the restaurant's own farm, namely the heirloom vegetables grown by the Twisted Willow's executive chef, and other ingredients are sourced locally.
Pizza Farms
Pizza farms serve up pizza crafted from ingredients grown right on the farm, and they’re often cooked in outdoor ovens by the farmers themselves.
Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm
Suncrest Gardens Pizza Farm in Cochrane offers pizza dinners from May to October on Fridays and Saturdays. While your pizza cooks, you can check out the farm and its animals, pick a bouquet of flowers from its pick-your-own area, or simply enjoy the live outdoor music. Gluten-free and vegan pizzas are available, too, so that everyone in your group can enjoy.
The Borner Farm Project
Organic produce is the focus at The Borner Farm Project, along with educating people about farming. The Prescott-based business hosts semi-monthly pizza nights, where you can nosh on wood-fired pizzas crafted from homemade dough and farm-grown veggies. Think heirloom tomatoes, hot and sweet peppers, broccoli, garlic, basil and more. Before you leave, check out the farm's market. Classes and workshops are available, too.
Find more agritourism offerings at these pick-your-own orchards and pizza farms!
