Although the Golden State likes to claim that “happy cows come from California,” any Midwesterner—especially those from America’s Dairyland—might beg to differ. If there’s one thing this region is known for, it’s agriculture. From sprawling cornfields and working dairy farms to family-owned businesses and Amish-grown goods, the Midwest is defined by centuries of agricultural history and tradition.
What makes the Midwest so ideal for farming? The region boasts deep, nutrient-rich soil formed by glaciers; flat, expansive terrain; and it gets just the right amount of rain for allowing plants like corn or soybeans to thrive. Crops take up about 127 million acres of land in the Midwest, with farms occupying about 50% of the land in Minnesota, 40% in Wisconsin, 84% in Iowa, 74% in Illinois, 63% in Indiana, 52% in Ohio, and 26% in Michigan, according to Visual Capitalist data. According to AgAmerica, the region contributes more than $152 billion to the nation’s agricultural output each year.
It’s nearly impossible to drive outside a Midwestern city without passing a farm. And some of these sprawling properties are open to the public, featuring behind-the-scenes tours, farm-to-table dining, U-pick experiences, animal encounters, and other fun activities for visitors of all ages. This is the world of agritourism.
LIFE ON THE FARM
For a truly authentic agritourism experience, bring your group to a working farm and learn directly from the experts who feed us.
In the small community of Deerfield—just outside Madison, Wisconsin—Schuster’s Farm is open to visitors between May and October. During the summer, guests can interact with baby animals, enjoy a U-pick flower experience, and listen to live music on Fridays and Saturdays. During the fall, Schuster’s is all about Halloween, featuring a massive corn maze, a haunted forest, pumpkin picking, child-friendly activities, animal feeding, seasonal bites, and so much more. The property can accommodate large groups and even allows groups to rent out private bonfire spaces at night.
In Farmington, Minnesota, your tourgoers can opt for a more unique experience at the Lavender Barnyard. Once a historic cattle farm, the property now specializes in all things lavender. Visitors can pick their own lavender, peruse the farm store, and even try lavender-based drinks.
Marie Schuhwerck, owner and founder of the Lavender Barnyard, says the lavender farm has been in business for seven years. “We are unique because we are the only open-to-the-public lavender farm in Minnesota,” she says. “Although we are not the biggest lavender farm out there, our 125-year-old former dairy farm makes us a little extra special.”
According to Schuhwerck, the farm specializes in hosting groups of 50 or less, but more can be accommodated. Groups can participate in a farm tour or collect their own lavender as it blooms in June and July. The property also is available for private events.
Schuhwerck says agritourism attractions like the Lavender Barnyard offer travelers an authentic sense of place and a meaningful connection to local agriculture. These experiences provide guests with a refreshing break from traditional attractions while also appealing to groups looking for something memorable, relaxing, and rooted in the local area.
“We work closely with tour planners to make group visits easy and enjoyable,” Schuhwerck adds. “We’re a great fit for itineraries focused on gardens, seasonal travel, relaxed countryside experiences, ladies’ outings, and, of course, lavender lovers.”
For a face-to-face encounter with alpacas, consider a visit to Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch in Makanda, Illinois. Here, groups can opt for a guided or self-guided tour of the ranch, meet more than 20 of the furry residents, and buy one-of-a-kind goods from the ranch store. Groups can even pack a picnic and enjoy a meal right on the property.
In Ohio’s Amish Country, several farms await your group. The Farm at Walnut Creek in Sugarcreek spotlights old-fashioned farming with a tour of the working farm and animal park. At Hershberger’s Farm and Bakery in Millersburg, guests can savor delicious homemade baked goods, pet the animals, and even enjoy a buggy ride. Also in Millersburg is Yoder’s Amish Home and Farm, which allows visitors to tour two Amish homes and a barn.
Also known for its Amish farming culture is Indiana. A hub of agricultural activity for the Amish is the Shipshewana Flea Market and Auction, where groups can shop and observe live animal auctions.
Credit: Hansen’s Dairy
FACTORY TOURS
Back in America’s Dairyland, your tourgoers won’t want to miss out on a quintessential Wisconsin experience: touring a dairy farm. (We challenge you to find a single Wisconsin kid who didn’t have a field trip to one at some point.) In Cambridge, Hinchley’s Dairy Farm is a family-owned, working farm that is home to more than 400 registered dairy cattle. Approximately 240 cows are milked at the farm each day utilizing the latest in milking technology.
Groups visiting Hinchley’s can tour the facility, meet the animals, and even try their hand at milking a cow. Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more, and tour hours can be adjusted for groups that require special accommodations.
Interested in learning about where that milk might go next? If you’re still in Wisconsin, here’s one word for you: cheese. For a behind-the-scenes look at old-fashioned cheesemaking, look no further than Cedar Grove Cheese in the town of Plain. Here, groups can shop, sample, and tour the factory. Tours focus on the art and history of cheesemaking while simultaneously emphasizing the importance of supporting small, local businesses.
In Hudson, Iowa, groups can get up close and personal not only with dairy cattle but also with kangaroos. Hansen’s Dairy, a Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area site, offers a two-hour tour experience that includes a trolley ride to the farm and a guided walking tour of the facilities. While there between April and October, your tourgoers can bottle-feed a calf, milk a cow, pet a kangaroo, make their own butter, or sample the house-made products.
AG FESTIVALS
For the cherry lovers of your group, Michigan is the state to visit. Traverse City, specifically, is considered the Cherry Capital of the World. This is where your group can participate in the National Cherry Festival. This year’s celebration, scheduled to take place July 4-11, marks the festival’s 100th edition.
Festival attendees can enjoy live musical performances, an air show, parades, a pet show, and, naturally, all the cherries they can stomach. The week-long event is a celebration of the region and the growers who make life just a little bit sweeter, and most of the events are free. An estimated 500,000 people attend each year, and groups are encouraged to contact the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau for more information on group-specific packages.
Hutchinson, Minnesota, is home to the annual Minnesota Garlic Festival. This year’s celebration is slated for Aug. 15 at the McLeod County Fairgrounds. The festival will feature chef demonstrations, live entertainment, a garlic-growing contest, and plenty of concessions and vendors in a celebration of all things garlic.
In the Midwest, agriculture isn’t just an industry—it’s a way of life that shapes the region’s culture, communities, and landscapes. Agritourism offers travelers a chance to experience that heritage firsthand, whether it’s strolling through a lavender field, meeting alpacas, touring a dairy farm, or celebrating a beloved crop at a local festival. These experiences connect visitors to the people and traditions behind the food on their tables while showcasing the warmth and authenticity that define the region. For groups seeking meaningful, memorable travel, the Midwest’s farms, factories, and festivals provide a genuine taste of America’s agricultural heartland.
By Madeline Fuerstenberg
Main Image: Schuster’s Farm, Deerfield, Wisconsin; Credit: Schuster’s Farm
