Michigan Agritourism Destinations Share Agriculture’s Importance With Visitors of all Ages
In partnership with: Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
Estimates indicate Michigan agritourism destinations likely number more than 800. So, chances are there’s a U-pick farm, cider mill, farmers market or other agritainment opportunity near you.
“Over the past few decades, an increasing number of farms are realizing that by opening their doors to the public, they have new opportunities for growth, new sources of revenue on the same land and a chance for a direct connection with their customers,” says Janice Benson, Michigan Agritourism Association executive director.
In a recent survey of Michigan Agritourism members, a notable percentage indicated plans for growth.
“Consumer demand and the economic value of agritourism are driving that growth,” Benson says.
She adds public interest in visiting local farms continues to trend.
“People are curious about food and want to see where it’s grown,” she says. “They want to experience the flavors of a particular region or season.”
Each farm has a story to tell, she adds, and the most successful agritourism destinations capture their unique stories in a way no one else can replicate.
Zoo Adventure
You don’t usually find apple cannons on a farm, but then, everything at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo is, well, an adventure.
Agritourism is a big business at the fifth-generation family farm in New Era. Fall Festival Weekends feature live music, lumberjack competitions, U-pick apples and the famous apple cannons.
Other offerings include sunflower festivals, a corn maze and attractions such as a carousel, pedal karts, a barrel train and wooden tractor play area, and an extensive petting zoo.
“A huge number of our school tours include young people who have never seen a llama or goat,” says Rob Recknagel, marketing director. “These tours exemplify our mission, which is to introduce young and old to farm processes firsthand.”
The farm market was built by Scott Lewis’ grandparents and parents and is now owned by Scott and his wife, Cindy. Visitors today can see apricots, plums, peaches, asparagus, sweet cherries, tart cherries, pears or 25 varieties of apples growing. Wholesale produce is sold locally and nationally.
“It’s a massive working farm that’s truly operated by the family,” says Recknagel, noting every member of the leadership team is a Lewis except for him. “It’s crucial for society to understand farming is a way of life and the lifeblood of our existence.”
See more: Innovative Michigan Businesses Use Plant-Based Products in Unexpected Ways
Woofs and Hoofs
Amy Wilson-Stronks wanted a barn and arena so she could ride her horse, Misty, year round. But Misty needed a companion, so Amy and her husband, Bill, got another horse. Soon they added other animals.
Longtime Chicago friends visiting their little slice of heaven near Sodus encouraged Amy and Bill to open a camp for kids. Instead, they tried operating a farm stay.
“That first year, everyone had a great time, including us,” Amy recalls. So, Woofs and Hoofs Ranch at Anniversary Acres was born.
Book either a day visit or an overnight accommodation, and you’ll be encouraged to participate in daily chores like collecting eggs, feeding the animals and mucking stalls. Their menagerie now includes goats, chickens, ducks and emus, as well as horses. At the end of the day, relax at the fan favorite Goat Happy Hour.
“Guests join us on our patio for drinks and snacks, and we let the goats out of their pen,” Amy explains.
Breakfast for overnight guests features farm eggs and produce from their garden or local farmers markets.
“We try to make use of what we have here in southwest Michigan and connect our guests to the agricultural resources around us. People come to us to relax, revive and get a sense of communing with nature,” Amy says. “People tell us they find something special here.”
See more: Commitment to Michigan Fruit Remains at the Heart of Century-Old St. Julian Winery & Distillery