Over the past weeks, I have the privilege of traveling across Wisconsin to share the story of agriculture with people from all walks of life. One of my favorite parts of this role is exploring the many diverse opportunities for agricultural tourism — the unique experiences that connect visitors directly with the people, animals, and landscapes that make our state America’s Dairyland. This experience is an invitation to visit our Wisconsin farms and learn more about how our food is grown or raised. From farm stays and pizza farms to lavender fields, cheese plants, and corn mazes, the range of agricultural tourism activities across the state reflects both tradition and innovation.
One of the most immersive forms of agricultural tourism is the farm stay, which is steadily growing in popularity. Families and travelers can spend the night on a working farm, waking up to the crow of roosters, gathering garden produce, or even helping with morning chores. These experiences blend rural hospitality with education, allowing guests to appreciate the daily rhythm of farm life and get hands-on experience with producing food. For children, farm camps are a favorite. Across Wisconsin, farms host summer programs where young campers learn to milk cows, care for goats, plant vegetables, and understand the basics of sustainability. These camps foster not only fun and friendship but also a deeper awareness of where food comes from.
Farm-to-table dinners are another way you can experience a Wisconsin farm. Often set under twinkling lights in barns, orchards, or open fields, these events feature multi-course meals prepared by local chefs using ingredients grown locally. Guests enjoy not only outstanding food but also the story behind how each ingredient was planted, harvested, and prepared. At many farm-to-table events, visitors can tour the farm, hear directly from the family that owns it, and witness the cultivation of that product. These experiences underscore the relationship between farmer, chef, and consumer, while celebrating Wisconsin’s rich agricultural bounty. They have become popular with food enthusiasts and travelers seeking unique, locally grounded culinary adventures.
Of course, no exploration of Wisconsin agricultural tourism would be complete without high-quality, delicious cheese. Our state produces approximately 25% of all cheese in the U.S., and several cheese plants are open to visitors eager to learn about the process. At some creameries and cheese factories, guests can watch milk transform into curds and wheels, sample freshly made products, and even take part in cheese-making workshops. Wisconsin’s dairy tours remind visitors that behind every slice of cheddar or gouda is not just a product but a proud tradition of craftsmanship that our 1,200 licensed cheesemakers have carefully perfected. Cheese plants are also cultural touchstones, preserving and celebrating the state’s long-time heritage as America’s Dairyland.
Not all agricultural tourism is centered on food. In recent years, lavender farms and flower fields have become increasingly popular spring and summer time destinations. Visitors stroll through fragrant rows of lavender or vibrant fields of sunflowers, zinnias, and tulips, often cutting their own bouquets to take home. These farms provide breathtaking photo opportunities and a chance to experience agriculture through color, fragrance, and beauty. Many lavender and flower farms also sell handcrafted soaps, oils, and culinary products, showcasing how diversification helps family farms thrive.
Each season in Wisconsin brings its own agricultural adventures. In the spring, you can head to sugar bushes to learn how maple syrup is made. Summer brings berry picking and the chance for outdoor farm recreation, while autumn transforms orchards and pumpkin patches into your community gathering places. Wisconsin is also home to over 100 wineries and vineyards, many of which welcome visitors for tours and tastings. In many places, agricultural tourism is woven into the local culture, where orchards of apples, peaches, plums, and other fruits attract travelers year after year.
The diversity of agricultural tourism in Wisconsin does more than entertain. It sustains and strengthens rural communities. According to the USDA Census of Agriculture, participating farms in Wisconsin earn supplemental income from agricultural tourism, contributing over $35 million annually to the state’s economy. By offering a wide range of activities, farms can create a little fun for everyone and make your visit unforgettable! Culturally, agricultural tourism strengthens the bond between rural and urban communities. It provides opportunities for conversations about sustainability, innovation, and the values that Wisconsin farmers bring to their work. Each agricultural tourism visit builds a bridge of understanding between consumers and producers that goes beyond the farm gate.
Agricultural tourism in Wisconsin is as diverse as the landscapes and communities that make up the state. It includes the immersive charm of farm stays, the creativity of pizza farms, the beauty of lavender fields, and the pride of cheese plants. It welcomes visitors to experience the seasons through orchards, pumpkin patches, maple syrup tours, Christmas-tree festivities, and farm-to-table events. At its heart, Wisconsin’s agricultural tourism is about connection to the land, to food, and to the people who dedicate their lives to agriculture. By exploring the diversity of these experiences, visitors not only enjoy unforgettable adventures but also help sustain the farms that keep Wisconsin rooted in its agricultural heritage.
— Sarah Hagenow is the 78th Alice in Dairyland, Wisconsin’s agriculture ambassador who works with media professionals to educate consumers about the importance of agriculture to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life. She can be reached at sarah.hagenow@wisconsin.gov.
