When two of Wisconsin's largest industries, agriculture and tourism, come together, it's called agtourism (or agritourism). And as you can imagine, it's a huge deal here in America's Dairyland. When you embark on an "agventure," you'll meet bakers, brewers, cheesemakers, farmers, growers, producers and even vintners.
Read on for a few fun spots in Wisconsin for an agtourism getaway:
1. Down A Country Road - Cashton
Situated in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, you'll discover a serene spot nestled in the valley two miles east of Cashton. Besides enjoying the gorgeous countryside at the Kuderer Farm, you'll also enjoy the Village Shops, which include The Amish Shop, Emma's Kitchen, Country Corner Ice Cream Shoppe, Kinner Korner Children's Shop and more.
2. Meuer Farm - Chilton
This 150-acre farm offers a plethora of agtourism activities, which range from strawberry picking, farm produce to a corn maze and pumpkin patch. You can even dine on Meuer Farm, and then learn how the ingredients were grown in the very field they were harvested that day. Now that's "farm-to-table."
3. Sunrise Orchards - Gays Mills
Sunrise Orchards has been a family tradition for more than four generations and 75 years. This Crawford County destination encourages its visitors to follow the pathways written about by Mark Twain and take in the lovely sights, wonderful sounds and overall splendor that is the Mississippi River Valley.
4. Kelley Country Creamery - Fond du Lac
Ice-cream lovers: This one's for you. The Kelley clan has been churning homemade ice cream for generations using farm-fresh, non-homogenized milk from their cows. All you need to do is take one look at their menu and you, too, will be a KCC fan: Barnyard Bash, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Paradise ... don't even get me started on their ice-cream cakes, pies and sandwiches. This place is heaven-on-earth for Wisconsin dairy fans.
5. Wollersheim Winery - Sauk City
Located in Sauk County, Wollersheim Winery is a historic winery with a hillside cave built in the 1840s. Take a peek at the cave, enjoy the aromas of the upper wine garden, take a guided tour and then buy a fabulous bottle of your favorite red or white.
6. Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center - Warrens
Head to Warrens to learn all about Wisconsin's number one fruit crop. The discovery center features an interactive museum, taste test kitchen and ice-cream parlor. Consider planning your trip around the annual Warrens Cranberry Festival, a tradition for more than 40 years that boasts giant arts, crafts, antiques and a flea market near the end of September.
For an even deeper dive into Wisconsin's growing agtourism scene, don't miss our recent episode available for viewing on discoverwisconsin.com.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.
Read on for a few fun spots in Wisconsin for an agtourism getaway:
1. Down A Country Road - Cashton
Situated in the rolling hills of southwestern Wisconsin, you'll discover a serene spot nestled in the valley two miles east of Cashton. Besides enjoying the gorgeous countryside at the Kuderer Farm, you'll also enjoy the Village Shops, which include The Amish Shop, Emma's Kitchen, Country Corner Ice Cream Shoppe, Kinner Korner Children's Shop and more.
2. Meuer Farm - Chilton
This 150-acre farm offers a plethora of agtourism activities, which range from strawberry picking, farm produce to a corn maze and pumpkin patch. You can even dine on Meuer Farm, and then learn how the ingredients were grown in the very field they were harvested that day. Now that's "farm-to-table."
3. Sunrise Orchards - Gays Mills
Sunrise Orchards has been a family tradition for more than four generations and 75 years. This Crawford County destination encourages its visitors to follow the pathways written about by Mark Twain and take in the lovely sights, wonderful sounds and overall splendor that is the Mississippi River Valley.
4. Kelley Country Creamery - Fond du Lac
Ice-cream lovers: This one's for you. The Kelley clan has been churning homemade ice cream for generations using farm-fresh, non-homogenized milk from their cows. All you need to do is take one look at their menu and you, too, will be a KCC fan: Barnyard Bash, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Peanut Butter Paradise ... don't even get me started on their ice-cream cakes, pies and sandwiches. This place is heaven-on-earth for Wisconsin dairy fans.
5. Wollersheim Winery - Sauk City
Located in Sauk County, Wollersheim Winery is a historic winery with a hillside cave built in the 1840s. Take a peek at the cave, enjoy the aromas of the upper wine garden, take a guided tour and then buy a fabulous bottle of your favorite red or white.
6. Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center - Warrens
Head to Warrens to learn all about Wisconsin's number one fruit crop. The discovery center features an interactive museum, taste test kitchen and ice-cream parlor. Consider planning your trip around the annual Warrens Cranberry Festival, a tradition for more than 40 years that boasts giant arts, crafts, antiques and a flea market near the end of September.
For an even deeper dive into Wisconsin's growing agtourism scene, don't miss our recent episode available for viewing on discoverwisconsin.com.
- Mariah Haberman is the co-host of the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." Her column is published Tuesday on Life page in the Times.