Agritourism combines agriculture and tourism, creating unique opportunities for farms to engage with the public, increase revenue, and build lasting connections with visitors.
Here are ten popular agritourism activities that can attract more visitors to your farm, keep them entertained, and create a memorable experience that they’ll want to share.
1. Pick-Your-Own Produce
Why It Works: This activity is engaging and hands-on, giving visitors the chance to harvest their own food. It's popular because it combines leisure with the satisfaction of gathering fresh produce.
Example: Lyman Orchards in Connecticut offers seasonal apple, pumpkin, and strawberry picking. They attract families who enjoy the experience of picking their own fruits.
How to Implement: Set aside a field or section for pick-your-own. Plant high-demand items like berries, apples, or pumpkins, and provide baskets or bags for visitors to use. This can be a low-cost addition if you use existing crops or seasonal produce.
2. Farm Tours
Why It Works: Farm tours provide educational value and a unique behind-the-scenes view of farm operations.
Example: At Polyface Farm in Virginia, visitors can tour the farm and learn about sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices.
How to Implement: Offer guided tours where you explain farming methods, the life cycle of crops, or animal care practices. If budget is a concern, create self-guided tours with signs that highlight interesting points around the farm.
3. Animal Interactions
Why It Works: Visitors, especially families with kids, enjoy interacting with animals, making it a memorable part of the farm experience.
Example: Springdale Farm in New Jersey offers a petting zoo where visitors can interact with animals like goats and sheep.
How to Implement: Set up a small petting zoo with animals like goats, sheep, or chickens. You can have feeding stations where visitors can purchase small amounts of feed to give to the animals. Ensure you have proper fencing and safety measures.
4. Workshops and Classes
Why It Works: These hands-on activities allow visitors to learn a new skill and feel more connected to the farming process.
Example: Red Bee Apiary in Connecticut hosts beekeeping workshops where visitors can learn about honey production and see bees up close.
How to Implement: Offer classes that relate to your farm’s specialties, like jam-making, flower arranging, or composting. Use existing facilities or outdoor spaces for workshops, and provide basic materials for participants to create something they can take home.
5. Corn Mazes and Hayrides
Why It Works: These activities are great for family fun, especially during fall festivals, creating excitement and drawing crowds.
Example: Richardson Adventure Farm in Illinois claims to have the world’s largest corn maze, with unique designs and themed pathways.
How to Implement: If you have a cornfield, you can create a simple maze with mowed pathways. Hayrides are relatively low-cost if you already own a tractor and trailer. Just add hay bales or seating for a fun, scenic ride around the farm.
6. Seasonal Festivals and Events
Why It Works: Festivals celebrate the changing seasons and give people a reason to visit regularly.
Example: Southern Hill Farms in Florida hosts a seasonal blueberry festival, complete with food, music, and pick-your-own options.
How to Implement: Create themed events that match each season, like a harvest festival in the fall or a spring planting celebration. Add small touches like pumpkin carving stations in October or wreath-making workshops during the holidays to keep costs low.
7. Farm-to-Table Dinners and Food Tastings
Why It Works: Many people are interested in fresh, local foods and enjoy the unique experience of dining right on the farm.
Example: Outstanding in the Field is a traveling farm dinner series that partners with local farms across the country to offer farm-to-table dining experiences.
How to Implement: Set up a simple outdoor dining area with picnic tables or rented seating. Partner with local chefs or prepare meals that highlight your farm’s produce. Smaller-scale tastings like honey, jam, or cider can also be a hit and require less setup.
8. Nature Trails and Scenic Walks
Why It Works: Nature trails allow visitors to connect with the natural environment, adding value to the agritourism experience.
Example: Finca Bellavista in Costa Rica has trails through their sustainable farm, showcasing the region’s unique flora and fauna.
How to Implement: Mow paths through your fields or woods, add signs identifying plants and animals, and create scenic spots for rest and photos. You can even incorporate meditation or relaxation areas along the way for added appeal.
9. Farm Stays and Glamping
Why It Works: An overnight stay adds depth to the visitor experience and appeals to those looking for a rural escape.
Example: Feather Down Farms offers farm stays in comfortable, tented accommodations on various farms across Europe.
How to Implement: If you have unused space, convert a barn loft or set up a few rustic tents. Basic accommodations like cots, lanterns, and blankets create a camping experience. If a full farm stay is too large an investment, try offering seasonal weekend-only stays or partnership deals with local lodges.
10. Interactive Farm Markets
Why It Works: A farm market allows visitors to bring home fresh produce and handmade goods, extending the farm experience beyond their visit.
Example: Wilson Farm in Massachusetts has a year-round market featuring their own produce, flowers, and locally made products.
How to Implement: Set up a small farm stand near the entrance or exit with fresh produce, jams, honey, and other goods. You could also add a DIY bouquet station, where visitors can arrange their own flowers. This adds interaction and makes the market a destination in itself.
Additional Tips for Success in Agritourism
Social Media Appeal: Adding photo spots and encouraging visitors to share their experiences online can provide free marketing for your farm.
Low-Cost Enhancements: Simple touches like signs with fun hashtags, designated picnic areas, or themed decor can elevate the visitor experience without a large budget.
Rotating Activities: Keep interest high by rotating activities or adding new ones for each season, giving visitors a reason to return multiple times a year.
Conclusion: Top 10 Agritourism Activities to Attract More Visitors
These agritourism activities are designed to create engaging, memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back year after year.
By using existing resources, adding small improvements, and catering to different interests, you can create a thriving agritourism business that helps people connect with nature and agriculture.