Agritourism (short for agricultural tourism) is a form of travel that connects visitors with working farms, ranches, and rural businesses for education, recreation, and hands-on experiences.
Wisconsin is more than America’s Dairyland—it’s a year-round agritourism destination filled with family farms, orchards, wineries, markets, and hands-on experiences. Across the state, members of the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association (WATA) offer visitors meaningful ways to explore agriculture, connect with farmers, and enjoy local food in every season.
From baby animals in spring to corn mazes in fall and cozy winery tastings in winter, WATA members create immersive experiences that invite travelers behind the scenes of modern farming. These seasonal activities don’t just entertain—they educate, inspire, and strengthen the connection between rural communities and the people who visit them.
Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, a school field trip, or a weekend road trip, Wisconsin agritourism offers something memorable all year long.
Winter: Indoor Exploration, Wineries, and Farm-Fresh Flavors
Winter may be quiet in the fields, but it’s an active and inviting season for Wisconsin agritourism. While crops rest under snow, WATA member farms, wineries, and rural destinations shift their focus indoors, offering cozy experiences centered on food, learning, and relaxation.
Throughout the winter months, visitors can enjoy wine tastings, cheese and cheese curd pairings, and seasonal menus at local wineries and farm venues. Many host winter-themed dinners, Valentine’s events, culinary workshops, and farm-to-table meals that highlight Wisconsin-grown ingredients such as dairy, honey, grains, and specialty meats.
Educational attractions remain popular during colder months, including the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center and the Food + Farm Exploration Center. These centers provide interactive exhibits where visitors can learn about dairy farming, crop science, sustainability, and food production. Families, school groups, and winter travelers appreciate these warm, engaging spaces that bring agriculture to life.
Winter is also the prime planning season. Many visitors use this time to book farm stays, weddings, summer camps, and rural retreats.
Spring: Baby Animals, Maple Syrup, and New Growth
Spring is one of the most anticipated seasons for agritourism in Wisconsin, and WATA members welcome visitors with experiences centered on renewal, growth, and new life.
Baby animal events are a major draw, allowing guests to meet calves, lambs, kids, piglets, chicks, and ducklings. These events offer more than photo opportunities—they provide insight into animal care, nutrition, and modern livestock management. Many farms pair baby animal days with Easter celebrations, spring festivals, and hands-on activities for children.
Maple syrup season is another spring highlight. Sugar shacks open their doors for tours, sap boiling demonstrations, pancake breakfasts, and maple festivals. Visitors can watch syrup being made, sample fresh maple products, and learn about Wisconsin’s long-standing sugaring traditions.
Tulip farms and flower fields burst into color during spring, creating stunning backdrops for photos, spring break trips, and weekend outings. These destinations attract families, couples, and photographers looking for seasonal beauty in rural settings.
Farmers markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs also launch in spring, connecting travelers with fresh produce, eggs, baked goods, and local specialties. For many visitors, joining a CSA or shopping at a farm market becomes an ongoing relationship with local farms.
Spring is also a key planning season. Many WATA members book weddings, private events, summer camps, and farm stays during this time, making it ideal for scouting venues and meeting farmers before the busy summer season begins.
Summer: U-Pick Fields, Markets, and Outdoor Farm Fun
Summer is peak agritourism season in Wisconsin, offering the widest range of outdoor experiences. With long days, warm weather, and abundant harvests, WATA members bring farms to life with activities for all ages.
U-pick farms thrive during summer, inviting guests to harvest strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, flowers, and lavender. These hands-on experiences combine fresh food, scenic views, and family-friendly fun. Visitors enjoy learning when crops are ripe, how they’re grown, and how to select the best produce.
Farmers markets are in full swing, showcasing Wisconsin-grown fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and artisan products. Many markets also feature live music, food trucks, and children’s activities, turning shopping into a social experience.
Summer evenings often belong to farms and vineyards hosting pizza-on-the-farm nights, outdoor concerts, wine and beer gardens, and farm dinners. These events highlight local ingredients while providing unforgettable rural settings for dining and entertainment.
Farm camps and agricultural education programs give children hands-on exposure to gardening, animal care, and sustainability. Meanwhile, farm stays, camping experiences, and countryside retreats allow visitors to unplug, stargaze, and experience rural life firsthand.
Bonfire nights, hayrides, and special events add to the summer atmosphere, making farms gathering places for communities and travelers alike.
Fall: Harvest Festivals, Corn Mazes, and Apple Orchards
Fall is Wisconsin’s signature agritourism season, and WATA members lead the way with classic harvest experiences that attract visitors from across the Midwest.
Corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals dominate the landscape. These destinations feature hayrides, petting zoos, jumping pillows, corn pits, cider donuts, caramel apples, and farm games. They are especially popular for family outings, school field trips, and weekend adventures.
Apple orchards welcome guests for U-pick apples, fresh cider, and bakery treats, while vineyards host harvest tastings and seasonal celebrations. Many farms also showcase sunflower fields and late-season flowers for autumn photography.
Fall festivals often include craft vendors, food trucks, live music, and themed weekends, creating festival-style atmospheres. Haunted barns, flashlight mazes, and nighttime events provide added excitement for teens and adults.
For many farms, fall revenue supports operations throughout the year. By visiting during this season, travelers play a vital role in helping farms remain financially sustainable.
Late Fall & Winter: Holiday Farms and Seasonal Getaways
As fall fades into winter, WATA members transition into holiday mode, offering festive experiences rooted in tradition and community.
Christmas tree farms invite families to cut their own trees, enjoy hot cocoa, and browse farm stores filled with ornaments, wreaths, and local gifts. Many host Santa visits, craft workshops, and holiday markets.
Wineries and farm venues continue hosting winter tastings, candlelight dinners, and seasonal pairings featuring Wisconsin cheese, chocolates, and baked goods. Sleigh rides, light displays, and winter festivals create magical rural escapes.
Farm stays and winter retreats provide peaceful alternatives to crowded tourist areas, offering quiet landscapes, cozy cabins, and countryside charm.
Why WATA Member Experiences Matter
The Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association supports farms and rural businesses that open their doors to the public. Through education, marketing, and advocacy, WATA helps ensure that visitors can safely and responsibly enjoy authentic farm experiences.
When travelers visit WATA members, they:
- Support family farms and rural communities
- Learn where their food comes from
- Preserve Wisconsin’s agricultural heritage
- Strengthen local economies
- Encourage sustainable farming practices
These seasonal activities are not just entertainment. They are essential to keeping farms viable and connected to the public.
Plan Your Wisconsin Agritourism Adventure
No matter the season, WATA members offer unforgettable farm-based experiences:
- Winter: Wineries, cheese pairings, indoor learning, holiday farms
- Spring: Baby animals, maple syrup, tulips, CSA sign-ups
- Summer: U-pick fields, markets, music, farm stays
- Fall: Corn mazes, pumpkins, apples, harvest festivals
By choosing to visit WATA members, travelers become part of Wisconsin’s agricultural story—supporting farmers, learning new skills, and creating meaningful memories along the way.
From hands-on harvesting to cozy tastings, from family adventures to romantic escapes, Wisconsin agritourism connects visitors to the land, the food, and the people who make it possible.
Start planning your next seasonal adventure today and discover how Wisconsin’s farms bring agriculture to life all year long.





























