What Makes Farmstays Unique Travel Experiences?
As Minnesotans shake off the chill of winter and welcome the warmth and freshness of spring, many of us feel that familiar itch to get out into the great outdoors. Travel plans begin to hatch, with daydreams of beach days, cabins, and cookouts. In the land of 10,000 lakes, whose mind doesn’t wander to boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking along the miles of shoreline?
But Minnesota is more than its lakes. About half the state is made up of agricultural land—that’s over 25 million acres!—tended by skilled and hardworking farmers. Farming is not just a job – it’s a lifestyle rooted in innovation, resilience, and a deep love for the land and the communities it sustains. Lucky for travelers, many Minnesota farmers open their doors to share this lifestyle through farmstays. Farmstays offer a unique chance to experience agriculture firsthand, connect with the land, and gain a deeper understanding of where and how your food is grown.
Ready to plan your adventure? We’ve surveyed Minnesota farmstays to highlight five unique types of experiences, some of the farmers behind them, and the planning tips you need to book the perfect farmstay for your travel style.
What is a Farmstay?
A farmstay is a type of agritourism, blending agriculture with tourism. Gaining in popularity across the US, including Minnesota, farmstays offer unique experiences to spend the night in hosted lodging on working farms. Some are highly interactive offering travelers the opportunity to help with chores or other farm tasks while others provide more retreat-style escapes, offering respite from urban bustle in peaceful rural settings. All promise a one-of-a-kind getaway.
The Distinct Charm of a Rural Retreat
Farmstays build a bridge between urban and rural communities and support the success of small, family-owned farms. By spending time on a farm, you'll see firsthand where your food comes from and everything it takes to bring it to your table. Even better, you’ll get to meet the dedicated people who make it all possible.
Farmstays come in all shapes and sizes for all types of travelers. Accommodations span from rustic sans running water to pampered with modern amenities. Likewise, on-farm participation can range from hands in the dirt picking vegetables to hands holding a book while surrounded by pastures dotted with livestock.
Whether you are looking to (re)connect with your agricultural heritage, escape the concrete jungle, or are simply curious to see farming in action, there is a farmstay perfect for you. Read on for what you need to know while planning your trip!
From Cozy Cabins to Working Farms: 5 Unique Types of Minnesota Farmstays
The Categories
To help you find the right Minnesota Grown farmstay for you, we broke them down into five categories that take into account:
- the level of involvement in farm chores or activities (Farmhand, Agri-Admirer, Rural Retreater), and
- how rustic or posh the accommodations are (Rustic, Cozy).
No matter your travel style, Minnesota farmers have options to suit you!
Rustic Farmhand
If you are feeling adventurous and want to try your hand helping with farm tasks while staying in rustic accommodations, this is the farmstay style for you. You’ll get hands-on farm fun with a no-frills, often off-the-grid, place to lay your head at night.
Egg-celent Example: At Locally Laid Egg Co. & Farm Lola’s AirB-n-Bawk! near Wrenshall, MN, you can sign up to help with farm chores like gathering eggs and putting the birds to bed at night. You can even bunk with the ladies if you’d like! AirB-n-Bawk offers a Coop Bunkhouse where you can “sleep in sight of the chickens...1/3 of the structure is for the chickens, the other 2/3 is for you - separated by glass."
Cozy Farmhand
Get your hands dirty on the farm by day, hot showers and all the comforts of home by night—that’s what you can expect at this type of farmstay. Jump in on opportunities to work side by side with your hosts, getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the farm. Then clean up and rest up in comfort.
Field-tested Stays: Expect to feel snug as a bug in the private house at Schmidt Farm in the beautiful Driftless region of Southeast MN, the timber-framed barn at Medicine Creek Farm's sustainable livestock operation near Finlayson, or the communal style accommodations amidst the apple trees at Amador Hill Farm and Orchard outside North Branch. All three offer hands-on experiences like helping move cattle to fresh pasture, learning about fiber production and processing, or tending to fruit and vegetable plots.
Rustic Agri-Admirer
This low-tech option is perfect for those looking to unplug and immerse themselves in the rhythms of the farm with less “hands in the dirt” engagement. Daytime activities like classes or guided tours will offer a taste of farm life with a more relaxed style. Rustic accommodations may include pitching a tent or camper on the farm’s expansive grounds or bunking in modest cabins, ideal for those craving a digital detox. Leave your devices at home and be prepared to charge your inner battery when you choose this type of farmstay.
Farm Fresh Picks – Consider a rustic retreat at Frog Tree Farm — a multigenerational Black-owned farm outside Wadena focused on racial justice, social justice and sustainability — or Gardner Family Farm — a pasture-based farm outside Spring Grove. Both offer stunning settings amidst forests and alongside rivers, as well as the chance to learn about the farm through tours or workshops.
Cozy Agri-Admirer
Fully-equipped living quarters for the farm-curious traveler, Cozy Agri-Admirer stays offer a refreshing balance of relaxation and education. By day, you’ll get a chance to learn about the essential elements that keep a farm running from an arms-length through classes or guided tours. When the sun goes down, you’ll enjoy recharging in a snug sanctuary with everything you need to unwind.
Pastoral Pick - Feathered Acres Learning Farm + Inn near Belgrade is a prime example of Cozy Agri-Admirer experience. Discover “the charm of a real Minnesota pig farm while staying in our beautifully restored milking barn. Whether you’re looking to relax and soak in the serene nature views or dive into hands-on learning about regenerative farming, our farm stay offers the perfect balance of peace and discovery.”
Cozy Rural Retreater
This farmstay type is perfect for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and soak in the tranquility of the farm setting without any cares or obligations. Lounge with loved ones in your peaceful hideaway, meander the picturesque grounds, or revel in silent solitude. This option offers relaxation of your choice in a serene, rural setting without the hotel vibe. And if you feel like venturing out, let the farm can be your basecamp as you enjoy the local culture and sights of the surrounding area.
Getaway Gems - Imagine reading a book next to a fire pit on your private patio overlooking pollinator fields at Early Frost Farms near Embarass, or watching the sun set during a stroll on the Iverson Tree Farm in the Minnesota River Valley.
How to Plan Your Perfect Farmstay
Considerations When Planning
Planning any vacation takes preparation, and a farmstay is no exception. Understanding your options is key, but there are other things to consider to be sure you pick the right experience for you and your travel companions. Doing your research will ensure you get your desired outcome and enjoy your time. Here are some things to think through when planning:
- Level of involvement—how hands-on (or off) do you want to be?
- Accommodation requirements—do you need wi-fi and running water or are you looking for a simple place to unplug? Are you ok with a shared community space or do you prefer silence and solitude?
- Time of the year—the most active months are in summer and fall, but winter options are available too.
- Size and makeup of your travel party—some farmstays cater to kids or families. Some have room for large groups. Others may be perfect for a solo adventure.
Tips & Tricks for Your Stay
Once your trip has been booked, there are some other things to bear in mind and to-do’s that are unique to a farmstay. Here are some tips and tricks before you depart and during your stay:
- Make a packing list—much of this is dependent on your accommodations and your activity participation, but some could be specific to the farm. Some farmstays may require things you wouldn’t bring on other vacations like hiking boots or work gloves. When in doubt, ask the experts—your hosts!
- Get to know the farmers—your hosts are happy to answer questions and share stories. This is one key thing that differentiates a farmstay from a resort.
- Respect the farm rules and regulations—remember, you are on a working farm and safety is a must – for you, your hosts, and the farm’s animal and plant residents.
- Have an open mind—embrace the farm lifestyle and take advantage of opportunities offered. You won’t regret it!
Your Unforgettable Farm Getaway Awaits
Minnesota has a lot to offer when it comes to travel and leisure. Beyond the thousands of lakes that it is best known for, the landscape is made up of millions of acres of agricultural land with working farms in every corner. Farmers across the state take great pride in their life’s work and many are eager to share their knowledge with visitors. A farmstay is an excellent way to connect with and support the hard-working people who supply us with the food and farm products we consume every day. You’ll gain an appreciation for the land and its stewards, while making memories you won’t get anywhere else.
Farmstays can vary in several ways and understanding your options is important, especially when it comes to the level of interaction with farm activities and accommodation features. When making your selection, it’s essential to do your research, think about the experience you are looking for, and understand your priorities. Once there, be open to new activities and embrace the farm lifestyle. Explore the farm’s offerings and deepen your appreciation for the work, the land, and the local community that sustains it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and engage with your hosts—they are happy you are there and will appreciate your willingness to learn!
Find your perfect desitnation using the Farmstay page of the Minnesota Grown Directory!
