As the crisp autumn air settles in, farms offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with Minnesota's rich agricultural landscape. Consider D Round Barn Berries, whose Fall Festival runs through October 27 in 2024.
Mayen and David Dufner, with their three teenage sons, Davin, Charles, and Philip, are creating a place where parents and grandparents can introduce children to farm life. The idea for the farm first came when the boys were younger, and Mayen wanted them to learn where and how food is grown and develop a work ethic by helping in all aspects of the farm, which they continue to do! To begin, they wanted to grow only things they liked to eat, so they started with strawberries. In 2013, they found a farm in St Michael with a round barn, and with the D from their name, D Round Barn Berries began!
“We would like our farm to become a destination farm where people can come to experience the farm during its different seasons,” explained Mayen. Since then, in addition to strawberries, they’ve added asparagus in the spring, and most important this time of year, a Fall Festival with corn maze, pumpkin patch, jump pad, and games and fun for the whole family. Get ready for medallion hunts! The boys get to decide what the maze layout will be for each year, so you know it will be exciting. This year the theme is “Amazed by the Weather” with fun facts about the weather hidden within the maze!
“We wanted a space that would be part of a community and give back to the families within our communities,” shared Mayen. “I especially love having a space where people come to be one with nature. Working the land and seeing our customers having fun and getting the produce really makes it all worth wile. Guests come year after year and many of them have become family and friends.” Asked if she had any tips to share with Minnesota Grown’s followers, Mayen says to “have fun and be thankful to God, friends and family!”
In the early spring you’ll find D Round Barn Berries at the Buffalo Farmer’s Market, but the best way to experience it is to plan a weekend visit to the farm. While Dave focuses on crop production, Mayen is always coming up with new ideas, so follow them to learn about what is coming next – think sunflowers, sour cherries, honeyberries and a Spring Festival.
Find their contact information on their Minnesota Grown directory listing or look for on-farm activities in your area!
