A weekly column written by the staff of Discover Wisconsin highlights things to do and see throughout the State of Wisconsin, and is made available for publication to members of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. The column is accompanied by photos for use in print and online. The Discover Wisconsin logo can be downloaded here.
With the ground thawing and the first blooms starting to pop up across Wisconsin, now is the perfect time to hit the state’s agritourism trail! Follow the compass from the north to the south, east to the west, and through the central part of the state. These destinations let you explore Wisconsin’s agricultural roots, learn something new, and enjoy unforgettable food experiences, all while supporting local farms and communities. Read on to find the nearest agritourism gems near you this April!
North to South
The trail starts in the north in the Berry Capital of Wisconsin! Erickson’s Orchard of Bayfield grows fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and, of course, apples, depending on the season. In the on‑site garden, you’ll also find seasonal squash, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, and more. And don’t forget to swing by their country store and bakery for a sweet treat.
Speaking of sweet treats, head south to Sassy Cow Creamery in Columbus, where you can watch fresh ice cream being made through the large viewing windows. The best part? You can sample any of the 28 flavors on the menu while you’re there! Follow the trail to Braise in Milwaukee, a farm‑to‑table restaurant that locally sources all its ingredients.
East to West
Time to venture east to Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm & Shop on Washington Island—the largest single‑site lavender grower in the Midwest. Home to 14 varieties of lavender, this farm shows off the many uses and benefits of the plant, from soothing scents to soothing skin. Swing by The Shop filled with lavender‑based products for your home, for you, and even for your pets!
Ready to head west? Follow the trail to Rainbow Ridge Farms Bed & Breakfast, located in the Driftless Region right near La Crosse. This award‑winning agritourism destination invites you and your crew to enjoy a true farm‑stay vacation. Rainbow Ridge also hosts farm‑style youth camps, educational tours, and even goat yoga, making it a fun, hands‑on escape.
Central Wisconsin
In the central heart of the state, there’s no shortage of agritourism destinations to visit. And on the trail of must‑visits is Father Fat’s Public House, devoted to using ingredients that come straight from the soil of Wisconsin. Through these local, fresh components, the kitchen crafts dishes with a unique, globally inspired flavor profile that still feels unmistakably Wisconsin.
A few other Central Wisconsin stops worth a visit include Earth‑Crust Bakery, baking since 1976, and The Main Grain Bakery & Eatery. All ingredients used in their tasty treats are organic and locally sourced. Whether you stop in for a loaf of bread or a pastry, you’re getting something born from the land and made with care.
Now that you’ve explored Wisconsin’s agritourism trail, you can see how many amazing and unique destinations we have around the state! From the north to the south, east to the west, and across the central heart of Wisconsin, you’ll find everything from orchards and lavender fields to the finest farm‑to‑table restaurants and artisan bakeries. It’s time to get out there and check them out! Wisconsin’s story, from field to table, awaits.
Hailey Marien, third-generation and granddaughter of Dick Rose, writes for the nation’s longest-running tourism TV show, Discover Wisconsin. Watch the show online at DiscoverWisconsin.com. Follow Discover Wisconsin on Facebook (facebook.com/discoverwisconsin), Instagram (instagram.com/discoverwisconsin), and TikTok (tiktok.com/discoverwisconsin).
