Get to the Farm! Central UP Farm Tours

Every farm visit is unique, but the one common denominator is that you’ll always leave with a deeper appreciation for food and those who work so hard to provide it to us. Luckily for those of you in and around the Central Upper Peninsula, there are tons of opportunities coming up that will get you to the farm! 

The Marquette Food Co-op already hosted the first round of their farm tours on August 18th, including Rock River Flower Farm, Virgin Earth Farm and Seeds & Spores Family Farm. The second round will be Sunday, September September 15th and will include Cloverland Farm, Danielson’s Sugarbush LLC, Grand-Bees Honey, The North Farm at UPREC, Treasa’s Treasures. Each year the Marquette Food Co-op coordinates tours with local farms to offer community members the opportunity to see where their food comes from and connect with the people who grow/raise it. Find more information here or by visiting their Facebook event.  

Another great way to visit farms in Alger County would be by participating in this year’s “Tour da Farm” farm tour and biking event. Get on your bike and tour local farms for good times with fine folks. 33.4 mile loop with gravel, a bit of sand, some climb, and treats along the way. Farms included on the tour are Rock River Flower Farm, Case Country Farm, Mighty Soil Farm & Reh-morr Farm

This spirited ride brings you to farms through the beautiful—and remote—Hiawatha National Forest. Your ticket includes the wonderful experience plus delicious food at each stop. Attendees will get to indulge in a pig roast, farm-to-table inspired small plates, and even sorbet! Proceeds benefit participating farms and fund field trips so area schools can visit farms to learn about where food comes from and how it is produced. The cost is $40 per person, pre-registration is required and can be done via Eventbrite. For more information visit the Facebook Event

These days though, as farms diversify, many of our partners offer hours of visitation for tours and farm stand purchases. Some farms offer workshops, dinners or my personal favorite is heading to a farm for a visit and tour in exchange for a few hours of weeding or planting. Which tour are you most excited to join?

So get out there and see where your food comes from! 

Alex Palzewicz is the U.P. Local Food Coordinator for Taste the Local Difference and wants to know your favorite farm to visit and why? Contact Alex at [email protected]