Most people see farms through a windshield—fields blurring by at 60 miles an hour, barely noticed. But something shifts when you step out, walk the land, and actually experience it. That’s where agritourism comes in. It’s not just a trend—it’s a return to something real. For families searching for meaningful time together or a memorable day trip near a greenhouse Des Moines area visitors love, farms like Howell’s are changing what a “day out” really means.

What Is Agritourism (And Why It’s Booming)

Agritourism is often defined simply as agriculture meeting tourism, but that definition barely scratches the surface. At its best, agritourism is about reconnecting people to land, seasons, and experiences that feel grounded and real.

Instead of observing agriculture from a distance, visitors step into it. They walk through fields, interact with animals, and participate in activities that are rooted in farm life. This shift from passive observation to active participation is what makes agritourism so compelling.

As Fred Howell shared on the podcast, agritourism is about “bringing people to the farm.” That statement highlights something important—this isn’t about transforming farms into something they’re not. It’s about opening the gates and inviting people in.

The timing of agritourism’s growth isn’t accidental. Families are craving outdoor experiences that feel meaningful. Parents want their kids to understand where food comes from. Adults are looking for ways to unplug without feeling disconnected. Farms offer all of that in one place.

From Survival to Innovation: How Agritourism Took Root

The rise of agritourism is tied closely to the challenges farms have faced over the past several decades. When traditional farming alone became less predictable, many farmers had to think differently about how to sustain their land and livelihood.

For Howell’s, that turning point came during the 1980s farm crisis. Like many farmers at the time, Fred Howell explored alternative crops as a way to adapt. He started small, experimenting with dried flowers despite having little experience with them. It wasn’t a guaranteed success, and it required a lot of trial and error.

That willingness to try something unfamiliar is what set the stage for future growth. Over time, those early experiments led to new ideas. Flowers brought people in. Seasonal offerings created repeat visits. Eventually, the farm expanded into pumpkins, greenhouses, and a wide range of activities.

What started as a survival strategy became a long-term vision. Agritourism didn’t replace farming—it added another layer to it. Today, that mindset continues to shape how farms evolve, blending tradition with creativity in ways that keep them relevant for future generations.

Why Agritourism Feels Different Than Other Attractions

Agritourism stands apart from other types of entertainment because it isn’t built around efficiency or throughput. It’s designed for exploration, and that difference changes how people experience their time.

It Slows You Down

Unlike structured attractions, farms don’t rush visitors from one activity to the next. There’s space to linger, to sit, and to simply exist without a schedule. Families often arrive expecting a quick visit and end up staying much longer because the environment invites them to relax.

It Engages All the Senses

Agritourism is immersive in a way that’s hard to replicate. Visitors feel the texture of the ground under their feet, hear animals in the distance, and notice details they might otherwise miss. These sensory experiences make the visit more memorable because they’re fully lived rather than just observed.

It Creates Real Memories

Experiences on a farm tend to stick because they involve choice and participation. Fred Howell pointed out that people remember picking their own pumpkin, but not buying one at a store. That difference highlights how memory is tied to involvement. When visitors take part in the experience, it becomes something personal.

What You Can Actually Do on an Agritourism Farm

Agritourism offers a wide range of activities, and the variety is part of what keeps people coming back. Each visit can feel a little different depending on the season and what visitors choose to explore.

Classic Fall Experiences

Fall remains the most popular season for agritourism, and for good reason. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and wagon rides create a sense of tradition that families look forward to each year. These activities feel familiar, but they never quite feel repetitive because the experience itself is always slightly different.

At Howell’s, the pumpkin patch is more than a place to pick produce. It becomes a destination where families walk together, take photos, and turn a simple activity into a shared memory.

Hands-On Farm Fun

Interacting directly with the farm is where agritourism really shines. Feeding animals, exploring play areas, and engaging with the environment allows visitors to move at their own pace. Kids learn naturally through play, while adults rediscover simple activities they may not have experienced in years.

This kind of engagement builds a deeper appreciation for farm life. Visitors leave with a better understanding of how things work, even if they didn’t set out to learn anything specific.

Unexpected Experiences That Make It Memorable

Beyond the traditional activities, farms often introduce creative elements that surprise visitors. At Howell’s, features like corn cannons, jumping pads, and unique play structures reflect a willingness to think differently about what a farm experience can include.

The Rise of Goat Cuddling and Experiential Farming

Agritourism has expanded beyond traditional activities into experiences that focus on emotional connection. Goat cuddling is one of the most recognizable examples of this shift.

What began as bottle feeding baby goats gradually turned into something more meaningful. Visitors found themselves drawn to the calming nature of simply sitting and interacting with animals. Erin Howell noted that many guests treat the experience as a way to relax and decompress, often staying longer than they planned.

This reflects a broader trend within agritourism. People are seeking out experiences that offer a sense of calm and connection. Farms provide an environment where those moments can happen naturally.

The popularity of these experiences has also been amplified by social media. When a goat birth was livestreamed at Howell’s, it reached millions of viewers. The appeal wasn’t in production quality—it was in authenticity. People were watching something real unfold in real time.

That kind of authenticity is difficult to manufacture, and it’s a big reason why agritourism continues to grow.

Not Just for Kids: Who Agritourism Is Really For

While agritourism is often associated with families, its appeal extends to a wide range of visitors. The flexibility of the experience makes it accessible to different groups without needing major adjustments.

Families

Families benefit from the open-ended nature of farm visits. Kids can explore freely while parents enjoy a more relaxed pace. The shared experience helps create moments that feel meaningful without requiring extensive planning.

Couples

For couples, agritourism offers a quieter alternative to typical outings. Walking through fields, sharing a simple activity, or watching the sunset creates a setting that feels both relaxed and memorable.

Friend Groups

Groups of friends often appreciate the balance of structure and freedom. There’s enough to do to stay engaged, but no pressure to follow a strict itinerary. This makes it easy to spend time together without overthinking the day.

Corporate Groups

Farms are increasingly being used for team events because they offer a change of environment. Being outside and participating in shared activities encourages natural interaction, which can strengthen relationships in a way traditional settings may not.

Real Farm vs. “Farm-Themed” Attraction

As agritourism has grown, so has the range of experiences available. Not all of them are built on the same foundation, and understanding the difference can shape how visitors perceive their experience.

Some attractions are designed to resemble farms without actually functioning as one. While they may offer entertainment, they often lack the depth that comes from real agricultural operations.

At Howell’s, the farm itself remains central. Crops are still grown, animals are still raised, and the land continues to serve its original purpose. As Fred Howell explained, it’s not a carnival placed next to a farm—it’s a farm that welcomes visitors.

This authenticity creates a sense of place that visitors can feel. It shows up in the layout, the atmosphere, and the way experiences unfold naturally rather than feeling staged.

Planning Your First Agritourism Visit

Visiting a farm for the first time can feel different from other outings, but a little preparation goes a long way in making the most of the experience.

Dress for the Environment

Farms are meant to be explored, which means dressing comfortably is important. Closed-toe shoes and clothes that can handle a bit of dirt will help visitors move freely without worry.

Give Yourself Time

One of the most common surprises is how long people end up staying. What starts as a short visit often turns into several hours. Planning extra time allows visitors to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Come Ready to Participate

The value of agritourism comes from engagement. Feeding animals, walking through fields, and trying different activities all contribute to a more memorable visit.

Embrace the Unexpected

Farms are dynamic environments. Weather changes, animals behave unpredictably, and no two visits are exactly alike. Embracing that unpredictability adds to the experience rather than taking away from it.

Why Agritourism Is the Future of Midwest Travel

Travel is shifting toward experiences that feel personal and meaningful. Instead of focusing on quantity, people are placing more value on quality and connection.

Agritourism aligns naturally with this shift. It offers a way to spend time outdoors, engage with local communities, and create lasting memories without needing to travel far.

In the Midwest, where agriculture is deeply rooted in the culture, agritourism provides an opportunity to reconnect with that heritage in a modern way. Farms like Howell’s are leading that evolution by blending tradition with creativity, ensuring that the experience remains relevant for new generations.

Watch the Full Story Behind Howell’s

If you want to hear how all of this came together—from experimenting with crops during the farm crisis to creating one of the Midwest’s most memorable farm experiences—you’ll want to hear it straight from the source. In the Howell’s Family Experience podcast, Fred and Erin share the real stories behind the growth, the risks, and the ideas that shaped the farm into what it is today. It’s honest, a little unexpected, and full of moments that show what agritourism really looks like behind the scenes. Take some time to watch the full episode on YouTube and see why so many families keep coming back to this greenhouse Des Moines visitors continue to talk about.

FAQs About Agritourism

What is agritourism in simple terms?

Agritourism is when farms invite visitors to experience agricultural life through activities like picking produce, interacting with animals, and exploring the property.

Why is agritourism becoming so popular?

People are looking for outdoor, meaningful experiences that feel authentic. Agritourism offers a break from screens and busy schedules.

What should I wear to a farm visit?

Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Expect dirt, uneven ground, and changing weather conditions.

How long should you spend at a farm?

Most visits last 2–4 hours, but many people stay longer depending on the activities available.

Is agritourism only for kids?

Not at all. While families love it, agritourism is also great for couples, friend groups, and corporate outings.

What’s the difference between a real farm and a farm attraction?

A real farm is actively growing crops or raising animals, while some attractions are designed to look like farms without actual agricultural operations.

Are agritourism farms open year-round?

Many operate seasonally, with fall being the most popular. Some offer spring, summer, or special event experiences as well.

Is agritourism educational?

Yes, but in a hands-on, natural way. Visitors learn by doing rather than through formal instruction.