Farm Fun for All

Summer is the perfect time for adventures, and you don’t have to go far to find opportunities to make some lasting memories. Since 2011, the Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour has been connecting co-op shoppers to the farmers at the heart of our local food system. After a hiatus last year, the tour is back and better than ever this summer with an updated format, including new featured farms in addition to longtime favorites. On Saturday, July 13 from 10 am – 4 pm, 16 farms in the Twin Cities, eastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin will open to the public for a free day of fun and learning at the farm!

Co-op Farm Tour Details

This choose-your-own-adventure-style tour is perfect for families, friend groups, and foodies alike! Visit local sustainable, organic, and regenerative farms to learn about their practices and hear about their contributions to the local food system. Participating farms include rotationally grazed cattle ranches, U-pick fruit farms, no-till vegetable farms, an organic incubator farm, urban educational farms, and more! It’s a free, self-guided event, so no need to sign up. To help participants be able to visit more farms, starting this year organizing co-ops are focusing on two geographic areas. This year, that includes urban farms in Minneapolis and St. Paul and farms on the eastern loop (in eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin).

Farm Tour Pro Tips

Make the most of the day and have the best experience possible with these tips:

• Pick up a guidebook at your local food co-op or find it online at Coopfarmtour.com. Find
  out what activities to expect at each farm and see sample itineraries. Bring it with you
  on tour day in case your plans change on the fly.
• Plan ahead and create a loose schedule for the day. Don’t forget to factor in lunch at
  your favorite local food co-op or farm to table restaurant. GPS and cell service can be
  spotty in rural areas, so be sure to check your directions before heading out.
• Bring a cooler and some cash so you’ll be all set to bring home some tasty farm goods.
  Add sunscreen, a water bottle, and a hat or shades so you can stay cool and hydrated.
• Leave pets at home. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour, and bringing them could be unsafe.
• While you’re at the farm, stay on designated paths and don’t pick produce or touch
  animals without farmers’ permission.
• Swing by your local co-op grocery store to pick up some snacks for the road. Make a
  playlist of your favorite summer songs or podcast episodes to make the drive more fun.
• Share your photos on social media using #CoopFarmTour2024, and tag the farms you visit. Have
  fun exploring local farms and enjoy a day of fun and learning at the farm!

Co-op Farm Tour Sponsors

The Eat Local Co-op Farm Tour is brought to you by sponsoring co-ops in Minnesota and
Wisconsin: Lakewinds Food Co-op, Mississippi Market, Seward Co-op, Eastside Co-op, The
Wedge, Valley Natural Foods, Just Food Co-op, River Market Co-op, People’s Food Co-op, and
Whole Earth Market Co-op.