Growing AgriTourism in North Dakota
Ignite your curiosity with sight, sound, touch and taste of agritourism
The motto “Strength from Soil” is found on North Dakota’s coat of arms and governor’s flag. This prestigious symbol highlights North Dakota’s second-largest industry with more than 30,000 farmers and ranchers canvasing 39.6 million acres. That’s 90% of North Dakota’s land area, which is known for producing top-quality spring wheat, durum, sunflowers, canola, honey and so much more.
AgriTourism, the combination of agriculture and tourism, is growing in numbers and diversifying in products to include working farms and ranch visits, vineyards, wineries and breweries, pumpkin patches, orchards for farm festivals, corn mazes and U-pick fun. Be curious and book a farm stay to discover the many reasons why these families love and work the land. Blooming trees and flowering blossoms adorn the garden tour leading to a winery where you can sip on the product of the local vines.
There are abundant opportunities for you to enjoy the flavors of the farmers markets, food festivals and farm and ranch experiences in North Dakota.
With the numerous farms and ranches, agriculture is so important to our way of life. This is where our ranchers raise 1.7 million cattle, 160,000 pigs, 1.2 million turkeys and 88,000 sheep. And thanks to our farmers, we lead the nation in production of spring wheat, durum, honey, canola, sunflowers and more.
Farm Stays and Gardens
The most productive acres in the country lead to some of the most intriguing farms. Stay on a North Dakota farm and learn about the latest farming methods while enjoying delicious home-cooked meals. Tour one of our farmsteads or community gardens and learn about healthy, locally sourced foods. Consider the following locations when planning an agritourism trip across North Dakota.
Pipestem Creek Bed and Birding in Carrington
Lodging is among beautiful flower gardens with a mile of trails for birding or just enjoying nature. Two fully furnished homes and two quaint cabins are available.
Crooked Lane Farm Folk School and Event Center in Colfax
The family farmstead offers activities, classes, workshops, and events that encourage arts and crafts reflective of the community’s history.
One of the last remaining bonanza farms in the U.S. This plantation on the prairie is a national landmark dating back to the 1800s.
Slavic Heritage Farm in Rugby
Growing the best farm fresh organic foods and offering workshops on gardening and raising livestock, all with a European flare.
Coteau des Prairies in Rutland
Beautiful 13-bedroom lodge with sweeping views, exclusive farm excursions, and an educational tour of a modern family farm operation.
Bonanzaville in West Fargo
Life as it was in a small prairie town at the turn of the century, with a collection of 43 buildings and 400,000 artifacts on 12 acres.
Vineyards and breweries
We’ve made it easy to discover our wine producers and microbreweries, each stop has its own special flavor and personality, with many using local agricultural products in their beverages, like wheat, honey and fruit. We’re also home to a thriving microbrewery culture. Find your new favorite IPA, stout, pilsner, porter or other tasty surprising choices. Who knows, you just might be served by the brewmaster himself.
Click here for a list of North Dakota breweries, wineries and vineyards
Ranch vacations
Nothing is more real than a North Dakota ranch — which is why staying at one means great stories to share. Spend the day riding the range and keeping your eye on the herd. Then enjoy a hearty ranch meal with the family and ranch hands followed by making s’mores around the campfire. It’s a true ranch experience without the “roughing it” part.
Logging Camp Ranch in Amidon
Working cattle ranch from the 1880s to the present. Experience the true western lifestyle.
Lone Butte Ranch in Grassy Butte
Ranch experience with log cabins and horse boarding. Spectacular views of the Badlands.
Rolling Plains Adventures at Black Leg Ranch in McKenzie
Try your hand at horseback riding and cattle branding at a real working ranch.
Farmers Markets
Visit one of our popular farmers markets and not only are you supporting local farmers, you will also enjoy some of the freshest and healthiest foods you can find. Find your favorite fruits and vegetables along with mouth-watering pies, honey, jellies and jams.
The interactive Local Foods Map displays everything from farmers markets, U-Picks, wholesale, roadside stands and more! Select your category, then click on each icon for dates and additional information.
You can find the interactive Local Food Map here
Farm-to-Table
North Dakota restaurants take pride in working with neighboring farms and ranches.
- In Fargo, Mezzaluna uses locally sourced ingredients throughout their menus, and Blackbird Woodfire uses flour milled from North Dakota wheat in its pizzas. The proof is in every mouth-watering bite.
- In Bismarck, the Butterhorn focuses on French and Italian influences while incorporating local ingredients to promote the use of seasonal produce and proteins, and the Pirogue Grille sources their food from top quality seasonal ingredients, featuring local and organic components whenever possible.
- In Grand Forks, Ely’s Ivy partners with local farmers, ranchers, and craft beer makers, to create and serve fresh new dishes with each visit.
Additional mouth-watering farm-to-table establishments are available here