Celebrating Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week

Corn, crops, and countryside, oh my! Have you ever drank beer at a 150-year old farm? Petted an oxen? Picked apples amongst the orchards? Or gotten lost in a corn maze? Well, get to Walworth County and experience all that and more during Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Week, September 27th through Sunday, October 3rd! We’ve rounded up the our top six agricultural attractions and events here in Walworth County for you to discover and celebrate where food comes from. Check them out:

Get Lost in the Fields at Pearce’s Farm Stand Corn Maze

Whether you’ve been visiting Pearce’s Farm Stand since the early days of 1967 or are just visiting the farm for the day, start a new family tradition this fall and get lost in the Corn Maze! Each year, Pearce’s Farm Stand creates amazing mazes that often win national awards! Farmer Bob and his wife Mary Ann invite you to the Farm this Fall and enjoy all the activities they have to offer including Jumping Haystacks, Human Hamster Wheel, and of course freshly made treats and eats! Pearce’s Farm Stand is open daily with Corn Maze hours limited to Saturday and Sunday 10am-5pm.

Apple Picking at Apple Barn Orchard and Winery

It wouldn’t be fall without a trip to the orchards at The Apple Barn! Head out into the trees and pick a bushel (or a peck!) with the whole family. Anticipated to be ready to munch on by September, the variety of apples available are picked at the peak of perfection. Plan your strawberry-picking adventure at www.AppleBarnOrchardAndWinery.com. Be sure to snack on a freshly baked cider donut and sip on house made fruit wines!

Learn Something New at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Try your hand at becoming a farmer in your own backyard with helpful tips and tricks from the pros! Head to Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and learn all about sustainable agriculture, conservation, and what you can do at home to better the environment through planting sustainable crops and plants. Throughout the summer, drop in on At Home Composting Lessons, Garden Planning, and Pollinator Protection Workshops on select dates.

Shop Local, Eat Local! Visit a Local Farmers Market

Farm fresh food and other finds await you across Walworth County at local farmer’s markets! Beginning in early May and lasting into the late fall, farmers markets and set up shop fully stocked with fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, meats, cheeses, jellies, honey, and even flowers and plants. With markets happening almost every day of the week, there is no shortage of fresh original flavors and experiences. Come on out and support your local farmers and shop local. For a full listing of Walworth County Farmers Markets, click here.

From Farm To Glass: Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company

Set on a 150-year old family farm, Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company in Elkhorn is not your typical craft brewery! With a passion for the land and sourcing local ingredients, head-brewer Ben Johnson, infuses every brew with tons of local flavor. Duesterbeck’s Brewing Co. only uses Wisconsin grown hops and barley and uses ingredients like honey from hives at Henningfeld Honey and fruits from Apple Barn Orchard and Winery. If you stop by, make sure to ask your beertender about the history behind the red barn!

For more information and ag-spiration for this Agricultural Tourism Week head to our website at www.VisitWalworthCounty.com.

What’s Up This Weekend in Walworth County | September 24th-26th

Always Patsy Cline Presented by the Lakeland Players

A musical tribute to a country-western legend comes to life as the Lakeland Players present Always Patsy Cline, opening Friday, September 24th. Licensed by the family and the estate of Patsy Cline, the show celebrates the life and legacy of one of the most influential vocalists of the 20th century. Get your tickets for opening weekend by calling 262-723-4848 or online at www.lakeland-players.org.

Harvest at Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge

Join Kettle Moraine Land Trust and Geneva Lake Conservancy for a seed-collection outing to Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge in celebration of 2021 Land Trust Days! Volunteers from throughout the Hackmatack region will be on hand to harvest native prairie seeds under the guidance of professional staff from Kettle Moraine Land Trust and Geneva Lake Conservancy. Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes or boots, and a sun hat. Please bring your own seed collection bag (a reusable grocery bag is fine) and your own water. Seeds collected there during the Land Trust Days event will be turned over to the US Fish & Wildlife Service for native species enrichment within the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge.

2021 Discover Lake Geneva Bridal Showcase

Calling all 2022, 2023, and beyond brides! Step aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line fleet decorated by top wedding professionals and discover local vendors, planners, and premier partners to help make your wedding day the day of your dreams. The 2021 Discover Lake Geneva Bridal Showcase takes place, Sunday, September 26th on the Riviera Docks.

For information on these events and more, go to VisitWalworthCounty.com/Events. Enjoy your weekend here in Walworth County.

What’s Up This Weekend in Walworth County | September 17th-19th

GLAS Education Autumnal Equinox Star Party

Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox with GLAS Education! Gaze at the gas giants Jupiter and Saturn — as well as other celestial objects — through 8-inch Dobsonian telescopes, and then learn about the Autumnal Equinox itself as one of an assortment of astronomy and night sky activities during this wonder-filled night among the stars. The Autumnal Equinox Star Party takes place this Friday evening on the 900 Block Main Street in Lake Geneva! Get your tickets for this once in a lifetime evening of stargazing here.

Delavan Scarecrow Fest

Returning for its 21st year, Delavan Scarecrow Fest kicks off at 10 am on Saturday, September 18th in historic Downtown Delavan! Head to the brick streets of the downtown for a free festival full of surprises around every corner. Kiddos can meet fuzzy friends at the Gee Funny Farm Petting Zoo, take home a pumpkin courtesy of the Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and win prizes at the Duck Pond. Enjoy live entertainment throughout the day, shop the craft and vendor fair, check out the Scarecrow Fest Car Show, and chow down on delicious bites from local food trucks. Scarecrow Fest concludes with an epic laser light show and concert with Pink Fraud at the Phoenix Park Bandshell at 7pm. Learn more about the festival here.

Pearce’s Farm Stand Customer Appreciation Weekend

Whether you’ve been visiting Pearce’s Farm Stand for as long as you can remember or have just recently visited for the first time, you’re invited to Customer Appreciation Weekend! Festivities run all weekend long and include live music on the farm, concessions and food trucks, family activities, and of course the grand opening of this year’s corn maze! The fun doesn’t stop there! Jumping bales, lookout tower, climbing tubes, human hamster wheel, and more will be ready for the kiddos to adventure on. See you on the farm!

For information on these events and more, go to VisitWalworthCounty.com/Events. Enjoy your weekend here in Walworth County.