When it comes to agritourism, Missouri is thriving. Whether you want to pick your own, pet/feed the flock or feed yourself, the Show-Me State has something for everyone. The question becomes: which farms should you visit? Load up your herd and hit the road for greener pastures.
Farms in Northwest Missouri
Shatto Milk Company, Osborn – If you’ve ever shopped in Northwest Missouri, you might have noticed the glass jars of milk labeled “Shatto.” They tend to stand out, especially the variety of pastel-colored flavored milks, like banana, cotton candy and strawberry. Tours of their dairy farm offer a look inside the bottling process, and you even get to meet the ladies of the hour – the beautiful cows that produce the milk, that is. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at milking.
Green Dirt Farm, Weston – There’s something quaint about your first sight of Green Dirt Farm. The rolling green hills dotted with white sheep, their bleating sounding from the distance. Tours of the farm include exploring the pastures, seeing the milking parlor and cheese kitchen, and a special tasting of, you guessed it, cheese. Call ahead because tours must be scheduled in advance. You can also buy tickets to one of their cheese-tasting events or farm-table dinners, offered on select days throughout the year.
Peters Orchards and Market, Waverly – If you have a hankering for fresh peaches and apples, Peters is the place for you. Though tours of the orchard are only offered to organized groups of 15 or more, visitors can explore the market where an assortment of fruit and other homegrown and homemade items are offered. The ripening schedule is ever-changing, so check in and act fast because the stock goes quick.
Schweizer Orchards, St. Joseph – Known for their River Bend Apples, the orchards allow you to pick your own fruit or shop from the inventory in the market. In wintertime they switch gears and operate as a Christmas tree farm. Enjoy a hayride and hot apple cider or hot cocoa while contemplating which lush pine would be perfect in your home.
YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, Garden City – At YaYa’s you’ll have an opportunity to take selfies with an alpaca – check that off the bucket list! Learn about the herd while discovering each alpaca’s unique personality. An up-close experience will allow you to pet and feed your newfound friend. Tours must be scheduled in advance and last approximately 1.5 hours.
The Weston Red Barn Farm, Weston – Celebrate the harvest with a visit to the Red Barn Farm. Their Fall Festival, beginning Labor Day weekend, is the perfect place to handpick your jack-o-lantern-worthy pumpkin. The barnyard has a menagerie of animals, some of which you might get the chance to feed. Tour the farm on the tractor-drawn hayride and visit the country store for a souvenir.
Farms in Northeast Missouri
Urban Gardens: Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze, Kirksville – Take a train ride and try out the 60-foot slide. You’ll find an assortment of animals – horses, cows, goats and rabbits – at the petting zoo. There’s also a ghost town with a jailhouse, casket shop and old cemetery. Top off your trip with some hot cocoa or homemade root beer.
Centennial Farms, Augusta – The farm has been operating since 1854. The orchard offers 16 varieties of apples available for pick-your-own. Experience “taste of history” along with seasonal fruit and good things made the farm kitchen and visit the market in the 160-year old timber framed barn, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hermann Farm, Hermann – Board the Tram Tour, where guests will be transported through the farm via a fully-covered tram accompanied with a knowledgeable guide. Learn the history of Hermann along with the legacy of Charles Teubner, George Husmann and Charles Manwaring. In addition, tours of the 1847 Teubner-Husmann home, the Hermann Farm stone barn and the 19th century Rasche homestead will be included. Towards the end of this tour, guests will be treated to a visit with the shire horses and a tasting at the Hermann Farm Distillery.
Thierbach Orchards, Marthasville – Located near the beautiful Katy Trail in Marthasville and just an hour west of St. Louis, Thierbach’s is a wonderful choice for you-pick fruit. They offer a variety of fruit beginning in May with the strawberries, continuing into June with the blueberries, cherries and blackberries, July and August feature our juicy peaches and we’ll welcome in the fall with our delicious apples. If you are looking for a great outdoor activity, we offer many opportunities for you to pick your own fruit.
Farms in Central Missouri
Fischer Family Farms, Jefferson City – A variety of crops are grown throughout the year at Fischer Family Farms, but when fall rolls around, pumpkins are the main attraction. In addition to the 40-acre pick-your-own pumpkin patch, the farm offers a 10-acre corn maze, hayrides, slides, swings and other family-friendly activities.
Shryock’s Callaway Farms, Columbia – The Shryock family has been farming in Northern Callaway County since 1889. They opened their farm to the public in 2022. Shryocks’ Big Red Barn has become a familiar landmark to visitors in the Midwest. Its unique design featuring dormer windows, a cupola, a big front porch, and traditional red and green color scheme is definitely an eye catcher on the prairie in northern Callaway County. While visiting get adventurous in the 16-acre corn maze, grab a gumball from the elaborate three-story gumball coaster occupies the front wall and rafters of the barn and take a moment to cherish the memories made while you roast marshmallows and sip hot chocolate by one of the reservable campfire areas.
Farms in Southeast Missouri
Heartland Farms, Bourbon – Located along I-44 and near historic Route 66, Heartland Farms is a busting at the feed sack sems with activities for everyone in the family. Stop for the traditional pumpkin patch and corn maze, but stay for the Bumpkin Village, Bubble Barn, Tire Mountain and more. The farm also offers lodging and special event space.
Knowlan Family Farm, Buffordville – This farm offers local fruit, vegetables, beef and family fun. The farm has a wide range of U-pick apple varieties, as well as peaches, pears, blueberries, blackberries, pumpkins, vegetables, grass-fed beef, and other local products. Shop their farm store for Missouri grown products.
Perryville Pumpkin Patch, Perryville – Pick from over 200 types of beautiful pumpkins and gourds in all colors, shapes, and sizes, grown and already picked or have fun finding your perfect pumpkins from a u-pick patch. Explore and have fun with more than 30 activities across 25 acres of the farm with 3 parking areas. Stroll through a two-acre corn maze and soybean maze, climb big bales, crawl the straw tunnel, play in corn pits, see the farm animals and more.