Iowa’s rich agricultural roots are alive and well. Several farms in the Des Moines area let families get their hands dirty as they pick their own harvest and visit livestock up close. From hand-picking flowers to cuddling goats to berry picking, here is a handy guide of working farms in central Iowa where city-dwellers can get an inside look at farm life.
Be sure to call ahead before heading out on your farm visit! Many of the farms listed below have limited seasonal hours, are only open for special events or accept visitors by appointment only.
For additional ideas for family fun this summer in Des Moines, visit our event calendar, check out our Summer Fun Guide or sign up for the dsm4kids’ Weekend Fun Guide.
Here’s our list of the best farms to visit with your family close to Des Moines:
Coyote Run Farm (Lacona)
Located in southwest Marion County, Coyote Run Farm strives to connect communities with healthy food. This 110-acre family farm offers grass finished beef and heirloom and unique varieties of seasonal produce from March through November starting with spinach in the spring and ending with fall storage crops. They welcome visitors by appointment to learn more about how they care for their animals and grow their produce.
Dog Day Acres (Lucas)
Located an hour’s drive south of Des Moines, Dog Day Acres is worth the trip for families looking for a destination. The farm focuses on raising grass-fed registered Red Angus and Belted Galloway cattle. Their mini donkeys, goats and chickens provide fun and enjoyment for visitors. Farm visits are by appointment only. They also offer a Farm Stay – which is a fully furnished three bedroom, two and half bath home with a chicken coop located right out your back door!
Dogpatch Urban Farmstead (Des Moines)
A family-operated urban farm, located right here in Des Moines, Dogpatch specializes in growing annual vegetable crops focusing on salad-oriented products. Their DUG FarmStand is your one-stop-shop for supporting local growers, makers, and producers. Families will also enjoy their u-pick flowers. The Farm is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm everyday but Monday. And, if you’re looking for a staycation, look no further. Their 1920’s Craftsman-style farmhouse makes for a relaxing Urban Farm Stay.
Hilltop Farms (Dallas Center)
Home to PYO produce, fruits, flowers and pumpkins, Hilltop Farms is perfect if you’re in need of a basket of mums or a good gourd for the stoop. The farm typically opens for sales in June. You can pick your own tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and zuchini or purchase already fresh picked cabbage, pumpkins, potatoes, onions, squash, jam and more. From June until the end of October the farm is open everyday except Sunday.
Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch (Cumming)
A family farm for six generations, Howell’s has been keeping central Iowa families entertained since 1995 with its florals, pumpkin patch and Christmas tree farm. During the summer months “farmers in training” can visit their Farmyard Play Yard. Pack a picnic, visit their barnyard friends, snuggle baby goats, make some mud pies, swing on the swings, slide down the slides, peddle around on the tractors and explore the farm.
Iowa State Teaching Farms (Ames)
As part of Iowa State University, the ISU Farms are intended to be an educational resource for students and the community. In order to ensure the safety of visitors, farm staff, and animals, tours of the farms are available through prior appointment only. Tours need to be scheduled one week in advance. To schedule a tour, please give the farms a call. They also offer several annual family-friendly days for children to attend. Check their website for exact dates.
Pepper Harrow Farm (Winterset)
While this flower farm in Winterset is not open to the public, Pepper Harrow does offer a number of opportunities to schedule a visit to the farm. They host a number of events and activities including a sunset farm tour and recently hosted their first Children’s Seed Starting Class. Visit their website to find out when their events are happening and to purchase tickets.
Picket Fence Creamery (Woodward)
Picket Fence Creamery is a dairy farm, creamery and country store. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. A visit to the Creamery is a great opportunity to take a drive through the country, see cows out in the pasture and enjoy a sweet ice cream treat. Farm tours are available by appointment.
Rose Farm (Norwalk)
Flower enthusiasts will delight in walking through the blooms at this farm near Norwalk. This fully functioning farm has a lot to offer and a lot going on. They raise honey bees, multiple breeds of non-GMO fed, free range hens who produce a striking array of colored eggs and lots of fresh produce. They’re open to visitors Thursday 2:00 to 6:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. They also offer several classes including their “Farm School” for kids on Friday mornings.
Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm (Winterset)
If you enjoy animals, learning, the outdoors, unique experiences, new adventures, or lots of smiles, Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm may be just the place for you and your family to visit. Admission is FREE and they even provide you with a small amount of food for the alpacas, as well as instructions on feeding and interacting with them. They’re open Saturdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Check out our tips for visiting Rusty Stars Alpaca Farm here.
The Holton Homestead (Elkhart)
The Holton Homestead has a summer roadside stand that sells honey, eggs, fresh produce, and other natural wholesome products — making it a prime destination all summer long. The Farm Store is open year round on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can also purchase their products at local farmers’ markets, on-line, and they offer delivery to several drop off locations around the Des Moines metro area.
The Wallace Centers of Iowa – The Country Life Center (Orient)
The Wallace Centers of Iowa is a learning center that hosts workshops and educational programs, harvest sustainably grown produce and create locally sourced meals. The Country Life Center is open daily for self-guided tours of the restored farmhouse, barn and grounds. The Center is staffed Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm nearly year-round. Free will donations are accepted. If you are hungry, in the summer months they offer “Pizza on the Prairie” featuring pizzas made with farm-fresh ingredients, live music and more! This event books up fast so make your reservations now!
What’s your family’s favorite farm to visit near Des Moines?
