Wisconsin Ag Tourism: Economic Engine and Growing Attraction

Winter’s chill across Wisconsin may freeze the landscape across the state. But what if it is also a way to increase agricultural tourism? There is strong support from experts who believe this will be an economic engine and growing attraction in 2025.

But it doesn’t stop the hard work happening on dairy farms every day. Hans Breitenmoser lives in Lincoln County on a farm near Merrill. He enjoys sharing his personal experiences and the daily challenges of dairy farming in a variety of temperatures.

“Keeping cows fed, milked, and cared for remains a priority regardless of the weather,” Breitenmoser explains. “And despite the cold right now, keeping systems running—like water, manure management, and even milk cooling equipment—requires constant attention.”

This insight is part of what is making the state’s agricultural tourism industry so unique. Sheila Everhart, from the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, joins Breitenmoser to talk with Pat Kreitlow, host of UpNorthNews Radio, about the sector that is drawing both tourists and economic growth to rural communities across the state. 

“Ag tourism offers visitors the opportunity to step into a family farm and witness farm life firsthand,” Everhart shares. “And this can mean everything from milking cows to gathering eggs, picking produce, or even staying overnight on the farm for a true rural experience.”

And in 2025, Wisconsin officials are working to position the state as the nation’s agricultural tourism destination. Events ranging from corn mazes to farm stays are starting to draw national attention. Everhart points at a growing popularity of farm visits in conjunction with the NFL Draft.

“There’s an exciting partnership between four family farms and the Green Bay Packers to celebrate the 2025 NFL Draft,” she explains. “There’s a vital role agricultural tourism plays in supporting Wisconsin’s rural economies, especially by helping family farms stay sustainable for future generations.”

Everhart, along with the Wisconsin Agricultural Tourism Association, is also advocating for stronger support and resources for farmers. A recent push includes an Office of Agricultural Tourism and Rural Innovation. It would provide a centralized resource for farmers to enhance their own tourism efforts, while supporting the benefit to local communities from this economic engine. Volunteers are joining the effort to elevate ag tourism, as Wisconsin works to solidify its place as a leading agricultural tourism destination.

Both Everhart and Breitenmoser agree. There’s never been a better time to welcome tourists to Wisconsin’s vibrant, unique, hardworking farms.