We took our two grandchildren, aged 3 and 5. They absolutely loved the kangaroos, chocolate milk…read moreand the ice cream that was included in the ticket price. They also enjoyed bottle feeding the calves, the cheese curds and wagyu beef sticks. The 5 year old even milked a cow! It was a very well run tour! They had tables set up with our names ready to wait for everyone to arrive. They also gave out crayons and sheets for the children to color. We then loaded up on a tractor drawn trolley to take us to the farm. Our large group was divided into two groups. 1/2 went to the kangaroos and the other 1/2 to the calves. We were given slices of bread to feed the kangaroos. It was fun for the adults too, lol! When then moved on to bottle feed the calves, then visit the heifers and then the milking room. We were provided with some very interesting facts as we went along. We then visited with their 2 one year old female kangaroos. Super cute! We loaded up on the trolley to return to the main building. There they provided us with a choice of whole milk or chocolate milk, plates of curds and beef sticks. They also had jars of heavy cream for us to make butter. 5-6 minutes of shaking and we had butter! We then were able choose from around 20 flavors of ice cream. Very delicious! We watched a video on the making of their products and had the chance to purchase items. This was the second time we had visited the dairy in the last 2 years. This was just as enjoyable as the first time. I highly recommend this for anyone with young children! Or even adults! We'll take the grands again in a couple of years. Thank you for a wonderful time Hansen family!

I visited Hansen's a couple of weeks ago with my boyfriend and his family. His parents said that we…read morewere going to a farm to milk a cow, so I decided to join them. When we got there, I wasn't sure what to expect. Everything looked okay, and we were lured by all the ice cream flavors, so I was not prepared for what was to come. We jumped on an open air vehicle to begin our tour. We stopped at the place where they have the cows all separated by age: calves, younger ones, and adults. We were first given the opportunity to feed the babies, which is when my horror began. I had the chance to feed a five-day old calf that was HORRIFIED. I didn't want to play into this game at first, but I overheard that the calf was being a brat; rather than allowing others to make it more scared, I decided to step in to bottle feed it. I learned that the cows are taken from their mothers at birth so they don't attach, and the tour guide had the nerve to tell is that their moms don't care. I get that this is standard practice at milk factories, but please don't insult our intelligence. Then we move on to the factory part, where we see the cows lined up and attached to the devices that are milking them. My horror grew. We learned there about the artificial insemination, got to see some cows not wanting to be herded in, and our tour guide saying they "should get over it," as it will be over in a few minutes. And of course, this is where the tour group is invited to milk one of the cows. I couldn't do it, but the rest of my group was happy to do so. I know that what I saw isn't likely even close to the horrors of the milking practices of most milk factories, but this was enough to make me want to cry. Then we moved on to another part of the farm, where the cows are kept in filthy and crowded conditions. We were told that they prefer to be in there and not roam because they don't feel safe roaming in pastures... what?! I couldn't do it anymore; I had to step away. Then they showed us their kangaroo collection. I don't know much about kangaroos, so nothing to say here about whether or not this was a happy situation. The kangaroos were just lying there looking bored or hot. The tour ended by us trying their ice cream, cheese curds, and butter (which they had us make). This part would have been fun, had I not been traumatized already. Again, I can imagine that this is the "nice" version of what happens in most milk factories, so thank you, Hansen's for giving me a glimpse.

Overpriced! Admission for the Mother's Day event was jacked up and the experience was definitely…read morenot worth it. The llamas were filthy and the barn stunk badly. I would not go back even at the normal admission price. Also, it was hard to find- no signage from the highway.

Oh my gosh. This place is amazing. I went with some friends to their "Llamamas" Christmas event…read more The llamas and goats were dressed up in festive costumes and you could feed, pet, and pose for pictures with them. There were also HUGE pigs to feed, and one of them "sits" for a treat! It was so fun. The owner and her family &team were super friendly and welcoming to everyone. There's a little adorable gift shop in the main barn. Apparently they have two separate Air B&Bs on the property, at least one of which you can wake up to llamas on your porch and in your windows! How fun would that be? This wonderful, charming place is located between Cedar Rapids and Ely. I'm going to keep an eye out on their social media pages for more events because it was so much fun!

Fun place for apple-picking and buying delicious apple products (recommend the sparkling apple…read morecider and apple donuts). The orchard is huge, with plenty of room to roam and apple tree varieties to choose from, mostly honey crisp, but also crimson crisp, Jonagold, fuji, and gala. Admission is $5 per person and we paid $22 for a two-person you-pick peck. Which was more than enough for us! Cons: Parking was an issue (it was a weekend) with unclear traffic flow through the lot...and it became progressively more busy later in the day.

This was a most lovely orchard experience from start to finish. I began with a visit inside the…read morefarm market, which had fresh apples; frozen applesauce and pies; chilled apple cider + cans of their alcoholic ciders; and merchandise + gifts. Make your way to the register, and you can purchase donuts and turnovers as well as your u-pick bags. I made my apple turnover ala mode, which was worthwhile, and savored it outside overlooking the orchard. So picturesque! After my apple treat, I was ready to pick and made my way to the orchard. Expect some hill climbing and pretty scenery between the apple trees and flower fields. I imagine the trek could be more challenging for families with young ones. Wilson's boasts 100 varieties of apples, one of the reasons I visited the orchard in the first place. At the end of September, I filled my bags with two varieties I had never heard of, which was fun. The rows were well-marked with the apples that were ready for picking as well as the name of the variety. More importantly, the apples were delicious. Overall, I'm very happy I spent a morning here, and I imagine just about anyone else will feel similarly.

Another off the beaten path garden center. Beautiful view and a charming setting on the farm…read more Plants are well taken care of and you will surely find something you want to add to your garden.

This used to be my husband's family in a little town in Iowa. The new owners have added a Lavender…read morefarm and several Airbnb's on the property. We brought three grandsons here to experience the farm that grandpa grew up on. They are big city kids and thoroughly enjoyed running free over the empty cornfields and lovely walking trails. The Lavender suite itself is lovely! High-end appliances fireplace, and fire pit However we came in March and it was pretty cold. I have some mobility problems. I don't use a wheelchair, but I have to have pretty easy access to shower and such. This place was perfect. They also have some tree houses that would be fun, but that would be difficult for me and this place. There's plenty large enough to sleep five or six. The grandkids said they wanna live here. That made me very happy because I was worried that they might be bored. There are no theme parks here. they loved exploring the woods and the frozen creeks along the walking trail. The hosts could not be more perfect. We were responsive. But left us to our family time!

They did a yoga and morning drink event. How calming to sit in a lavender field to do yoga. They…read morehave a shop with many lavender gifts and home items they make like soaps, lotions bakery items and kid items. They also have Airbnb lodging that looks very pretty!

We had a blast here this Saturday as a family. My son loved the derecho slide and the corn palace…read more He was enamored with making bubbles so much he didn't want to leave. I enjoyed picking flowers and looking at the butterflies. The wine slushies were delicious and refreshing after picking the wildflowers/sunflowers. Ended with fries, wine and live music to wrap up the night. Beautiful farm to come enjoy the summer in. Highly recommend!

One of the first farms I visited, as a "sight-seer" and the FIRST farm I took my son to. Even as a…read morenew mom, all kinds of thoughts floating around in your head, consuming your attention, I was still able to relax and enjoy the setting - The goats were probably most interesting and active The different activity areas were cool and unexpected; swings, climbing apparatuses, "lounging"/seating areas, inflatable jumper, etc Definitely enough to keep children entertained & occupied. We could've stayed even longer, but I came unprepared for the blowout my baby had... Plenty of easy parking

If you are looking for something fun to do come to the pumpkin patch!! I had no idea they put in a…read moresunflower extravaganza every year, but we were very excited to have stumbled upon it and gone this year. They had three acres of the most beautiful variety of sunflowers! It's so fun because they hand you some cutters, and you get to go out and pick your favorites and take them home. The only problem is they are all so beautiful it's so hard to stop. Is that a bad thing though? If sunflowers aren't your thing, but Fall sounds more your speed then PLEASE go there for their Fall Festival. We went two years ago (last year was rained out), and fully plan on going this year as well. It's so much fun with food trucks, vendors, etc If you miss the Fall Festival that's ok! Their corn maze is open for awhile so you still have time for fun activities. I've also done the zombie paintball and holy smokes! I had no idea it would be so satisfying to hit zombies with paintballs!

How have I never written a review!?…read more Colony Acres Family Farm is an NL staple-- having been around for over 25 years! In the summer it boasts sunflowers. In the fall there's games, food/drinks, pumpkin patch picking, a market and of course, the corn maze. In the winter Colony Acres offers fresh-cut trees and Santa. I've only event ventured here during the fall-- tickets are $11-16. (*Pro Tip: order online to save a few bucks a ticket.*) My kids adored the zip line, slides, train ride, bouncy pad and corn maze. We typically don't get pumpkins here but there's a wide selection of those-- mums, corn stalks, hay bales and more. The farm is closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the fall. It allows dogs! There's plenty of parking. Staff is uber friendly. Stop by.

Excellent blue cheese! All American. Creamy and fragrant! A must try if you love blue cheese!!read more

No tours even though the sign out front said they have tours. Came all the way from California for…read morethe tours. Lady at the front was rude and expected us to know they no longer do tours since covid.

When I come to Cedar Rapids, I always go to bass farms , just recently purchased their fresh…read morefresh tomatoes and they are so good, I just slice them and serve them with salt and pepper. That's how good they are and the cucumbers were to die for. I live in Atlanta when I come to Cedar Rapids I make sure I go to Bass farms to get the fresh vegetables to take back with me on the airplane to Atlanta to enjoy the fabulous fresh tomatoes, beats the grocery store hands-down. oh oh and the homemade ice cream so so good

Ever since discovering this family farm about three years ago, we enjoy stopping whenever we can…read more On a long drive home from Green Bay, I was thrilled to find they were open until 9 pm (shorter hours in the fall/winter). We were able to satisfy our craving for Chocolate Shop Ice Cream and I found one of my favorite protein bars I haven't found elsewhere. Hubby got his favorite popcorn and another jar of jam. We are now signed up for their rewards program which gives us 10% off. This would be a great place to take our grandkids- just wish it was closer!

What a phenomenal location for a wedding! Attended my nieces wedding and knew it was going to be an…read moreevent to remember. The ceremony took place on a covered large patio, in front of a wood burning fireplace that added to the ambiance. The reception was filled with an incredible countertop full of delectable charcuterie artfully arranged and just as delicious tasting as it was beautiful. They did such a wonderful job serving all the guests appetizers, drinks at the bar, and a multi course dinner, as well as the wedding cake. The brisket was so tender, it fell apart as soon as you put it on your plate. There was ample parking within the beautiful vineyard. I can't think of one thing that could have been better. The food was perfect, the atmosphere was romantic, and the venue just could not have been more special.

I had the most wonderful time at Walker Homestead. It was a beautiful evening and even though…read moresitting outside can bring risk of the elements (bugs, wind, sun in the eyes), it was well worth it for the view. It was a busy evening and there was a little wait, as to be expected, for our food. It was delicious pizza! I loved having a fresh pizza with fresh ingredients- the difference is noticeable from the usual fast food pizza. After some photos with the sunset, we went to take a look at the goats and chickens. It was a cute way to end the evening. I would highly recommend coming here with the family.