Liberty Hill Farm & Inn
Photograph: Liberty Hill Farm & Inn
Photograph: Liberty Hill Farm & Inn

The best farm stays in the USA

From foraging to vegging and hands-on experiences, enjoy the simple life at the best farm stays in the U.S.

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The world is a whirlwind these days, and it seems like everyone is busier than ever. If you find yourself craving a simpler way of life, an escape to a local farm to disconnect from technology and the outside world—and reconnect with nature—may be just what you need. 

Agritourism has long been popular in Europe, allowing travelers to spend the night on working farms that grow everything from lavender and goji berries to apples. Across the United States, a growing number of farm stays offer travelers the same experience: a chance to slow down and get a behind-the-scenes look at day-to-day life, which usually includes some pretty adorable farm animals and activities like reading by the fire or savoring farm-fresh breakfasts.

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, a family adventure, or a hands-on agricultural experience, the best farm stays in the U.S. provide the best taste of rural living.

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Farm stays in the USA

1. Philo Apple Farm | Philo, CA

As its name suggests, Philo Apple Farm is a sprawling California orchard that is home to some 1,700 trees that produce some 40 varieties of apples and pears—from Goldrush and Fuji to Bartlett. The land also hosts three handsome guest cottages equipped with gas fireplaces, plush bedding and clawfoot tubs—all the trappings of a romantic weekend away. Breakfast is included with your stay, so fill up on coffee, biscuits, apples and jam before setting out on an adventure.

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2. Stony Creek Farmstead | Walton, NY

If your day-to-day life revolves around a laptop and an iPhone, a change of pace is waiting at Stony Creek Farmstead, located 200 miles northwest of Manhattan. Here, you'll milk cows in the morning, collect eggs for breakfast, tour the farm come afternoon and cook pizzas in a brick oven for dinner. Rustic but spacious guest tents sleep six and are outfitted with wood floors, canopy ceilings and stoves for cooking—everything you need for an off-the-grid getaway.

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3. Cedar Mountain Farm | Athol, ID

Cedar Mountain Farm is a 440-acre family tree farm located at the foot of Cedar Mountain in northern Idaho. With forests, fields, a trout stream, and near-constant views of Cedar Mountain, there is plenty to explore on-site and close by, including hiking trails and snowshoeing opportunities. A big hit with the kids at this family-friendly farm is the full petting zoo, which includes bunnies, chickens, ducks, geese, goats, sheep, and mini ponies. Accommodations range from rental cabins to main lodge rooms and RV sites. 

4. Willow-Witt Ranch | Ashland, OR

Want to see the stars and wander through a lush forest? Book a family-friendly farm stay at Willow-Witt Ranch, where owners Suzanne Willow and Lanita Witt have painstakingly restored a working wetland and forest in Oregon's high country. Visitors can join the staff to care for and feed animals and work the vegetable garden or take a breather with a hike around the grounds and a leisurely lunch with the farm's friendly pack of goats.

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5. Los Poblanos | Albuquerque, NM

Love the calming effects of lavender? Book a stay at a working lavender farm, which boasts 25 acres of the heavenly-scented purple flower, colossal cottonwood trees and manicured gardens. Los Poblanos balances luxury and relaxation with its family-run agricultural business, allowing visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The hotel's on-site restaurant is unparalleled and offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus celebrating organic local produce. Before leaving the property, be sure to stop by the Farm Shop for handmade lavender body products that bring some rest and relaxation to your everyday life.

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6. Wildcatter Ranch & Resort | Graham, TX

Set in the heart of North Texas Hill Country, the Wildcatter Ranch & Resort is a popular destination for those who like life outdoors. Accommodation is available to suit every need, from hotel rooms, guest homes and cabin suites for both romantic twosomes and families. A host of different activities are available, including horseback riding, archery, clay shooting and lots more besides. You can even have a go at ranch roping and tomahawk throwing or learn about the ranch's history on a guided 4x4 tour. Alternatively, if you prefer to relax and recharge, then you can catch some rays around the infinity pool, soak in the hot tub, or indulge in a pampering massage.

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7. ABC Acres | Hamilton, MT

There's truly never a dull moment on ABC Acres, a Montana farm where curious travelers can book one of two stunning guest homes on the property. The farm is wonderfully diverse, with pigs and cattle, bat houses, a crater garden and a greenhouse. As a major added bonus, owner Tim Southwell doubles as the founder of Yonder, a website devoted to connecting people to nature through experiences and stays much like his own. In other words, Southwell will surely have some recommendations for your next trip.

Discover the best things to do in Montana

8. Mountain Goat Lodge | Salida, CO

Nestled on a 19-acre farmMountain Goat Lodge offers a serene retreat that connects guests with nature and the simple joys of farm life. The star here is the small, friendly herd of dairy goats who live on-site. Owner Gina's passion for goats began with rescuing orphaned baby goats, leading her to create a sanctuary dedicated to their rehabilitation and rehoming. Today, the lodge's goats produce fresh goat cheese use as an ingredient in guest meals. You can also take cheesemaking classes, goat-raising lessons, and participate in goat yoga of course. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to pet a baby goat, too. After a day of activities, relax in the outdoor hot tub under the stars or unwind in the great room with a good book. Accommodations range from luxury suites to retro campers.

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9. Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm | Millboro, VA

Set in the center of an expansive 3,300 acre farm in Bath County and surrounded by forests, valleys and hills, the Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm welcomes any and all visitors who are keen to learn just how amazing life can be on a farm. On offer is a selection of snug and stylish guestrooms in the Silo and Lodge or a choice from several stand-alone cabins or houses, where you will get served an amazing, farm-fresh breakfast and dinner every day. Activities include paddling on the peaceful Cowpasture River, swimming in the genuine river 'swimming hole' or fishing for bass and trout. Or take it easy and enjoy a walk, or a hike, or even a bike ride plus a little bit of star-gazing in the evenings, sitting around a wood-fired sauna.

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10. Liberty Hill Farm & Inn | Rochester, VT

Owners Beth and Bob Kennett aren't just farmers by trade—they embody and embrace every aspect of the farming lifestyle, making this a truly special retreat. Liberty Hill Farm & Inn is a seven-room inn, and the farm is home to more than 250 beautiful cows, and the barn doors are always open to guests. Everyone is welcome to try their hand at milking the cows, bottle-feeding baby calves, and snuggling country kittens. Days at Liberty Hill begin and end with a farm-fresh meal—from a hearty breakfast to a wholesome, sit-down dinner.

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11. Blackberry Farm | Walland, TN

Easily the most luxurious stay on the list, you won't have to rough it at the iconic Blackberry Farm. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, this 4,200-acre estate is a magnet for foodies and chefs. Guests are encouraged to participate in farm activities on the grounds, from cooking demos and tasting tours to informative gardening workshops. When you're done, hit the spa for a deep-tissue massage or take a restorative yoga class. If you can't already tell, the limit on luxury doesn't exist at Blackberry Farm, so save this trip for a special occasion.

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12. White Stallion Ranch | Tucson, AZ

White Stallion Ranch is an award-winning traditional-style ranch that offers visitors an authentic ranch experience that you'll never forget. You can bring the whole family to enjoy all the adventure and activities, including horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and more. Alternatively, you can relax around the heated outdoor pool, play a game of basketball or tennis or enjoy various cocktails in the bar. Breakfast and one activity per day are included in the daily rate, or you can choose the Full American Plan package, which includes just about everything, from meals and activities to entertainment and even airport transfers.

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13. Taos Goji Eco Lodge | El Prado, NM

A collective of 10 log cabins situated in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, Taos Goji Eco Lodge is the right fit for couples, solo travelers and families who want a bit more privacy. All of the homes are located on a 40-acre working goji berry farm that's surrounded by a national forest and inhabited by goats, chickens and alpacas. Make no mistake about it: This isn't a hotel, but it's the ideal travel solution for folks who are looking to do their own thing for the week.

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14. Fat Sheep Farm | Hartland, VT

Immerse yourself in the farm life and disconnect from your inbox at Fat Sheep Farm & Cabins, where five well-appointed cabins await. Owners Todd Heyman and Suzy Kaplan use the land to grow everything from tomatoes and pumpkins to carrots, but the real stars of the show are the farm's fluffy residents. Guests can expect to mix and mingle with sheep, chickens and goats. Help with morning chores if you want to get your hands dirty or learn to make cheese or sourdough in the kitchen.

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15. Black Star Farms | Suttons Bay, MI

If you prefer vino to veggies, check out the Inn at Black Star Farms, a Kentucky-inspired estate located on a working vineyard in Michigan's wine country. Beyond the main attraction (reds, whites and everything in between), Black Star Farms is surrounded by three miles of hiking trails, paved biking paths that lead to other wineries and plenty of nearby beaches.

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16. North Country Farms | Kilauea, HI

Want to see Hawaii through a different lens? North Country Farms is nestled on the north shore of Kauai, putting visitors just minutes away from some of the island's most remote beaches. The property's organic farm grows everything from kale and swiss chard to green beans and eggplant, with hour-long tours available to guests upon request. Visitors stay in the 500-sq-ft farm stay cottage, which is equipped with everything you need and nothing you don't. It's the perfect place to return to after a long day of snorkeling, hiking and shopping in town.

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17. Kinnikinnick Farm | Caledonia, IL

The kids are more than welcome at Kinnikinnick Farm, a family-friendly farm just outside Rockford, Illinois. Upon arrival, guests will check into their tents and get the lay of the land before an airhorn announces the commencement of evening chores, at which point the kids are invited to head to the chicken house and collect eggs. A farm-fresh feast is delivered to your tent for supper and breakfast, then it's off to visit the donkeys, feed the pigs and milk the goats!

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