Ferguson's Family of Farms Builds on America's Growing Appetite for Agritourism with New Experiences for the 2026 Fall Season

As families increasingly choose experiences closer to home, Ferguson's welcomes visitors back with new reasons to visit one of the Midwest's premier fall destinations

EAU CLAIRE, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ferguson's Family of Farms welcomes visitors back for the 2026 fall season with new attractions, expanded food offerings and new reasons to experience one of the Midwest's premier fall destinations.

Ferguson's four destinations open Aug. 15 across Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Eau Claire, Galesville, Minnesota Harvest and Pepin Heights. Each destination offers its own blend of apple orchards, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, wagon rides, vast play areas, seasonal festivals and locally made food and beverages, giving families the flexibility to experience the farm in the way that fits them best—whether it's an afternoon of apple picking, a full day of attractions and seasonal food, or an annual tradition shared across generations.

The season begins as Americans embrace agritourism in record numbers, with nearly 9 in 10 households visiting farms, orchards or other agricultural attractions in 2025. At the same time, nearly one in four travelers plans to stay closer to home this year, while trips requiring paid lodging are at their lowest level in six years as families seek affordable, high-quality experiences closer to home. That shift is changing what families expect from a visit to the orchard, and Ferguson's continues to evolve the guest experience to meet those expectations.

"Every family experiences the farm a little differently," said Andy Ferguson, co-owner of Ferguson's Family of Farms. "Some come to pick apples or pumpkins. Others spend the day enjoying the attractions and food. Some visit once each fall, while others come back throughout the season. Our job is to continue creating experiences families look forward to while staying true to who we are."

A Destination for Every Kind of Visit

While apple and pumpkin picking remains at the heart of the Ferguson's experience, it is also one of America's favorite agritourism traditions, drawing millions of families to orchards and pumpkin patches each fall. Today's visitors, however, are looking for different ways to enjoy the farm. Some stop by for fresh apples and cider donuts. Others spend the day exploring attractions, enjoying seasonal food and drinks, taking a wagon ride or introducing a new generation to family traditions.

That evolution reflects broader travel and tourism trends. For many Americans, agritourism now provides one of their most direct connections to agriculture, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ferguson's experienced that growth firsthand, with attendance increasing 300% over the past decade and more than 20% of visitors returning multiple times each season. Farms and orchards increasingly serve as seasonal gathering places where families reconnect, celebrate traditions and create lasting memories together.

Each season builds on years of planning and investment. Ferguson's carefully evolves its attractions, food offerings and guest experiences while preserving the traditions families have come to love and giving returning visitors something new to discover. This year's additions continue that commitment, building on longtime favorites while giving returning visitors fresh reasons to experience Ferguson's throughout the season.

This year’s additions include a new Tractor Pull and Barnyard Slide experience, bringing even more family-friendly fun to the farm. Expanded food and drink offerings feature new bakery items and a brand new Harvest Bar at Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest location. The additions reflect Ferguson's commitment to creating memorable fall experiences that keep families coming back year after year.

Built Around Fall Traditions

Admission includes unlimited return visits throughout the fall season, a benefit Ferguson's has offered for more than 15 years. Many visitors enjoy everything Ferguson's has to offer in a single outing, while others return throughout the season to experience different stages of the harvest, changing attractions and seasonal events.

All four Ferguson's Family of Farms locations open Saturday, Aug. 15. Admission at the Eau Claire and Minnesota Harvest farms is $18 per person and includes unlimited visits throughout the season. Children under 2 receive free admission. Active-duty military members, veterans and seniors receive discounted admission.

About Ferguson’s Family of Farms

Ferguson's Family of Farms is a family-owned farm operating four award-winning destinations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the largest commercial apple grower between the Rocky Mountains and Lake Michigan, the family welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each fall with orchards, seasonal attractions, dining and entertainment designed to bring families together. Ferguson's destinations have earned past recognitions including Best Apple Orchard in Minnesota, Best Pumpkin Patch in Wisconsin, Best Fall Destination, Best Family Entertainment Business and Midwest Apple Grower of the Year.