DES MOINES — Northern Iowa families looking for a summer road trip can explore farms, food businesses, rural shops and agritourism destinations during the second annual statewide Choose Iowa Farm Crawl on Friday and Saturday, June 26-27.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced the event Wednesday, inviting Iowans and visitors to hit the road, discover new destinations, support local businesses and experience the people, products and places that make Iowa agriculture unique.
The event is organized by Choose Iowa, the state’s branding and marketing program for Iowa grown, Iowa made and Iowa raised food, beverages and agricultural products.
For North Iowa readers, the Farm Crawl offers a chance to build a route across the region and beyond, with participating locations spread across the state. The digital map shows opportunities for families to plan their own day trips or weekend loops, whether they are leaving from Mason City, Clear Lake, Forest City, Charles City, Algona, Hampton, Osage or other northern Iowa communities.
See the map for this event, here.
“The Choose Iowa Farm Crawl is a chance to turn an ordinary weekend into an Iowa adventure,” Naig said. “The Crawl offers something for everyone, from authentic agritourism experiences and local food to shopping, sightseeing, and opportunities to connect directly with Iowa farm families and small businesses.”
Naig said the event is designed to help people discover hidden gems, support local communities and see Iowa agriculture up close.
“It’s a fun way to support local communities, discover hidden gems that may be just down the road, and experience firsthand the people and products that make Iowa agriculture special,” Naig said. “I encourage Iowans to gather their friends or family, hit the road, and experience the best of Iowa agriculture during the Choose Iowa Farm Crawl on June 26 and 27.”
Several dozen Choose Iowa members from across the state have already signed up to welcome guests and showcase their farms, businesses, products and communities during the Farm Crawl. State officials said participation is continuing to grow, with more members expected to join before the event.
Participating locations represent a broad slice of Iowa agriculture, including farms, creameries, meat processors, flower farms, garden centers, wineries, breweries, farm stores, farmers markets and farm-to-table restaurants.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy local food and beverages, shop for Iowa-grown and Iowa-made products, meet producers and experience the hospitality of rural Iowa communities.
The event also gives northern Iowa residents a way to connect local shopping with a family outing. Rather than a single fixed route, the Farm Crawl allows people to use the digital map and participant guides to choose their own stops, set their own pace and decide how far they want to travel.
Consumers can plan their Farm Crawl experience using digital maps and participant guides available at ChooseIowa.com. Many participating locations are also expected to offer special promotions, discounts and bonus opportunities through the free Choose Iowa Passport.
The Choose Iowa Passport lets consumers check in at participating locations across the state, earn points and redeem them for prizes. State officials say the passport is meant to make the Farm Crawl more interactive while encouraging people to discover new businesses and support local communities.
Highlights of the Choose Iowa Farm Crawl include:
Authentic Agricultural Experiences — Visitors can meet Iowa farm families, tour farms and agricultural businesses, and learn how food, beverages, flowers and other agricultural products are grown, raised and produced.
Explore Iowa’s Rural Charm — Families can take the scenic route and discover destinations across Iowa, from family farms and creameries to flower farms, farm stores, wineries, breweries and local restaurants.
Support Local Producers — Visitors can purchase Iowa-grown, Iowa-made and Iowa-raised products directly from farms and local businesses.
Agritourism Adventures for All Ages — The event includes family-friendly activities, unique experiences, local food and beverages, and opportunities to connect with Iowa agriculture.
Earn Rewards Through the Choose Iowa Passport — Participants can sign up, check in at participating locations, earn points and redeem them for prizes while discovering new destinations across the state.
Choose Iowa will also host a statewide Fall Crawl on Friday and Saturday, October 9-10, offering another opportunity for consumers to explore Iowa farms, agritourism destinations and seasonal agricultural experiences.
Choose Iowa is administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.