What IS Agritourism?

“for me, it’s all about sharing our way of life. Travelers more than ever want meaningful experiences & that’s what we aim to share.”

Agritourism means different things in different places — and depending on who you ask, you'll get a different definition. But at its heart, it's about welcoming visitors to working farms and ranches for meaningful, place-based experiences.

According to the National Agricultural Law Center, agritourism is “a form of commercial enterprise that links agricultural production and/or processing with tourism to attract visitors onto a farm, ranch, or other agricultural business for the purposes of entertaining and/or educating the visitors while generating income for the farm, ranch, or business owner.”

Here in Montana, we define agritourism as:

A commercial enterprise that combines agricultural production and tourism to attract visitors to farms and ranches by offering authentic experiences — like tours, events, or direct sales — that strengthen rural economies and celebrate our spirit of place.

Agritourism often supports — and is supported by — sustainable farming practices, local food systems, and small to mid-sized producers who are diversifying their income. Operators may practice conventional, organic, or regenerative methods, but all share a commitment to connecting people with land, food, and community.

Common Agritourism Experiences

Agritourism takes many forms, but most experiences fall into a few key categories:

Food and Culinary Experiences

• Farm-to-table cooking classes

• Culinary trails and tasting events

• Farm stores and direct-to-consumer markets

  Farm & Ranch Exploration

• Guided farm, ranch, vineyard, or orchard tours

• Harvest experiences and seasonal activities

• Opportunities to learn about agricultural production and stewardship

  Education & Cultural Learning

• Hands-on workshops and demonstrations

• Cultural and harvest festivals that celebrate local traditions

  Farm Stays & Immersive Experiences

• Farm stays and guest lodging opportunities

• Agricultural work exchange programs (such as WWOOF)

  Gatherings & Special Events

• Concerts, weddings, retreats, and team-building events on farm

• Community celebrations and seasonal gatherings

• Private events hosted on working farms and ranches

A Note on Sustainability

Agritourism — especially when rooted in regenerative or sustainable practices — helps promote mindful consumption, preserve open spaces, and deepen the connection between consumers and the land. It strengthens the farm-to-table movement, supports local food systems, and brings real value to rural communities across Montana and beyond.