The first thing that comes to mind when agriculture and Idaho are mentioned in the same sentence: potatoes. And while this makes sense, Idaho offers so much more in terms of food production. From an array of wineries to naturally grown produce, Idaho offers a bounty of agritourism possibilities.
Idaho Potato Museum
The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot is a great way to learn more about Idaho’s most famous product. Built in 1912, the museum has everything you could possibly want to know about potatoes, and you receive free tater tots with your admission. See the largest potato chip ever made by Pringles and a timeline of potato consumption in the U.S. The museum can give group tours. (208-785-2517)
DOWN ON THE FARM
Cable Creek Farm in Post Falls is happy to give group tours. Nestled in the mountains of North Idaho, it has a variety of things to see and do. The farm raises Highland heritage breed cattle, Tamworth pigs, a variety of chickens and produces fresh eggs and organically grown vegetables. It’s available to groups for conferences, family reunions and other events. Your group’s visit can include a dinner and hayride. (208-773-3202, cablecreekfarm.com)
Cascade Creek Farm raises grass-fed beef cattle, pastured hogs and poultry. Tour groups are welcome and a catered meal featuring products straight from the farm can be arranged. (208-267-1325, cascadecreekfarm.com)
Cedar Mountain Farm in Athol is a bed and breakfast located between Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. Four log cabin suites are available to rent. The owner has managed and logged the farm’s forests for 35 years and can lead walking tours of the farm’s grounds, show logging equipment and explain the different species of trees and how to have a sustainable forest. (208-683-0572, cedarmountainfarm.com)
For something a little different, check out BeeHaven, a specialty cut flower farm in Bonner’s Ferry. You can schedule a visit or a flower arranging class with your group. (208-267-1160, beehavenfarm.com)
Try your hand at milking a cow at Ballard Family Dairy and Cheese in Gooding. Tour the facility and learn all about the cheese-making process. The farm’s award-winning cheese will delight your group. (208-934-4972, ballardcheese.com)
From The Heart Ranch in Sandpoint welcomes groups interested in alpacas. A gift shop features alpaca fiber items. (208-265-2788, fromtheheartranch.com)
THE HERDING EXPERIENCE
Trailing of the Sheep Festival
The annual Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Ketchum and Hailey in early October celebrates the history of moving sheep in from mountain summer pastures through the Wood River Valley to winter grazing areas. Take your group to the three-day event to see a slice of living history, hear stories from the past and experience the tradition of sheep ranching in Idaho. (208-720-0585, trailingofthesheep.org)
Bar H Bar Ranch in Soda Springs, a working horse and cattle ranch, has plenty of ways your group can experience ranch life. Participate in branding cattle, repairing fences and even herding cattle on horseback. Stay over in the ranch’s bunk houses and look forward to traditional home-cooked meals. (208-547-3082, barhbar.com)
RAISE YOUR GLASS TO IDAHO
Pend d’Oreille Winery is open daily for tasting and tours. Located in Sandpoint, it includes the Bistro Rouge Café, which serves local food to complEment the wine. The winery began in 1995 and has won many awards. (208-265-8545, powine.com)
Grape Stomping at Indian Creek Winery
Ste. Chapelle Winery in Caldwell offers tours of its wine cellar that showcase the winemaking process. If visiting during the fall harvest, visitors can experience the grape crush. Each tour includes a logo glass to keep, wine tasting and Wine 101. (208-453-7840, stechapelle.com)
Located in Kuna, Indian Creek Winery’s tasting room is open every weekend. Groups can enjoy winery and vineyard tours, wine tastings and various events throughout the year, plus relax in the garden and visit the gift shop. Crush grapes with your barefeet at Harvest Fest in October. (208-922-4791, indiancreekwinery.com)
Savor Idaho is an annual wine and food event held at the Boise Idaho Botanical Garden in June. This past year Savor Idaho had 24 wineries, 16 restaurants and 26 exhibitors participate. (208-332-1538, savoridaho.org)
Annie’s Lavender & Coffee Cafe
At Annie’s Lavender & Coffee Cafe in Twin Falls, you can buy fresh lavender and a variety of other lavender products including lavender tea, lotion and soap. Then sit down for a cup of tea or espresso and have a gi-normus sandwich made with locally grown ingredients. Pastries made weekly with or without lavender. There is always a surprise at Annie’s! Located at 591 Addison Ave. West (Route 30) Monday-Friday 6-6 Sat. 8-4 (208-736-2003, annieslavender.com)
