If you’re looking for a truly outside-of-the-box adventure this year, we have just the idea. Farm stays in Pennsylvania are a unique way to unplug and engage with the the nature and agriculture around you. This kind of agritourism gives you an insider’s look into a working farm, where you can enjoy the views and even get involved in the chores.
There are many farm stays in Pennsylvania, with all sorts of personalities and options. Some allow the whole family to get their hands dirty, milking cows, gathering eggs and picking fruit. Others invite guests to watch and mingle with friendly farm animals and resident pets. Still others offer a serene respite with resplendent views and a more hands-off experience.
We found 20 amazing farm stays in Pennsylvania that are sure to provide an experience to remember:
Western PA
Burnhead Grazings is a working sheep farm run by Moire McLaughlin Bridges and her husband, Randy. They produce lamb, wool and hay, and artist Moire offers wool felting classes. Up to four guests are welcome to stay in the quaint spring house, while singles or couples can rent a farmhouse room, both full of charming farmhouse touches. There’s also an option to pitch a tent and camp next to the stream or the pond on Burnhead’s 68-acre property. Their two friendly dogs will be sure to greet you, and guests can tour the barn, meeting the sheep, lambs, horses, barn cats and other critters. In true BnB fashion, Moire prepares rave-worthy breakfasts for you to enjoy. 61 Hilltop Rd., Indiana; (724) 422-5394.
Hideaway Haven Farm in Knox offers Farm Getaway a sweet respite on the 27-acre property (plus 110 adjacent acres) for singles or couples looking to relax, restore and just hang out. Say ‘hello’ to Highland cows, goats, turkeys and barn cats and enjoy the pond, in which you can swim, canoe and feed the fish from the dock. You can opt-in for farm tours and meals like fresh steaks from the meat market, or just relax and do your own thing. The interior is clean, stocked and cozy with plenty of wood finishings and mid-century modern touches. Host Jennifer provides you with all you need for nightly campfires and a blissful, quiet break in the country. Keep an eye on Hideaway for coming-soon guest options including a hobbit house stay, cut flower arranging and dinner in the woods. Amsler Rd., Knox; no phone.
At Dove Harbour Farm in the Laurel Highlands, guests stay on a 110-acre, 8th-generation working farm with crop fields, chicken and bee yards, an orchard, vegetable gardens, seas of wildflowers and huge woodlands with paths throughout. Be ready to encounter wildlife beyond the standard barn animals at Dove Harbour, where deer, coyote, fox and pheasant have been known to roam. Guests (one or two) stay in a modern, rustic one-bedroom cabin with expansive mountain and valley views. There are books, tv and wifi, wood burning stove and outdoor firepit, a well-appointed kitchen and dining area and a private balcony complete with porch swing. Dove Harbour Farm offers shuttle service to the Meyersdale Train Station for access the National 911 Memorial and other stops. You can order free-range eggs, farm products and baked goods to complete the authentic farm-fresh experience. 325 Niver Junction Rd., Berlin; (814) 267-0180.
Thistle Lane Farm hosts up to five guests, who stay in a country farm house on this working farm. You can swim or fish off the dock of the pond, go for a hike, or just take in the mountain and pasture views, which can light up perfectly at sunset. Owner George makes sure guests feel welcome and comfortable, and will show you around the farm, himself, where there are grass-fed cows and goats. The screened-in porch with a porch swing provides a particularly appealing place to wind down. 577 Lipp Rd., Punxsutawney; (814) 952-9631.
At The Old Road Farm about 40 minutes south of Pittsburgh, guests stay in a sweet little springhouse built in 1882, adjacent to the owner’s family home and near the operations of this regenerative meat farm that sits on 62 acres. The small studio guesthouse with one queen bed feels surprisingly spacious and has kitchen and bathroom facilities for all your needs. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and near a little creek and woods, which you can wonder at your leisure. Gather wildflowers, gaze on the animals, enjoy farm-fresh eggs for breakfast and add some fresh herbs and veggies to your dinner. 619 Pleasant Valley Rd.,
Washington; (724) 250-8750.
North Central PA
It’s goats, goats and more goats at Nittany Meadow Farm in State College, where guests can choose from two charming places to stay. The Milk House is a cozy cottage in a former milkhouse with one bed, bath, living room and eat-in kitchen. The hosts will add an air mattress to the space for up to four guests. The Wagon Shed holds up to six guests in three bedrooms with queen beds and ensuite bathrooms. There’s living space and an eat-in kitchen, too. Nittany Meadow raises and sells pasture-raised meats, but the goats are the stars of the show. Mingle with them or try goat yoga or goats and art (registration required). Nittany Meadow Farm is under 10 minutes from Penn State and near all the fun and festivities of State College. 227 Nittany Meadow Farm Ln., Boalsburg; no phone.
For a great family-friendly farm stay, check out Owens Farm in Northumberland County. Groups up to six bunk up in a casual, air conditioned upstairs space with four beds to share, complemented by a kitchen and bath on the first floor. Guests are encouraged to explore the 112 acres and get up close with the many farm animals. You can mingle with the hundreds of sheep, hold a lamb, feed the horses a carrot and watch the expert border collies hard at work. The farm stays are available seasonally, March through November. There’s a two night minimum for farm stays and plenty to do in the surrounding Susquehanna Valley, like Knoebels Amusement Park, World of Little League Museum and Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Steam Train. 2611 Mile Post Rd., Sunbury; (570) 286-5309.
South Central PA
Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary is a sustainable, slaughter-free dairy farm and cow and oxen sanctuary, making for a unique and lovely place to immerse yourself in nature. Farm stay options on this 350 acre property include overnights for up to seven guests in simple and comfortable cottages, cabins, villas and suites. There are a la carte add-ons like guided farm tours and product tastings, cow cuddling, forest bathing, sound bowl healing and drama workshops. The farm also plays host to summer camps, working farm retreats, meditation retreats and the ongoing Relax and Recharge Getaway with yoga, vegan cooking classes and more. One of the biggest draws of Gita Nagari is the cows, who live out their lives there past production years and provide cuddle therapy to visitors. 534 Gita Nagari Rd., Port Royal; (814) 655-2018.
Verdant View Farm invites you into the tasks of the working farm with “morning chores” built into your stay. Milk the cows, gather fresh eggs, greet the barn animals, mingle with the farm crew and play with Scooby, the resident border collie. You can rent rooms or an entire cottage or farmhouse for groups up to 15. The Cottage has a fully equipped kitchen, while the Farmhouse does not, but a homegrown farm breakfast is included in your stay either way (with a voucher for a nearby restaurant on Sundays). Other lovable farm residents include cats, pygmy goats, bunnies, calves and chickens, all happy to hang out with you. 429 Strasburg Rd., Paradise; (717) 687-7353.
Landis Farm Guest House in Lancaster County provides loads of fun for families seeking a farm vacation. Groups of up to six stay in a 1760s-era guesthouse, with two bedrooms, queen-size sofa bed and optional inflatable mattress and pack-n-play. It’s tastefully decorated with simple farmhouse decor and appointed with full eat-in kitchen, wifi, tv, and air conditioning for your modern needs. Landis Farm caters to families, offering bikes, riding toys, tire swing, pond fishing and a barrel train ride for the little ones. Owners Jeff and Deb are the third generation working the farm, which has 40,000 layer hens among other animals to keep them busy. 2048 Gochlan Rd., Manheim; (717) 283-7648.
Mountain Dale Farm is a kid-friendly haven for families and those looking for an immersive yet unstructured farm stay. Guests get to participate in authentic farm chores, befriend the farm animals, hike the property at will or simply relax and take it all in. There are many options for your stay, like efficiency cottages including a reassembled 19th Century log house, dormitory cottages for bigger groups and a spacious two-bedroom cottage to really spread out. They’re all air-conditioned with kitchens for your convenience. Families enjoy tending to the many animals like sheep, cattle, horses and pigs, berry-picking, fossil-hunting, fishing, bird-watching and skiing and ice skating in the winters. 330 Hassinger Way, McClure; (570) 658-3536.
Rocky Acre Farm Bed & Breakfast offers family-friendly stays on a 200 year-old dairy farm. Curious goats, cows, chickens, cats and more will keep a smile on your face and kids get to feed the animals, ride ponies, take train and tractor rides, collect fresh eggs and generally get their hands dirty. There are bikes, sport equipment, corn hole, pickle ball, and a rowboat for even more fun. Choose from a wide selection of rooms for up to six guests, all with air-conditioning, private bath, internet, and charming farmhouse decor and features like exposed beams and original stone walls. Your stay comes with a full, family-style farmer’s breakfast daily and there’s a charcoal grill available for preparing lunch or dinner. Rocky Acre is also well-situated for excursions, with Hershey Park, Dutch Wonderland and Strasburg Railroad all under a half hour away. 1020 Pinkerton Rd., Mount Joy; (717) 653-4449.
Gruber Homestead Settler’s Cabin takes you back in time in a restored 1730s cabin with modern comforts on a 28 acre property in Berks County. It’s near the owners’ main house, but offers plenty of privacy. Single guests or couples love this country respite complete with a little lily pond adorable miniature donkeys and miniature horses roaming about. The cabin, itself, has a front porch for rocking, one comfortable bed and lots of colonial-era inspired furniture and finishes. Stick to the peace and quiet of the farm or venture out to nearby wine trails, hiking paths, Santander Arena, museums and restaurants. Book your stay through Airbnb. 1576 Milestone Rd., Robesonia; (610) 488-1905.
Delaware Run Farm’s 1850s Barn Stay with Horses in Watsontown puts you in the center of the action on a beautiful horse farm. Stay inside an 1850s barn, modernized with air conditioning, heat and oversized bathroom with walk-in shower. Hand-hewn beams and an old stone fireplace transport you to bygone eras. There are horses and (regular and mini!) just outside the windows and often peering right in, porch seating, a little pond and pastoral views as far as they eye can see. It’s a great spot for stargazing, too! 119 Marquardt Dr., Watsontown; (570) 898-8983.
Inglewood Cottage Luxury Farm Retreat could be from the pages of a design magazine. The stunning, Euro-inspired, Cotswolds-chic cottage sits on a 1700s farm and holds up to four guests in its two bedrooms with kitchen, bath and internet. For larger groups up to six, check out the family-friendly sister property The Inglewood Bungalow right next door. At the cottage, take in the bucolic views from the picture windows or spacious deck, or stroll the 20 acres of wooded trails, creek and friendly farm animals like Angus beef cows, Pygmy goats, Southdown Babydoll sheep and alpacas. There’s a gas grill and campfire pit, and you can enjoy your dinner at the table for four on the deck. You can also jet out to Amish Country, Lancaster City and numerous nature preserves and hiking spots. Millersville Rd., Lancaster; no phone.
Lehigh Valley
Flint Hill Farm Educational Center offers an enriching agricultural experience and farm stay on a 27 acre preserved farm, with options like horseback riding lessons, cheese making classes and “morning farm experiences” for the real feel. You can utilize Rails to Rails just half a mile away for biking or running. Guests stay in a renovated 1850s farmhouse with three options that include four-bed Loom Room and a queen bed plus cot in the Equine and Master bedroom, the latter boasting a porch that runs the length of the building. Enjoy a farm-fresh breakfast with cheese, yogurt, eggs, bacon and milk right from the farm each morning. 1922 Flint Hill Rd., Coopersburg; (610) 838-2928.
Eastern PA
Forks Farm is an 86-acre timber and pastured meat farm with turkey, beef, pork, and chicken. The method of stay here is camping, with sites along the beautiful Huntington Creek with striking mountain views. Campers can fish, swim and explore in the woods and water. Amenities include a fire pit, picnic table, recreational area and an outhouse. There’s a self-service farm store open around the clock where you can leave cash or Venmo for your goods. Try some of the Forks Farm grass-fed meats on the grill, and unwind in the woods. 299 Covered Bridge Rd., Orangeville; (570) 683-5820.
At Two Creek Farm, you’ll feel like a kid again, perched high in the treetops on a treehouse adventure. Or, camp along the lake in 520 acres of forest. Two Creek is a regenerative, certified-organic farm with numerous chickens, cattle, lambs and forest dwelling Berkshire pigs. There’s also no-till veggie gardens, orchard and beekeeping on the property. It’s a great place to learn about regenerative agriculture through a guided pasture walk. The treehouse farm stay is one of a kind, completely suspended in the trees and room for two to stay up top and hang out in a camping area below. Be aware, there’s no running water, but there’s a solar-powered wash station and hot shower and a composting toilet. Guests can also access a service barn for wi-fi, air conditioning and refrigeration, a small half-acre pond, and a private gym for workouts. For a farm stay to remember, Two Creek Farm is your place. 65 Woods Rd., Lakewood; (646) 483-3285.
Whitewater Farm Airbnb offers two farm stay options: the spacious loft and the tiny house. Co-hosts Nancy and Blaine are nearby in the main farmhouse and happy to help you get comfortable. Whitewater Farm is a 156-acre property, which you can tour for an added fee, learning about the corn and soybean grain production and horse boarding facility. The accommodations do not have plumbing; instead, there’s a porto-potty and outdoor shower at the tiny house while loft guests use the facilities in the main farmhouse. Guests enjoy the simple country living, warm hospitality and the escape Whitewater offers from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Drums, PA; no phone.
The Olde Stone Guesthouse is a lovely B&B on the border of Chester and Lancaster counties. Guests stay in buildings constructed in the 1700s that were used later as stations on the Underground Railroad. These days, the farm produces soybeans and corn, boards horses and is surrounded by lush floral gardens. Guests can rent the whole Spring House with a queen bed and three floors of quaint living space, or opt for rooms within the farmhouse with up to two queen beds for four guests or combined suites for five guests. Included in your stay is a daily all-you-can-eat breakfast with a main dish, baked goods, yogurt and homemade granola. The sites on the farm property are postcard-worthy: rolling green meadows, bright garden flowers and horses out grazing. 1599 Swan Rd., Atglen; (484) 880-1326.
If you try any of these special places – or other great farm stays in Pennsylvania – let us know in the comments, or join the conversation on our Facebook and Instagram pages!
- Photos: courtesy of their respective businesses
