Agritourism: Farm Life Goes Luxe — Even in Indiana
Farm life used to mean long days and hard work. But now, it’s being reimagined as a luxury escape. Thanks to social media influencers “living off the land” looks more like curated meals, flower fields, and stylish cabins than muddy boots and pig pens. Agritourism is a type of experiential travel. It involves doing something on your trip and therefore experiencing the destination more.
According to AirDNA, U.S. farm-stay listings rose 71% between August 2019 and August 2024. In the first quarter of 2025, Airbnb saw over 1 million searches for farm stays — a 20% increase from the same time in 2024. Fortune Business Insights reports that the global agritourism market could reach $197.4 billion by 2032, up from $69.2 billion in 2019.
Guests at farm properties can harvest produce, take cooking classes, or forage for herbs.
In Indiana, farms are starting to embrace this trend. Several offer u-pick fruits, farm-to-table dinners, or glamping-style stays. Near Bloomington, places like Appleseed Farm and Strawberry Fields Market Garden provide hands-on food experiences. In northern Indiana, agritourism helps support small farms by offering tours and tastings.
Agritourism is part of the wider “slow living” trend. People want to reconnect with nature, eat fresh food, and escape city stress — even for a weekend.
As demand rises, Indiana may see more farms turning peaceful fields into peaceful retreats. Agritourism offers visitors farm stays, harvest festivals, and hands-on experiences with local food and nature. Here are some popular agritourism activities:
- Wine/vineyard tours
- Glamping/camping
- Quad biking
- Horse riding
- Fruit/flower picking
- Animal farm parks
- Staying in a homestay located on a farm
- Farm tours
- Hunting trips
- Rural weddings/events
- Farmer’s markets
- Mazes
- Bird and wildlife watching
