From Vineyards to Farms and Everything in Between – A Journey Through Waconia’s Agricultural Charm
In parts of France and Italy, there is a region — a belt of sorts — where the terroir is ideal for producing flavorful grapes that yield fine wines, as well as a sweet spot of beauty, convenience, and very essence of what makes these areas so special. What if we told you Waconia shares several truly magical traits with this lively epicenter–where the pieces fall perfectly into place? If you trace a line around the world from France or Italy, you’ll find yourself in Waconia–also set on the same belt, officially known as latitude 44°. Coincidence? We think not. Exciting and serendipitous? Absolutely. While this detail is pretty fascinating, location isn’t the only thing these opposite ends of the world have in common. They have their rich histories, hard-working people, collaboration, and experiences that invite people from all over the world to enjoy and explore their unique offerings.
Turns out you don’t have to travel across the globe–only 40 minutes from the Twin Cities to be exact-ish– to experience innovative agritourism and enduring rural charm. Those who aren’t familiar with Waconia, the range of experiences and flavors we offer may surprise you. But if we’ve already had the honor of hosting you, you know what we mean. Whether you’re discovering agritourism for the first time or returning to its locally sourced goodness, join us on a tour of Destination Waconia.
Agritourism, as its name suggests, is where agriculture and tourism intersect. It’s tasting foods right from the source, it’s exploring pumpkin patches and apple orchards and how they’ve come to be, it’s attending community gatherings and events, and it’s so much more. It connects people to their natural environment and each other; it celebrates local farms and landscapes–and Waconia and the local businesses here embrace it enthusiastically. Look no further than our neighborhood grocer and town gathering place, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods. You may think you’re simply picking up a few odds and ends to round out your family dinners for the week, but in actuality, you’re getting so much more. The products on their shelves and in their freezers are picked with care and intention. So much so that you leave with a bag filled with local meats, homegrown produce, and countless other delicious items, each packaged with a unique local
- Website
- (952) 442-4244
- Website
- (612) 849-8125
- Map
- (952) 290-0944
- Map
- (612) 799-8796
Local. Authentic. Distinctive.
.jpg){kind=logo}
Growing Waconia
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods: A Legacy of Giving and Growing Together
The ingredients for a magical holiday season are a heaping spoonful of amazing people, a dash of delicious food and drink, and a generous helping of heartwarming charm. Add a hearty dose of goodwill and the giving spirit and you’ve got yourself a pretty joyful celebration. As you set out to gather all the Yuletide
Local Farming Businesses
When you think farming, you may think only of animal and produce farms, but the agricultural landscape is vast, and Waconia has a little bit of everything–coupled with a lot of heart. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Gongoll Beef, a third-generation crop and beef farm where passion for their craft is evident in
Farm to Table
You can easily fill a day (or two or three) in Waconia with unique experiences hosted by culinary experts. Molly’s is the perfect place to awaken the foodie in you. Made with love and purpose, each dish, or experience, as Molly likes to call them, is a practice in stopping, savoring, and soaking in good
Farm to Glass
With five libation destinations, you’ll never go thirsty in Waconia! As you pour your glass of Schram Vineyards’ Marquette 2022 or The Winery at Sovereign Estate’s Talon Crest, keep in mind that those lush vineyards are right outside the door. The growing, harvesting, pressing, fermenting, and timing and the precision of this art is done
Farming Experiences & Entertainment
Because we know you’re curious, let’s circle back to our neighborhood llama farm, Carlson’s Llovable Llamas. As you drive into Waconia on Highway 10, you’ll be pleasantly surprised–that is, if you haven’t already slowed down, pointed and said, ‘Hey, are those llamas?”–when you see a herd of fluffy, charming llamas happily grazing in their pen or frolicking on the hillside. Schedule a visit year-round to look into these sociable animals’ human-like eyes, participate in their Adopt-A-Llama program, celebrate your birthday with them, or have them come to you with a llama therapy visit. You’ll also be hard-pressed to attend a community-wide event like the Tree Lighting in the Park without their spunky personalities adding to the charm of the evening–and if you’re a knitter, you can purchase their high-quality, lanolin-free wool from at the farm. When someone asks, “Have you hugged a llama today?” You can answer with an exuberant “Yes!”
In the (extreme) entertainment category, head to the Carver County fairgrounds on a hot summer night for more than barrel racing and open breakaways–you’ll experience heritage, energy, and a whole lot of community spirit at the rodeo. This connection of rodeo-goers to the agricultural lifestyle is nothing short of exciting and immersive as the hard work and traditions of rural communities are on display for all to see and enjoy
Farming Education
Yes, the Minnesota State Fair is a huge hit, drawing people from all over the country, but have you been to the unforgettable, homegrown Carver County Fair? It’s the best 5 days of the summer because whether you have a llama (Carlson’s, of course) or swine or dairy cattle to show through 4-H, entering your homemade jam in the canning and preservation department, or want to be a contestant on the Wheels of Agriculture Game Show, there’s a place for you here. The Carver County Fair is like a warm weather classroom– with funnel cakes and french fries. Learn what’s locally grown and how, see the livestock up close and personal, and simply soak up this event oozing with small-town charm and big-time fun.
Less than a mile down the road from the festival grounds, you’ll find another teaching hub. At the Carver County Historical Society, there are field trips full of kids, a calendar of events, and so much history. Interested in feeling more connected to the land you live on and its story? Looking for gardening or composting inspiration? Looking to learn some old-school methods of gardening and composting that you can put into practice? This is where history and hands-on learning come together seamlessly.
U-pick Farming
It’s spring, and you’re ready to adorn your dining room tables and window sills with beauty of the floral variety. Lakeside Farm and Flowers isn’t your everyday flower garden, it’s an immersive U-pick flower and pumpkin experience. As you turn onto the dirt road that leads to this colorful oasis, you’ll feel your blood pressure drop and your creative juices begin to flow. Planted, nurtured, and cultivated by a local family, no matter if you’re a floral novice or putting together bouquets is your thing, you’ll leave feeling accomplished and excited to show off your masterpiece.
Fast forward a season, and what better way to enjoy every aspect of your favorite fall fruit than personally picking a crisp, ripe apple off the branch? You can do just that at Deardorff Orchards! This 120-acre historic farm is home to over 3,000 apple trees that grow a wide variety of seasonal picks like Honeycrisp and Haralson and six varieties of Minnesota cold-climate wine grapes. And it’s not just apple picking that makes Deardorff an autumn must-stop; this picturesque spot offers the complete Minnesota experience with tractor-pulled wagon rides, pumpkin picking, photo ops, and other delectable, gorgeous goodies like mums and honey. Located in their idyllic apple barn, you’ll find the tasting room for Parley Lake Winery. If you’re craving more apple, you’re in luck–some of the apples and all of the grapes grown here are featured in Parley’s Lakes’ remarkable wines. And as you sip, indulge in fare from local food trucks while the sounds of local live bands play in the background.
