Destination: Pizza Farms

Minnesota is an interesting state.  Traditionally, farms conjure images of wheat fields, livestock and dairy production.  They consist of large tracts of land worked by one family for generations.  In recent years, Minnesotans have tweaked that picture.  They may now involve the community to help young families grow a successful farm through CSA programs or produce alternative sources of energy on solar or wind farms.  They may even feature the newest cash crop at any enterprising establishment, like pizza.

Pizza farms--the latest destination for a fun weekend in the Midwest.  And, although they may be found around the country, pizza farms have sprouted in greater number along the upper Mississippi in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  These farms not only serve up tasty and non-traditional kinds of pizza, but they do so with ingredients solely produced on the farm, which means the specialty pizzas change with the season.  Each location is a working farm with fields and animals, rolling hills and beautiful scenery, and things like electric fences.  Pizza Night at some farms like the Red Barn Farm in Northfield, MN, means pizza, live music, and the ambiance of the rural setting which may also serve as the perfect venue for weddings or private events.  Pizza Night at places like Suncrest Gardens in Cochrane, WI means playing and visiting as much as eating. They sport a playground and lots of room for children to run, spill, and play.  Then there are the themed Pizza Nights and luncheons at Long Lake, MN's Two Pony Gardens and the classes and workshops on urban and organic farming at Borner Farm Project in Prescott WI.  Or start where it all began in 1998 and visit A to Z Produce and Bakery in Stockholm, WI.  Some of these events require tickets and all the Pizza Nights are open on different days of the week with different ordering times with the season beginning anytime in March until October. 

Pizza Farms are popular and frequented by many from both sides of the Mississippi so don't be surprised if you have to wait a while to get your pizza, like two hours or more.  The farms' FAQs include helpful hints about what to bring such as picnic supplies, food you may want besides pizza--not all farms have other foods available for purchase, and things to do while you wait for your pizza.  They also tell you what NOT to bring.  For the best experience, check out their websites before going, see links at end of article, and plan a special summer trip to a pizza farm near (or not so near) you.

For more information, go to

www.cnn.com/2015/07/02/travel/best-of-usa-pizza-farms/  www.atozproduceandbakery.com;  www.redbarnfarmofnorthfield.com ;

www.suncrestgardensfarm.com;  www.twoponygardens.com; www.bornerfarmproject.com

CREDIT:  pizza oven from startribune.com

Red Barn collage from diningwithalice.com