If you’ve ever driven by Manitowoc, you may have noticed a giant, modern-looking red barn located just off the highway.
It’s actually not a farm – it’s the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, a hands-on, agricultural museum for kids.
Just an hour north of Milwaukee, it’s a vibrant, interactive experience that brings the farm to life for visitors of all ages with engaging exhibits that are both educational and downright fun.
Hands-On Exhibits
Have you ever milked a cow? Well, at the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center, you can try your hand at a cow-milking station or even churn butter the old-fashioned way.
Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture, from alfalfa to zucchini, is celebrated throughout the exhibits.
The center dives into how technology has revolutionized dairy farming, ensuring cows are well cared for while optimizing milk production.
Dive into the science of agriculture with kinetic sand to learn about rainfall, take the driver’s seat in a tractor simulator, a feel what the fur of different animals feels like.
Through interactive displays and firsthand stories from farmers, you’ll discover the multitude of connections between agriculture and your daily life.
Land O’Lakes Birthing Barn
One of the center’s crown jewels is the Land O’Lakes Birthing Barn.
Here, visitors have the unique opportunity to witness the miracle of calf birth. In the hour after the calf is born, you’ll see it wobble around, slowly finding its way and learning to walk.
It’s an exciting and educational experience that will definitely capture the attention of your kids, and your child may even get the opportunity to name the new calf.
This space allows you to observe the beginning of life, emphasizing the cycle of nature and the care given to these animals from their first moments.
Virtual Farm Tours
Virtual farm tours offer a glimpse into the life of Wisconsin’s family-owned farms, illustrating the blend of tradition and innovation that defines modern agriculture.
Wisconsin Café
After all that exploration, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite.
The Wisconsin Café offers a farm-to-table experience that celebrates local, fresh ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, the café provides a delicious way to round out your visit.
Ice Cream Acres
And what’s a day on the farm without a sweet treat?
Ice Cream Acres serves up premium, small-batch ice cream in a delightful array of flavors.
Sponsored by Cedar Crest, this spot is a testament to Wisconsin’s love affair with ice cream. Choosing a flavor may be a challenge, but it’s one of the sweetest dilemmas you’ll face.
Wrapping Up
The Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center offers a comprehensive look into the heart of America’s Dairyland, making it a must-visit for families, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, technology, and sustainability.
Whether you’re 2 or 102, this is a place where curiosity flourishes and the farm-to-table journey comes full circle.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.