A Trip Unexpectedly Discovers Feltz Dairy Farm in Plover…The Real Thing
Feltz Farm gives additional inspiration to “farming in Wisconsin”. The real deal in the middle of farmland near Plover, Wisconsin. A fun trip for the kids.
Visit: Saturday, May 11, 2024
As we were leaving the Plover farm exploration center, we stumbled upon a real-life farm with a connected dairy store and playground – an unexpected delight that has inspired our Barnyard Estates project.
The Feltz Dairy Store was a red barn-like structure surrounded by farm land. Walking into the red barn store, we were immediately struck by the "home-town, family feel" it exuded. The simple, transparent porch with seating added to the welcoming ambiance.
Inside the store, we were met with a retail experience unlike any other. Over 250 varieties of Wisconsin-made cheese, along with other local products, were available for purchase. In addition, there was an abundance of cheese curds, ice cream, and candy, with ample seating to enjoy dairy treats right on the premises. We hit the road with a chocolate waffle cone in our hands. This is similar to the Pulaski Heritage Center & Gift Shop that we would like to include in the Barnyard Estates. In fact, we have been in contact with a large cheese manufacturer to help tell their story within the Barnyard Estates. In addition, we are working on the history of all of the small local cheese manufacturers this area was once known for. We want to tell our story, the history of Pulaski and surrounding areas, and how these local cheese factories were a huge part of this farming community. This is will be wonderful addition to the Barnyard Estates, and it will help a nationally know company share their roots as well.
This experience at the farm, for us and for anyone that visits, is an opportunity to truly connect with the source of the products. A video showcased the farm and the dairy production process, while a window allowed us to observe the cows being milked. There was a cow-themed merry-go-round, which was a great attraction for kids.
The Feltz Dairy Store also offers inexpensive tours and hosts events like the upcoming Dairy Palooza. This “experience”, with activities such as farm tours, hay rides, and a petting zoo was an added benefit to the store. We too want to provide and experience at the Barnyard Estates, so even though the recreational area has been eliminated, we may find a way to sprinkle in some “experiences” that tell our story, and history of the area.
The outdoor playground was a true standout, with a real combine equipped with a ramp that allowed children to get a hands-on feel for farm equipment. The opportunity to interact with the goats was an added bonus.
This accidental discovery has provided us with invaluable inspiration for our Barnyard Estates project. Specifically, the gift store and souvenir shop have become a focal point, as we recognize the importance of capitalizing on tourism and sharing local products with the world.
Moreover, the Feltz Dairy Store's emphasis on education and the opportunity to learn about food production has reinforced our belief that this is a crucial element for our community. Showcasing the origins of our food and the processes involved is a key priority.
Overall, the simplicity and genuine charm of the Feltz Dairy Store have proven that you don't need the latest technology to create a memorable and engaging experience. Seeing the impressive "Buttercup," the massive Holstein cow, has solidified our conviction that having a cow of this size is a must-have for the Barnyard Estates.
The Feltz Dairy Store has been a wonderful source of inspiration, and we are excited to incorporate the lessons we've learned into our own Barnyard Estates project. If you’d like to visit Feltz Dairy Store, we would highly recommend it - and bring the kids or grandkids too! For more information visit this link - https://feltzsdairystore.com/.
