"Farmstay" generally means being on a farm to absorb the atmosphere and lifestyle. It may not involve actually joining in chores or even closely observing, because animals could be spooked and machinery can be dangerous. Also, for traditional farmstays, with crops or livestock, the owners simply must be off working for much of the day. In our short Minnesota summer time is precious, and their first job is farming. So, If you hoped to hold a lamb or help toss a few bales definitely ask beforehand about what is doable and when.
A "foreststay" is lodging in woodlands which generate household income through forestry, or are being actively managed for habitat and forest health. The state has no farmstay/foreststay council, or standardization, so one stay will be quite different from the next.
Below is a map to help you understand the relative locations and the distances between the state’s various farmstays and foreststays. Minnesota is profoundly diverse in geography, and the location of a stay tells you much about its environment and the surrounding activities and attractions.
Kent at GREEN ISLAND will be happy to help you think through an upcoming stay, and even more happy to help you truly experience this state by traveling from one stay to another.
Call evenings (218) 631- 3084 or email rscheer@charter.net
