Wilmington's newest agritourism farm offers fresh family fun

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.-- There is a fresh new look to an old farm in the rolling hills of Wilmington Township in Mercer County.   Irons Mill Farmstead is a product of city smarts combined with the ancient art of farming.  It's the area's newest example of agritourism.

Rob and Stacy Milliron lived in the suburbs of Pittsburgh a scant three years ago with Rob working in the mortgage business and Stacy busy at home with small children. Both were content to shop at the local grocery store, and neither thought much beyond that point in regards to where their food came from.

What started as a Sunday Easter drive to Volant turned into an exploration of the Wilmington area, a dinner at a local restaurant, interaction with the people, and a newly found appreciation for the country life.  Shortly after that a farm in the area went up for sale and the Millirons made a very daring jump from the nicely packaged and processed life in the city to the wild unknown of farming.

A definite time of adjustment followed.

“I knew nothing about cattle, I knew nothing about sheep, I knew nothing about farming at all,” Iron Mill Farmstead owner Rob Milliron said.

The Milliron family operates the Iron Mills Farmstead in Wilmington Township.  Image source:  Iron Mills Farmstead. 

The Milliron family buckled down and learned from every available source- books, the internet, and local farmers willing to talk. The family is now into their third year of farm life and adding another new phase to their dreams.  They are one of many family farms investing in the growning trend of agritourism.  Many farms and orchards cash in on harvest season with timely events, activities and more designed to attract visitors. The Milliron family is clearly invested into the trend.  Agritourism is a multi-million dollar industry.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, tourism generated about $566 million for more than 23,000 U.S. farms in 2007.

The Farmstead is now open to the public during the autumn season for a slew of fall festivities. Old fashioned Hay rides, corn maze, pumpkin launch, corncob beach and more are now available for families looking to enjoy a taste of the country. Those from the city will appreciate the directions and details readily available on their website, and entrance tickets and snacks can be purchased with the simple swipe of a debit card. The best of both worlds come together under the clear blue sky of a gorgeous autumn day.

Since the big move, one very satisfying sight for Rob and Stacy Milliron to see is their own kids racing through the fields until they can’t possibly run any more. Now they are excited to see other families get a taste of that as well. This new endeavor is purposeful in being family friendly and helping “make lots of great memories.”

Some of the activities at the Farmstead include: 

• 10 Acre Non-Scare Corn Maze
• Pumpkin Meadow
• Farm Hayrides
• Rubber Duck Races
• Cackleberry Bounce
• Hay Slide Hill - the Farm Barnstead
• Corncob Beach
• Climb Mt. Arthur
• Grandma Kettle’s Kitchen
• Hop Hop on Jumpin’ Jackdaws