Schnepf Farms: Gardens, Tours, Events And More

Schnepf Farms is more than just a farm. With a Country Store & Bakery, U-Pick Gardens, special dinner events, guided tours and campsites, the possibilities for family fun are seemingly endless. And the history that makes up Schnepf Farms is equally as intriguing, as the combination of old and new buildings coupled with the family’s passion for farming creates a truly magical experience.

Don’t believe us? Well, how about this: The farm welcomes nearly a quarter million people per year. (Now that’s pretty impressive.)

Schnepf Farms has made some steady transitions from commercial farming to entertainment farming, while continuing to keep farming as the firm foundation of its mission. Planning around the existing orchards, they were able to incorporate rides, buildings and any other necessary additions to the property. The farm also educates thousands of school children on the importance of agriculture; it hosts weddings, and its fresh fruits and vegetables are always up for grabs.

The farm was originally the home and property of Ray and Thora Schnef, who cultivated cotton, wheat and vegetables. Later, in the ’60s, Ray began to grow potatoes for chips; and in the ’70s, they opened a vegetable stand that is now the Country Store & Bakery. Today, Mark and Carrie Schnepf with their four children are the sole operators of the farm. And in October 2006, Governor Janet Napolitano and the Arizona Office of Tourism designated Schnepf Farms as an Arizona treasure.

For a more hands-on activity, head into the farm’s organic, U-Pick Gardens. Here, you can roam its pesticide-free garden and gather vegetables for just $1.50 per pound. Grab a basket, and start pickin’!

Or, if you’re itching to learn about the farm’s history, Schnepf Farms offers tours Tuesday through Friday. These tours includes a guided hayride around the farm to view the organic gardens and orchards while learning the history of this 70-year-old family farm. Bus and group tours are also available, and you can bring your employees to the farm for a camping party or event!

Other events include Lil Farm Birthday parties held November through July. For $250, invite 40 of your closest friends and gather in a private area that comes complete with tables, unlimited train and carousel rides, and a private hayride to the petting barn. (Don’t worry; you can extend your invitation list at $10 per person.)

Dinners Down, the orchard’s fine dining event, consists of freshly picked food from the garden. This is a reservation-only event at $85 per person with all-inclusive tax and gratuity.

Educational opportunities are also available at Schnepf Farms, such as Veggie Picking and Fall Pumpkin Picking Visit. But, be sure to stop by the Farmhouse Museum. Considered to be the perfect wedding or private event spot surrounded by the peach orchards, country landscape and brick walkways, the museum also includes a room (with a fireplace) for an indoor reception as well as upscale bridal suites. This will makes any occasion cozy, charming and unforgettable.

For the outdoorsy folk, campsites are available, too — open year round with self check-in, free Wi-Fi, restroom and shower on-site, as well as bonfires within a fire ring. Bring your pets, too, as long as they’re on a leash. Here, you can plan your perfect camping event in comfort while still being connected to the great outdoors.