Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, Michigan, offers a working farm experience where you can interact with animals, explore gardens, and learn about sustainable agriculture in a beautiful northern Michigan setting. Whether you’re traveling with children looking for hands-on activities or seeking a peaceful rural escape, this destination combines education with genuine farm life.
This guide explains what you’ll find at Pond Hill Farm, how to plan your visit, what activities are available, and how to make the most of your time at this community-focused farm.
What Is Pond Hill Farm and Why Should You Visit?
Pond Hill Farm is a non-profit educational farm that provides visitors with direct access to farm animals, organic gardens, and agricultural programs in a scenic 130-acre property near Little Traverse Bay. You can feed animals, walk through cultivated fields, attend workshops, and purchase fresh produce while learning about local food systems and environmental stewardship in a hands-on setting that appeals to families, school groups, and anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.
Location and Access
The farm sits approximately three miles east of downtown Harbor Springs in northern Michigan’s Emmet County. You’ll reach it by car via Highway M-119, with clear signage directing you to the entrance off Pond Hill Road.
Harbor Springs is roughly 285 miles north of Detroit and about 60 miles northeast of Traverse City. The nearest commercial airport is Pellston Regional Airport, approximately 15 miles away, though most visitors fly into Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City and drive north along scenic coastal routes.
Getting There
Personal vehicles provide the most practical access, as public transportation options in this rural area are limited. Parking is available on-site at no charge, with spaces suitable for standard cars and accessible parking near the main farm buildings.
If you’re staying in Harbor Springs, Petoskey, or nearby resort areas, the farm makes an easy half-day excursion. The drive from Petoskey takes about 15 minutes.
When to Visit
Pond Hill Farm operates seasonally from late spring through fall, typically opening in May and closing in October. The exact opening and closing dates vary each year based on weather and staffing, so verify the current schedule through the farm’s official website or contact information before planning your trip.
Summer months from June through August see the busiest visitor traffic, especially during weekday mornings when camp groups and educational programs are scheduled. Weekday afternoons and weekend mornings during summer generally offer a quieter experience with full access to animals and gardens.
Seasonal Considerations
Early summer brings newborn animals including lambs, kids, and chicks, which appeals particularly to families with young children. Late summer and early fall feature harvest activities, with ripe vegetables in the gardens and opportunities to see food preservation demonstrations.
Northern Michigan weather can be unpredictable even in summer. Temperatures may range from the 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit (15-28°C), with occasional rain showers requiring appropriate outerwear.
What You’ll Experience
Pond Hill Farm focuses on interactive education rather than passive observation. The experience centers on direct engagement with farm life through structured and informal activities.
Animal Interactions
The farm houses various livestock breeds including sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, and sometimes cattle. You can enter designated pens to pet and feed animals using farm-provided food, following staff guidance to ensure both visitor safety and animal welfare.
Animal feeding times are scheduled throughout the day, and staff members share information about each species, their care requirements, and their role in the farm ecosystem. Children particularly enjoy the hands-on feeding experiences, though supervision is required for younger visitors.
Gardens and Growing Areas
Multiple garden spaces demonstrate organic growing methods, companion planting, and seasonal crop rotation. Walking paths allow you to explore vegetable gardens, herb beds, pollinator gardens, and fruit-growing areas while reading interpretive signs explaining cultivation techniques.
The farm grows produce for its farm stand and local food programs. You may see staff and volunteers working in the gardens, and you’re often welcome to ask questions about specific plants or growing methods.
Educational Programs and Workshops
Pond Hill Farm offers workshops, classes, and special events throughout the operating season. Topics range from cheese-making and canning to beekeeping and composting, with varying skill levels and age requirements.
Many programs require advance registration and charge participation fees. Check the farm’s current program calendar well before your visit if you’re interested in specific workshops, as popular sessions fill quickly.
Planning Your Visit
Most visitors spend between one and three hours at the farm, depending on whether they participate in scheduled programs or simply explore the grounds and interact with animals. Families with young children often stay longer, as the open space allows kids to move freely in a controlled environment.
What to Bring
- Closed-toe shoes with good traction for walking on uneven, potentially muddy paths
- Sun protection including hats and sunscreen, as much of the farm has limited shade
- Insect repellent during summer months
- Light rain jacket or layered clothing to adapt to changing weather
- Hand sanitizer or wipes, though handwashing stations are available
- Reusable water bottles, especially for children
- Cash or card for farm stand purchases, as payment options may vary
Admission and Costs
Pond Hill Farm typically operates on a suggested donation basis rather than fixed admission fees, as it functions as a non-profit educational organization. Specific programs, workshops, and events carry separate fees.
Farm stand purchases and any special event tickets require additional payment. Since pricing structures and donation suggestions can change, confirm current visitor contribution expectations before your visit.
Practical Considerations
The farm’s rural setting and working agricultural focus require some physical preparation and awareness. Paths are generally unpaved and may become muddy after rain, making the terrain challenging for standard wheelchairs or strollers, though sturdy all-terrain models navigate better.
Contact the farm in advance if you have specific accessibility needs, as staff can provide current information about path conditions and suggest the most accessible routes to animal areas and gardens. Some buildings and structures may have steps or uneven thresholds.
Visitor Guidelines
As a working farm with live animals, certain safety and respect protocols apply. You’ll need to follow staff instructions regarding which areas are open to visitors, how to approach and handle animals, and where children must remain supervised.
The farm prohibits outside food for animals, as improper feeding can harm livestock. Smoking is typically not permitted in farm buildings or near animals, and dogs are generally not allowed except for service animals, though policies should be confirmed before bringing any pets.
The Farm Stand and Fresh Produce
An on-site farm stand sells vegetables, herbs, eggs, and other products grown or produced at Pond Hill Farm. Availability depends entirely on what’s currently harvested, so selection varies significantly by week and season.
Peak summer months offer the widest variety, including tomatoes, greens, root vegetables, and herbs. The stand also sometimes carries value-added products like jams, baked goods using farm ingredients, or items from other local producers.
Combining Pond Hill Farm with Other Harbor Springs Activities
The farm works well as part of a broader Harbor Springs or northern Michigan itinerary rather than as a standalone destination. Most visitors combine it with other regional attractions to create a full day or multi-day trip.
Nearby Attractions
- Downtown Harbor Springs’ waterfront, shops, and restaurants (3 miles west)
- Petoskey State Park beach on Little Traverse Bay (8 miles southwest)
- Tunnel of Trees scenic drive along M-119 (starting just north of Harbor Springs)
- Boyne Highlands Resort for summer activities or winter skiing (10 miles southeast)
- Petoskey’s Gaslight District and waterfront park (12 miles southwest)
Harbor Springs and the surrounding area offer numerous lodging options from resort properties to vacation rentals and small inns. Staying in either Harbor Springs or Petoskey puts you within easy driving distance of Pond Hill Farm while providing access to dining, shopping, and other attractions.
Who Will Enjoy This Destination
Pond Hill Farm appeals most strongly to families with children ages two through twelve, as the hands-on animal interactions and open space for exploration match this age group’s interests and energy levels. Educational homeschool families and those interested in sustainable agriculture also find substantial value in the programs and demonstrations.
The farm offers less appeal for travelers seeking dramatic scenery, intensive outdoor recreation, or cultural attractions, though it provides a pleasant and educational break from more typical tourist activities. Visitors with limited mobility should assess current path conditions, as the rural infrastructure may present challenges not found at more developed attractions.
Supporting the Farm
As a non-profit organization, Pond Hill Farm relies on visitor donations, program fees, memberships, and community support to maintain operations and educational programming. Purchasing produce at the farm stand, making suggested donations, or signing up for paid workshops directly supports the farm’s mission.
Volunteer opportunities exist for those spending extended time in the area. The farm often needs help with garden maintenance, animal care, and program support, with volunteer information typically available through their website or by direct inquiry.
What to Know Before You Go
Operating hours, program schedules, and farm stand availability change frequently based on season, weather, staffing, and agricultural schedules. Always verify current hours and confirm the farm is open before making the trip, especially early or late in the season or if you’re interested in specific programs or workshops.
Cell phone service in rural northern Michigan can be inconsistent. Save contact information and directions before leaving areas with reliable connectivity, or plan to stop in Harbor Springs to confirm details before driving to the farm.
Making the Most of Your Experience
Arrive when the farm opens to enjoy cooler temperatures, more active animals, and smaller crowds, especially during peak summer weeks. Staff members are most available to answer questions and provide guidance during less busy periods, enhancing the educational value of your visit.
Ask about any informal demonstrations or feeding times happening during your visit. These unscheduled moments often provide the richest learning experiences and most memorable animal interactions, particularly for children who may lose interest in more structured activities.
Pond Hill Farm provides a genuine working farm experience that connects visitors with food production, animal husbandry, and agricultural stewardship in Michigan’s beautiful northern region. Check the farm’s official resources for current visiting information, program schedules, and any seasonal closures, then plan accordingly to match your interests, travel dates, and the specific experiences most important to your group.
We hope this guide helps you plan your agricultural adventure in northern Michigan and discover other fascinating destinations worth exploring.