Registration open for MSU Extension’s Agritourism Summit, Tour

Michigan State University Extension has announced details for its 2026 Agritourism Summit.

The university says this year’s theme — Cultivating Opportunities Through Collaboration, Innovation and Policy — reflects a commitment to supporting vibrant, resilient agritourism across Michigan.

The Summit brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, municipal officials and rural advocates to explore emerging trends, share best practices and build meaningful connections that strengthen the state’s rural economy. Networking is encouraged to cultivate a community that encourages economic growth through the preservation of local agriculture.

The 2026 Agritourism Summit will be held at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Mich., on Wed., May 14, from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Preceding the event on Tues., May 13, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., will be the Pre-Summit Farm Tour featuring stops at multiple agritourism establishments across Antrim and Grand Traverse Counties, followed by a Welcome Soirée at Flintfields Horse Park.

Pre-Summit Farm Tour & Soirée: Tuesday, May 13

Get registered for the Pre-Summit Farm Tour as soon as possible, because space is limited to 54 participants.

The Extension-curated tour (9:00 a.m.–7:45 p.m.) includes behind‑the‑scenes experiences at:

• King Orchards Home Farm
• Cellar 1914
• Ethanology Distillery & Spirit House
• Providence Organic Farm Market & Café
• Short’s Brewing Elk Rapids Pull Barn
• Flintfields Horse Park (final stop & Soirée venue)

Tour registration includes roundtrip transportation from the Grand Traverse Resort, lunch at Providence Organic Farm, locally crafted food and beverage samples and entry to the evening Soirée.

The Soirée & Networking Event (5:00–7:45 p.m.) at Flintfields Horse Park features locally sourced food and beverages with a menu cultivated by award-winning James Beard chef Jimmy Schmidt, two complimentary drink tickets, live equestrian jumper demonstrations, an agritourism expo and opportunities to connect with industry leaders.

Agritourism Summit: May 14 

Held in the Tower Ballroom at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., the Summit includes:

• Welcome address from Ben LaCross, President, Michigan Farm Bureau
• Keynote from Tim Boring, Ph.D., Director, Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development
• Panel discussions with Michigan agritourism operators
• Morning and afternoon breakout sessions covering marketing, finance, farm stays, zoning/ordinance strategies, Michigan Right to Farm Act basics and realistic agritourism scenarios
• Coffee, locally sourced lunch and refreshments included

Full Agenda & Speakers: 2026 Agritourism Summit Agenda

Get registered for the 2026 Agritourism Summit via this link.