Tours

Tuesday is Tour Day! Please note that some tours have restrictions, which are noted in RED.

Tour 1: Orchards

Apples on a branch
"Untitled" [CC-BY-CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)], via Pixabay.

Historic Round Barn & Farm Market

The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is a family owned and operated farm market just 8 miles west of the Civil War town Gettysburg. Built in 1914, it is one of only a handful of truly round barns surviving today. Set in a scene of picturesque Pennsylvania foothills, you'll love its beautiful architecture against the rolling, orchard-covered hills. Whether you're here for an event, our fresh fruit, or just exploring, we think you'll find it's a truly well rounded experience.

We keep busy growing over 30 types of apples, 20 types of peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums, pears, cherries, berries, and grapes. Phew, that's quite a list...and that's just the fruit. In our spare time - do farmers have that? - we have expanded into vegetables, including sensational sweet corn, amazing asparagus, tasty tomatoes and others like peppers, cucumbers, zucchinis and egg plants. Plus, plenty of pumpkins, from jack-o-lanterns to pie pumpkins to beautiful heirloom varietals.

Fruit Research and Extension Center

The Fruit Research and Extension Center (FREC) in Biglerville is situated on 125 acres of fertile land in south-central Pennsylvania, in the heart of the major tree fruit production area of the state. The center's total orchard and land holdings include an additional 55 acres approximately three miles west of Biglerville, near Arendtsville.

The southcentral and southeastern counties of Pennsylvania grow about 80 percent (23,966 acres) of the state's apples and pears and approximately 84 percent (7,774 acres) of the stone fruits (peach, nectarine, plum, and cherry). Located in the area are two major processing companies that manufacture a variety of fruit products such as apple sauce, pie filling, apple juice, and specialty fruit products. Commercial productions of apples, peaches, nectarines, cherries, pears, and plums are valued at approximately $84 million annually.

The center is part of the research and extension division of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. In addition to providing site-specific conditions for research, the facility increases opportunities for growers, consultants, consumers, and students to observe experiments and to consult with scientists. Extension specialists apply experimental findings to local conditions, and, in turn, make suggestions to scientists about new research needs.

McCleaf’s Orchard

Located near Gettysburg, in the hills of Adams County, Pennsylvania, McCleaf's Orchard is a 5th generation family farm. We grow a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables for direct sale to our wonderful customers and farm with sustainable practices, evidenced by our Primus and IPM certifications. On our 52 acre historic farm we grow apples, peaches, plums, apricots, pears, cherries, pluots, kiwi berries, other unique fruit offerings as well as a wide variety of vegetables and herbs. We strongly believe in creating a biologically diverse farm, creating natural protection for our fruits and vegetables, while keeping our minds always stimulated with something new to learn!

Our marketing takes us to ten farmers markets across Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Tour 2: Productivity

Harley Davidson chrome
"Untitled" [CC-BY-CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0)], via Pixabay.

Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations

Established as an assembly facility in 1973, Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operations in York, PA assembles the Touring, CVO™ and Trike models. They also perform a variety of manufacturing operations - making parts like frames, fuel tanks, and fenders.

At the Vaughn L. Beals Tour Center, you'll explore exhibits that detail the manufacturing and assembly processes of the factory. You'll also have the chance to sit on current production motorcycles and visit the gift shop for tour-related souvenirs. The Kids Corner, a specially designed area for visitors under the age of 12, makes the York facility an ideal family destination.

Your factory tour begins with an introductory video and continues on the factory floor where you'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes and products of Vehicle Operations. You'll be guided through the manufacturing of key components and the assembly of Touring, CVO and Trike motorcycles. Then it's on to the end of the line, where every motorcycle is roll-tested prior to shipping.

Over the years, thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts have made the journey to York, Pennsylvania to witness passion forged in steel.

IMPORTANT VISITOR GUIDELINES AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
  • Cameras or recording devices are not allowed in the plant.
  • Photography is permitted in the Tour Center.
  • Bags or packages such as backpacks, luggage and camera bags are not allowed in the factory.
  • Fully-enclosed, low-heeled (one inch or less) shoes are required.
  • Children under the age of 12 are not allowed on the factory tour. Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please notify us if you have disability-related needs. Every effort will be made to accommodate you.

YorKitchen and Central Market

YorKitchen is a unique service to residents of the City of York, the surrounding Central Pennsylvania area and beyond. It is a shared commercial kitchen incubator available for rent by the hour to food producers, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Located downtown in the annex of Central Market House, the kitchen is located in the middle of a produce and food hub. Typically, what stands between the farmer or food entrepreneur and creating a new venture is the start-up costs to construct a licensed commercial kitchen to prepare their new products.

Central Market York, is a historic public market located in Downtown York, Pennsylvania, York County, Pennsylvania. Market shoppers enjoy the finest in locally grown flowers and produce, baked goods, fresh seafood, meats, deli products and many specialty items while sellers network and hawk their wares in a bustling, supportive environment. Locals and visitors alike find fresh local flavor at the many prepared food vendors, with tons of seating for mingling and making the rounds.

Penn State Southeast Ag Research & Extension Center

SEAREC is home to Penn State's applied field research program in the south central region of the state.

The work that takes place at the Center reflects the rich agricultural diversity of the region and surrounding Mid-Atlantic States. The Center is located in Lancaster County, in the heart of the most intensive farming area in Pennsylvania.

The Center is a proving ground for the best ideas and methods that come out of the University’s laboratories and greenhouses. At SEAREC these concepts are refined and tested in a field setting before being introduced into practice by Pennsylvania growers. SEAREC also serves as a showcase where farmers, industry professionals, consumers and lawmakers gather to learn novel or improved farming practices and gain insight into production agriculture, gardening and scientific research.

Tour 3: Dairy

A modern American milking parlor.
"Carousel Dairy" By NRCS [CC-BY-ND 2.0], via Flickr.

Kreider Farms

Today, the Kreider family, under the third generation leadership of Ron Kreider, and a dedicated staff of approximately 475 people, operate a diverse farming business encompassing approximately 3,000 acres. The dairy and egg operations, which house 1,700 dairy cows and 6 million chickens, supply retail and wholesale customers with farm-fresh milk, ice cream and eggs.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a real, working dairy farm on the Kreider Farms tour. This tour features a high-tech view of farming, including a drive down the middle of their "Cow Palace" barn and a bird's eye view of the milking carousel where they milk 1700 cows, 3 times every day.

Root’s Country Market & Auction

Welcome to Root's Market, home of the oldest single family-run country market in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. From its humble beginnings as a poultry auction in 1925, Root's Market has evolved over the years to become a piece of Lancaster County heritage offering fresh food and a wide variety of items for sale.

There's something for everyone at Root's. Every Tuesday, Root's Market features its produce auction as well as fresh meats, deli, bakery items, flowers, handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles and household items from over 200 standholders.

Brubaker Farms

Brubaker Farms is a family owned and operated dairy operation, with 1,000 plus acres of crops (corn, soybeans, wheat, rye and alfalfa); 935 dairy cows, 800 replacement heifers and 50,000 broiler chickens.

Brubaker Farms is owned by Luke and Barbara Brubaker in partnership with their two sons, Mike and Tony. Luke oversees all operations, receipts and billing, and is the groundskeeper. Mike is responsible for crops, nutrient management, government programs and management of outside labor. Tony manages the overall herd, the heifers and inside labor.

On this part of tour, participants will see how they care for, milk and produce their dairy products first-hand. You will get the opportunity to take a ride with Owner Luke Brubaker in his family-owned open wagon and visit their various grazing and field crop land.

Last Update: 6/12/18