Trendsetters? Iowa farm was an agritourism destination 30 years ago

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Farms aren’t fun. Right? Someone tell Samantha (Sammy) Petersen of Bloomsbury Farm in Atkins, Iowa. As a 5th generation farmer she has helped her parents build an agritourism destination in the Eastern Iowa empire. While many Iowa farms have been jumping into the agritourism trend, Peterson says her mother jumped on the trend 30 years ago. Talk about agritourism trendsetters!

Starting out as a grain farm, today Bloomsbury Farm is growing “U-Pick” flowers, has acres of tulip gardens, and of course has a pumpkin patch, but the big attraction is Instagram-worthy experience. Petersen explains all the thought that went around creating an immersive outdoor farm experience for their guests. They’ve even gone as far to help guests pick the right time for that cute photo with their golden-hour date night, and strategically placed camera stands so you can rub it in your coastal elite friends’ faces.

How A 6th Generation Farm Became an Agritourism Destination

The farm that has evolved from traditional grain production into one of the state’s most vibrant agritourism destinations. With a legacy rooted in creativity and entrepreneurship, Sammy’s parents initiated the farm’s transformation over three decades ago, starting with a simple greenhouse and fall pumpkin patch. Today, Sammy and her sister lead the charge in a new era of diversified attractions that include seasonal festivals, flower fields, live music, and food experiences designed to engage visitors of all ages.

Bloomsbury Farm: Lasting Family Memories Through Rural Experiences

Under Sammy’s leadership, Bloomsbury Farm has become a hub for memory-making and agricultural connection. From spring tulip festivals to summer sunflower fields and Halloween-themed haunts, the farm is a place where visitors can enjoy immersive experiences across seasons. While the attractions—like corn mazes, hayrack rides, and a mini zip line—offer fun for families, they also subtly reconnect people to the roots of agriculture. Sammy emphasizes that while education is woven into the experience, the true draw is providing a space for community gathering and celebration in a rural setting.

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Instagram-Ready Attractions and the Experience Economy

One of Bloomsbury Farm’s distinctive innovations lies in its embrace of the experience economy and social media culture. Every festival and attraction is designed not just for enjoyment but also for visual storytelling. Sammy and her team have created purposeful photo opportunities and “selfie stations,” encouraging guests to share their experiences online. Whether it’s sipping vibrant specialty drinks in branded cups or wandering through a sunset-lit tulip field during a golden hour date night, every detail is crafted to delight both in person and on screen. Bloomsbury Farm has successfully leveraged digital sharing as a key part of its marketing and community-building strategy, drawing visitors from across Iowa and neighboring states.