Preparing for your Visit

Remember the following:

1. Reserve your groups tour by clicking "Book Now" at the top of this webpage
2. If you choose you can pay upon arrival - please remember to bring your form of payment payable to Mortimer Farms
3. If you choose, order lunch as your reserve your tour through our booking webpage
4. Be sure to bring water!
5. Where comfortable, closed toe shoes
6. Be prepared to have a great time and learn a lot

Your day's schedule will look like the following:

1. Check-in and pay at the Market & Deli (please arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than your scheduled Grain Train ride).
2. Head over to the Life on the Farm stage at your reserved time. This is where the Grain Train will meet you. While you wait, you can choose which show you'd like to see.
3. After the show, it's time for an exciting Grain Train ride and tour (tour takes 45 minutes to one hour).
4. Take a break and enjoy your lunch (remember, if you brought your own lunch, please enjoy it in front of the Market & Deli).
5. Explore the self-guided educational displays, including the farm and ranch boards, the Farm Park, the Pick-your-own experience, the Animal Encounter, and the Market & Deli.

Please note that steps 3, 4, and 5 are self-guided activities, allowing you to plan and enjoy them at your own pace.

We're thrilled to provide you with an extraordinary day at Mortimer Farms, filled with fun, learning, and everlasting memories. Reserve your adventure now and get ready to embark on an incredible journey through the captivating world of farming and ranching! The guided portion of the tour takes between 45 minutes and an hour - during October this includes the corn maze, educational information, and picking pumpkins.

Life on the Farm Show

Get ready for an incredible start to your farm visit with the captivating "Life on the Farm" show! As soon as you arrive at the farm, this animatronic spectacle will be your first stop. Designed to align with Arizona curriculum requirements, the show offers a fascinating journey through the history of Arizona agriculture, technology advancements, environmental awareness, essential tools used by farmers and ranchers, and the fascinating process of how food is grown and raised.

Prepare to be amazed as you and your group immerse yourselves in this educational and entertaining experience. The "Life on the Farm" show sets the stage for an unforgettable day of learning and discovery.

Right after the show, the excitement continues with a Grain Train ride and tour around the farm. Hop aboard the Grain Train and explore the inner workings of our vibrant farm. You'll have the opportunity to witness firsthand the various operations and get a closer look at the fascinating processes that make a farm thrive.

Don't miss out on this fantastic combination of entertainment and education! The "Life on the Farm" show followed by the Grain Train ride promises to be an engaging and enlightening experience for all ages. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable farm adventure that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for agriculture and the incredible work of farmers and ranchers.

Gem Mining

Welcome to the exciting world of gem mining at Mortimer Farms! Not only is gem mining an absolute blast, but it also provides a unique educational experience for all participants. Let us take you on a journey that combines the rich history of our town's founding with a fun-filled gem mining adventure.

In the spring of 1863, the discovery of gold on Lynx Creek sparked a rush of settlers to the Dewey area. Among them was King Woolsey (1832–1879), a pioneer prospector, rancher, and Native American Exterminator. He played a significant role in the area's development by establishing the Agua Fria Ranch in what was then called "Woolsey Valley." We take inspiration from this fascinating history to create a gem mining experience that engages and educates our guests.

During your Farm Tour, you and your group have the wonderful opportunity to participate in gem mining. Discover the thrill of sifting through mining rough in search of precious gems. It's a hands-on activity that combines entertainment with valuable insights into our town's past.

To make the most of your visit, we highly encourage your group to book the Gem Mining experience online. By doing so, you can secure your spots and save on the admission fee. Gem Mining is available for $8.00 once you arrive at the farm, or you can take advantage of our online booking price of $7.00.

Don't miss out on this exciting adventure! Book your Farm Tour and Gem Mining experience online today to guarantee a fun-filled and educational outing for your group.

Chaperones

Dear Chaperones,

We are thrilled that you'll be joining us on the farm with your group! We greatly appreciate your presence, and to express our gratitude, we're offering one free chaperone admission for every 10 paid participants. To qualify for this offer, please make sure your group pays in one transaction and reserves online at least 24 hours in advance. Kindly provide this information when prompted during the booking process.

As chaperones, we kindly request your assistance in ensuring the safety of the participants under your care. Mortimer Farms is a real working farm, and while it offers an exciting experience, there are certain factors to be mindful of. Watch out for potential hazards such as potholes, rocks on the roads, active tractors, and animals. Your vigilance will go a long way in keeping our group safe and secure.

We also appreciate your support in maintaining a clean and nurturing environment for our plants. During the visit, your group will have the opportunity to engage in seasonal picking activities, and each paid participant will receive a special seasonal gift to take home. To ensure the longevity of our plants and the well-being of future visitors, we kindly request your assistance in reminding participants to be respectful and follow the guidelines for picking as directed.

Lastly, as your group concludes their visit, there will be an opportunity to purchase additional seasonal items such as produce, berries, corn, pumpkins, and more. We encourage you to explore these offerings and take home a taste of the farm.

We eagerly look forward to your visit and the enriching experience it will provide for your group. Thank you for taking on the role of chaperones and for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable day for everyone.

Warm regards,

Mortimer Farms

U-Pick Produce

We kindly request your support in maintaining the cleanliness of our farm and nurturing the growth of our plants. As you explore the farm, you'll find an abundance of seasonal items for your group to pick and enjoy. In fact, as part of the Grain Train ride and tour, each paid participant will have the opportunity to pick and take home a special seasonal gift.

To ensure the well-being of our plants and preserve the farm's beauty, we kindly ask for your assistance in reminding participants to be respectful and treat each plant with care, following the instructions provided. This will help us create a sustainable and enjoyable environment for future visitors.

While you're welcome to participate in additional u-pick activities, we kindly request that anything you pick is paid for by the pound before you leave. This ensures fairness and helps us maintain the farm's operations.

As your group concludes their visit, you'll have the opportunity to purchase additional seasonal items such as fresh produce, berries, corn, pumpkins, and more. If you picked any items during your time at the farm, you'll also have the chance to purchase those. We want to provide you with the opportunity to take home the fruits of your labor and enjoy the bounties of the farm.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a clean and flourishing farm. By following these guidelines, we can create a harmonious environment where everyone can appreciate the beauty of nature and the joys of farming.

Classroom Resources

Are you a teacher? In preparation for your visit to the farm check out the following resources that you can add to your classroom's curriculum:

FREE agriculture Curriculum Kits

Pumpkins... Not Just For Halloween (Grades 3-5)

Many Types of Farms (Grades 3-5)

The Role of Women in Agriculture (grades 9-12)

Natural and Managed Ecosystems (Grades 3-5)

Caring for the Land (Grade 3-5)

Digging Into Nutrients (Grades 6-8)