Oliver Kelley Farm

Experience the story of farming and food at the Kelley Farm from 19th-century farm life on the historic farmstead to modern Minnesota agriculture and food in the new Farm Lab area.

Field Trips include one lesson of your choice in either the historic farmstead or the Farm Lab, plus student interaction with farm animals, farm and garden crops, and products that come from farms.




Academic Standards: 

All programs support state of Minnesota academic standards in social studies.

Classroom Materials: 

Introduce your students to Forests, Fields and the Falls, an exciting online graphic novel that explores Minnesota's early industries of farming, milling, and logging.

Field Trip Options

What is a Farm?

This multi-sensory program gives students a chance to explore a real working farm. Discover first-hand what farmers do, where food comes from and why animals live on a farm.

Grades: Pre-K, K
Cost: $6 per student

1860s Farm Then and Now

Discover what life was like on an 1860s farm and compare it to life today. Through a variety of farm and domestic chores, students experience how each family member contributed to the farm’s success then and now.

Grades: 1, 2, 3
Cost: $6 per student

Farm Animals in the Making of Minnesota

Animals played an integral role in early Minnesota agriculture. Students discover how animals provided labor, food, by-products and income for farm families in the past, and continue to do so today.

Grades: 3, 4
Cost: $6 per student

Farming in the Changing Community

Students explore the dramatic changes that took place in mid-19th-century agriculture as they work in the historic 1860s house, fields, and farmyard. Discover how small towns and larger communities were tied to farms, and how changes in livestock breeds, crop varieties, farm technology, and advocacy affected community growth and success.

Grades: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Cost: $6 per student

Agriculture is Everywhere

Discover the surprising ways that agriculture touches our lives every day. Students will meet Minnesota farm animals and crops as they use maps to explore the variety and location of agricultural products grown across the state.

Grades: 3, 4, 5
Cost: $6 per student

Feeding the World

By 2050 it is projected that there will be over 9 billion people on earth. What role can Minnesota play to make sure there is enough food? Students examine topics such as changing farming methods, food waste reduction, concerns related to raising animals, and the careers that can solve our food shortage dilemma.

Cost: $6 per student

Farm to You

Find out how agriculture touches our lives beyond the dinner table. Students will explore raw agricultural goods and discover the many consumer products where they can be found—from food and fashion, to fine arts and fun.

Grades: 6, 7, 8
Cost: $6 per student

Minnesota's Civil War Farms

Students discover the impact of the Civil War on farm families, from how Minnesota farms supported the war effort to learning about ways families stayed in contact with their soldier relatives.

Cost: $6 per student

Northern Lights - Growing Minnesota

This curriculum-based program focuses on chapters 10–20 of the Northern Lights textbook, and uses the thread of agriculture in Minnesota to explore technology, the environment, and society as it has changed over time. Students explore WWI agriculture issues including war gardens and food rationing. Using teamwork and critical thinking, they will make choices faced by 20th-century families and see the consequences.

Grades: 6
Cost: $6 per student