Wagons, Wildflowers, and Winding Roads: A Day on the J40 Farm Crawl

Held Annually the Second Saturday of August
This Year's J40 Farm Crawl: Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 9am–4pm

There’s something about the J40 Farm Crawl that I genuinely look forward to each summer. It’s not just an event, it’s a full experience. A day to slow down, take in the rolling countryside, meet incredible local makers, enjoy farm-fresh goods, and explore the Villages of Van Buren at your own pace. This August marks the 16th year of this much-loved event, and it continues to be a meaningful tradition for locals and visitors alike.

If you’ve never done the Farm Crawl before, let me take you along.

Starting the Day the Amish Way

Begin the morning at the Lebanon Amish School, where they serve up a breakfast that tastes like something straight from a country cookbook—fluffy pancakes, biscuits with sausage gravy, scrambled eggs made just right, and real maple syrup. It’s simple, hearty, farm-to-table goodness, and the atmosphere is every bit as warm as the food. The best part? Your freewill donation supports the school. Just be sure to get there early—breakfast is served from 8am to Noon.

You’ll probably leave with a few extra baked goods tucked into your bag for the road. Trust me, the maple cinnamon rolls never make it home.

The Joy Is in the Journey

After breakfast, the real fun begins. Highway J40 is part of the Historic Hills Scenic Byway, and every few miles brings something new to discover. One of my favorite stops is Bloom and Bark Farm, not only for the live glass blowing demos, but also for the Local Artisan Market they host on-site. It’s a little hub of creativity and community—with artists and vendors from places like East Grove Farms, Villages Folk School, Crane Winery, and Honey War Bee Company. Add in live music and some delicious food, and it’s easy to linger there awhile.

Then it’s off to places like:

• Milton Creamery, where Prairie Breeze cheese and various flavors of cheese curds are a must.

• Miller’s Bakery, where the smell alone will have you buying more than you planned.

• Broken Wheel Blooms, where you can build your own stunning bouquet, feed the sheep and ponies, and take a buggy ride.

• And of course, there are always a few unexpected surprises—like a cozy greenhouse tucked off the road (Lengacher's Greenhouse and Lebanon Produce) or a hand-built rocker that catches your eye at Yoder's Indian Creek Furniture. It’s all part of the charm and discovery that makes the day so memorable.

You can take your time, set your own pace, and just enjoy the journey.

A Courtyard Stop Worth Making

One stop I’m especially excited about this year is the Courtyard Market at the Villages of Van Buren Welcome Center in Keosauqua. This is a brand-new addition to the Farm Crawl, and I can’t wait to see what it brings.

A handful of local vendors will be set up in the courtyard with a variety of handmade items—think art, jewelry, herbal goods, and other creative finds. I’ve also heard there will be some tasty snacks and cool drinks to keep us refreshed as we explore the Villages.

It’s always fun to see something new added to the mix, and I have a feeling this little corner of Keosauqua is going to be a great place to take a break, browse, and maybe even discover a few unexpected favorites.
 

A stop at the Courtyard Market also gives you the perfect excuse to step inside the Villages of Van Buren Welcome Center, which will be open from 10am to 2pm during the Farm Crawl. If you’ve never been in before, this is your chance to take a little walk through the Villages of Van Buren County’s past. The building itself holds a quiet charm, and around every corner you'll find something that makes you pause—like a real Civil War cannonball, two early-edition typewriters tucked into the Red Carpet Room, and beautiful handcrafted woodwork salvaged from historic banks, post offices, and shops across the county.

There’s also original artwork by the late local artist Wendell Mohr and dozens of fascinating details that make this space feel like a little time capsule. It’s one of those places you wander into thinking you’ll be there for a few minutes, and end up staying longer because there’s just so much to see.

It’s More Than an Event—It’s a Tradition

What I love most about the J40 Farm Crawl is how it captures the essence of life here in the Villages of Van Buren. It’s not flashy, not rushed—it’s just real. It’s people inviting you onto their farms, into their shops, and into a way of life that’s deeply rooted in care and connection.

So whether you come for the food, the flowers, or just the feeling of something different—you’ll leave refreshed and reminded that some of the best things in life are still handmade, homegrown, and heart-driven.

Plan Your Day

This year's J40 Farm Crawl takes place Saturday, August 9 from 9am to 4pm (with breakfast served 8am–Noon). Admission is free, and maps and brochures are available at villagesofvanburen.com, the Villages Welcome Center in Keosauqua, and several local and regional businesses.

So pack your cooler, grab your walking shoes, and come see what makes a day on the J40 Farm Crawl so memorable. I’ll be out there, soaking it all in. I hope to see you along the way!

Posted: July 19, 2025