You will soon see red trolleys traversing the southern Door County countryside, showcasing the area's agricultural roots.

The Southern Door Business Association piloted its first agricultural tour Wednesday, taking invited guests on the "Cherries and Dairies Tour." Guests explored Soren's Valhalla Orchards to see its mechanical harvester and pick their own cherries, Olson Family Farms to see how its solar array powers the operation, including its robotic milker, and learned how businesses like Country Ovens and Wienke's Farm Market bring local agriculture to consumers.

Southern Door Business Association Executive Director Karyn Stroschein credits a conversation with her former teacher and current trolley driver, Dave Samuels, with inspiring the idea to bring a unique agritourism experience to the area. Stroschein says the early feedback has been fantastic and adds that, for many on the tour, it was an experience they otherwise would not have had, despite some living in Door County their entire lives.

Looking to build on the growing interest in southern Door County, Stroschein says the organization plans to pilot another tour this fall before likely offering them to the public next year.

Agritourism is becoming a growing part of the state's tourism industry while also benefiting the farms that participate. According to 2022 data from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, nearly 670 farms offered structured agritourism and recreational services, generating an average of about $31,000 per farm.