The Hobby Farm, a new agritourism venture in Delafield, has cleared its final city hurdles and is on track to welcome visitors this fall. Owners Bob and Claire Widule plan to turn a 12.2-acre parcel off Cushing Park Road into a storybook-style gathering spot built around flower fields, a small vineyard, coffee and wine service, and weekend events. The project uses existing barns and fields near Lapham Peak and is designed for U-pick flower visits and community-focused programming.
According to the Milwaukee Business Journal, city officials signed off on plans that will let the Widules open The Hobby Farm for its first season this fall after they presented their vision at public meetings. The outlet reports the venue will feature thousands of dahlias, beverage service and live music, and that the couple pitched the project as a way to “create permanent community” after years of moving for military service. That coverage followed public hearings and a detailed planning packet submitted to the city.
What The Hobby Farm Will Offer And How It Will Operate
City planning materials outline a roughly 12.2-acre site with more than 3,000 dahlias, a vineyard planted with Petite Pearl and Brianna grapes, a coffee garden, a roadside flower stand and a beverage trailer that is intended to stay on site. Visitors would be able to pick dahlias, purchase prepackaged local foods, relax at picnic tables and take in weekend programming, and horses and leashed dogs would be welcome, according to City of Delafield planning documents.
Those documents also lay out seasonal hours, two gravel parking areas, a bike rack and hitching post, portable restroom service and on-site servicing for the beverage trailer, with no new buildings proposed for the property. In other words, the experience is meant to feel like a working hobby farm first, an event destination second.
Next Steps And Neighborhood Notes
The Widules told officials they aim to open this fall and will share specific dates and ticketing details closer to the season, according to the Milwaukee Business Journal. Supporters at public hearings argued the project could dovetail with nearby Lapham Peak State Park by giving trail users a place to grab coffee and rest, while some neighbors pushed for clear plans on parking and traffic.
City staff responded with recommended conditions and operational clarifications during review. For now, Delafield’s newest agritourism spot is lining up to offer dahlias, drinks and a fresh place for neighbors to gather once it opens this fall. Expect more details on hours, event programming and ticketing from the Widules as the season approaches.
