ProjectGreenLancaster

By Bridget Selb

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, a top family destination in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is leading ecotourism. Visitors can enjoy activities that teach about eco-friendly farming and the importance of protecting the environment. It is an exciting way for all ages to learn and connect with nature while having a great time.

Cherry Crest provides an ideal opportunity for families to spend quality time together while engaging in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Its unique combination of fun and educational activities sets it apart as a destination for all seasons.

Photo Credit: Bridget Selb

History of Cherry Crest Adventure Farms

Cherry Crest Adventure Farms, owned by the Coleman family since 1996, is a primary entertainment destination in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offering a unique blend of agriculture and entertainment. Spanning over 300 acres, with 25 acres dedicated to adventure activities, the farm features over 60 attractions, including giant slides, jump pillows, wagon farm tours, and its famous Corn Maze.    Cherry Crest is dedicated to agricultural education, providing fun, hands-on learning experiences for all ages that highlight sustainable farming practices and the importance of agriculture. Visitors can enjoy a blend of fun and learning, making Cherry Crest a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether walking through the Corn Maze, sliding down the giant slides, or learning about local farming methods, the farm is designed to keep families entertained while educating them about the vital connection between agriculture and sustainability.

Photo Credits: Bridget Selb

Entertainment for All Ages

This farm’s primary mission is to promote agricultural education engagingly for all ages. It offers a variety of activities designed to connect visitors, from children to adults, with the farm environment. Their vision is to be a well-renowned family favorite agricultural destination. They truly have it all with attractions ranging from corn mazes and fireworks to fall sweet treats and wine. Whether you’re enjoying the thrills of the Corn Maze or indulging in local wine, there’s something for everyone. The fun doesn’t stop at the attractions; Cherry Crest also offers seasonal festivals, educational programs, and live entertainment, all of which make it an ideal destination for families. The blend of adventure, learning, and celebration ensures there’s always something new to explore and enjoy.  

For Kids:

Photo credit: Cherry Crest Adventure Farms

• Apple Blaster
• Baby Chick Hatchery
• Bee Barn Exhibit
• Hay Chute
• Wagon Tours

 For Adults:

• Music Entertainment
• Local Winery Vendors
• Flowers, Fruit, and Veggie Picking

Seasonal Festivals hosted already in 2024:

Promoting Ecotourism in Lancaster  

Ecotourism is traveling sustainably. When going on vacation, people try to limit their carbon footprint while giving back to local communities supporting sustainability. Cherry Crest Adventure Farm promotes ecotourism by offering eco-friendly outdoor activities that focus on learning about the environment while using nature to shape these activities. They utilize eco-friendly infrastructure, such as wooden playgrounds, recycled tin barrels, and old tires as fun obstacles for kids. They also promote conservation efforts, such as bee exhibits, wildlife habitats, and petting farms. Additionally, they support local businesses within the community through ticket donations to the farm. By offering these sustainable practices, the farm educates visitors on the importance of preserving natural resources. Their efforts encourage families to adopt eco-friendly habits and appreciate the value of environmental conservation.

Photo Credits: Bridget Selb

 Jack and Donna Coleman   

Donna and Jack Coleman purchased Cherry Crest Adventure Farms in 1987 and moved from New Jersey to their current home, Cherry Crest Adventure Farms. The Coleman family started small as dairy farmers and now has expanded beyond belief. They have 300 acres of cropland, 52,000 chickens, an adventure farm promoting agricultural learning, and three heads of cattle for beef operation. With a corn maze pride possession that is 5 ½ acres long has a different theme every! They have owned this amazing farm for over 30 years and strive for more yearly.

Coleman Children  

The Coleman children are pivotal to the operation at the farm. There are five children in the Coleman family, all of whom are amazing farm workers, with four actively helping on the farm. Their oldest daughter, Sherri, is the Chief Financial Officer at the farm, while their youngest daughter, Shelly, serves as the Chief Operating Officer at the Adventure Farm. Their oldest son, Jerry, currently works in crop farming. The middle son, Jared, helps with construction and shop projects. Finally, their youngest son, Dylan, manages projects around the farm and helps

wherever needed.

Photo Credit: Cherry Crest Adventure Farms 

 

Famous 2.5 miles corn maze    

This maze spans 5 ½ acres and is redesigned yearly based on a selected theme. Don Frantz and the American Maze Company design the maze annually, and this year’s theme is “Cattle on the Farm.” This year’s design was important to Cherry Crest farms, having domestic cattle being a part of the farm’s history. Not only do they have cows for dairy processing or beef production, but the Coleman family also knows some of these animals as their pets. The corn maze features over 2.5 miles of fun bridges, paths, and clues. You have two trails: an easy yellow trail and an intermediate orange trail. The difficult trail? You’ll need to solve it on your own! Stay tuned for the 2025 corn maze theme with the new year approaching. And if you’re traveling, visit this fun adventure farm, which promotes a sustainable environment.

Photo Credits: Cherry Crest Adventure Farms

 

Why Ecotourism Matters: The Growing Trend of Sustainable Travel

Ecotourism is the practice of traveling sustainably, which is crucial for both the health of our planet and our well-being. It promotes environmental and economic sustainability by encouraging travelers to support local businesses, visit destinations that prioritize conservation, and use eco-friendly transportation. As more people seek meaningful travel experiences, ecotourism offers a responsible way to explore the world, fostering a deeper sense of environmental stewardship. By supporting sustainable practices, ecotourism contributes to the global movement toward a healthier, more sustainable planet for future generations. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities, providing them with a sustainable source of income. Ultimately, ecotourism helps raise awareness about environmental issues, encouraging travelers to become advocates for the planet.