Lodging
Lodging Overview
The lodging sector of agritourism in Utah includes farm stays like bed and breakfasts or dude ranches. It also includes any form of camping venture like glamping, RV parks, and tent campgrounds. One benefit of opening up your farm or ranch to lodging is that it allows guests to experience the daily rhythms, charm, and activities of a working farm.
Furthermore, lodging guests often spend more on amenities, activities, and products offered on the farm due to longer stays. With that in mind, it’s important to understand that managing bookings, guest relations, cleaning, maintenance, and potentially food service adds substantially to the workload. Additionally, navigating zoning laws, building codes, health and safety regulations, and tax requirements can be challenging and time-consuming.
Lodging Success Story | Western Legacy Farm & Ranch | Hurricane, UT
Kelby and Kathie, sixth-generation farmers, have successfully diversified Western Legacy Farm and Ranch beyond traditional agriculture. Alongside their established cow/calf operation and crop production in Hurricane, Utah, they developed engaging agritourism programs like educational Farm Camps and seasonal festivals, which quickly became beloved community events. To further expand their offerings, they acquired The Wildflower Ranch—a stunning 180-acre property situated between Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks, featuring distinctive lodging options including a majestic lodge, mini cabins, and a “Hitchin’ Barndominium.” These accommodations attract a broad range of visitors, from luxury wedding parties and family reunions to tourists seeking authentic Western experiences with modern comforts.
Guests enjoy curated Western activities such as pony rides, guided sunset horseback tours, and wildlife viewing, creating an immersive rural retreat that blends education, recreation, and hospitality. With ongoing plans to enhance amenities, like adding an on-site ice cream shop, Western Legacy Farm and Ranch exemplifies how combining quality lodging with authentic agricultural experiences fosters sustainable growth in agritourism.