Behind the Scenes

12102 S 180th St, | Gretna, NE

Celebrating 40 years, Vala's is home to the nation's most attended agritourism farm. Founded by Tim & Jan Vala, it is a family affair that has now transitioned to include the second generation. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at their amazing farm!

32835 610th Ave. | Cambridge, IA

Planting their first trees in 1986 and opening in 1994, Center Grove Orchard now has more than 20 acres & 6000 apple trees. Operated by siblings Steve & Deanna Black, we'll explore their amazing retail operation, scratch bakery & food operations and more!

3260 69th St | Atkins, IA

Beginning in 1994, Dave & Karen Petersen have now been joined by daughters Sammy and Jess in operating their family farm. Operating spring, summer and fall, we'll get to see them in action as they kick off the final weekend of their Iowa Flower Fest.

Embassy Suites Omaha - La Vista | 12520 Westport Pkwy, La Vista, NE | 402-331-7400

*Free breakfast, parking & wifi included in block. Block rate is $144.

Email kamille@themaize.com to book

Best Western Premier | 2502 SE Tones Dr, Ankeny, IA | 515-965-5678

*Free breakfast included in our block, parking & wifi. Block rate is $118.

Email kamille@themaize.com to book.

TRU by Hilton | 3900 Westdale Pkwy SW, Cedar Rapids | 319-238-7300

*This is the overflow to the Home 2 Suites main block, which is now full.

Free breakfast, parking & wifi. Rate is $139.

If attending the whole tour and flying vs. driving, you will ideally fly into Omaha, NE and out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

For this tour you'll have the option of renting a car (if flying) or signing up for a seat on the bus we are chartering. Please select the registration option that includes a bus seat if that is your preference. For those selecting the bus option, you will need to Uber from the airport to the hotel in Omaha and again from the hotel to the airport in Cedar Rapids.

July 29-30: We'll kick off with evening festivities at Vala's on July 29 that will continue through the afternoon of July 30, before we make our way to Center Grove, with an optional stop at Howell's (MAiZE family members) along the way.

July 31: We'll spend the day at Center Grove Orchard before heading out late afternoon for an evening of fun at our final stop at Bloomsbury Farm.

August 1-2: Thursday, Aug 1 will be a full day behind the scenes, followed by the chance to see them open to the public for their Date Night in the Flowers on Thursday evening after sessions. For those able to, you can also stay and see them in operation on Friday, August 2 at 4 pm for their Iowa Flower Fest.

If interested, there are a couple other MAiZE farms in the area who will be open and have extended invites for those who'd like to visit!

Howell's Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch

July 30 - along route from Vala's to Center Grove

*Farm market, goat cuddling, dried flower demos, bath tub train, fresh flower picking, etc.

Roca Berry Farm

TRAVELING TO OR FROM - One hour south of Vala's; a good stop if along your route. Email bev@rocaberryfarm.com if planning to stop by.

Schuster's Farm

TRAVELING TO OR FROM - Three hours northeast of Bloomsbury; a good stop if along your route to or from home. (*open for Blooms on the Farm on Fri-Sun; email schustersfarm@gmail.com if planning to stop by)

Harvestville Farm

TRAVELING TO OR FROM - 1.5 hours south of Bloomsbury; a good stop if along your route to or from home. (*open 10-5 with Zinnia & Sunflower Festival; email info@harvestvillefarm.com if planning to stop by)

Pride of the Wapsi

TRAVELING TO OR FROM - 1.5 hours east of Bloomsbury; a good stop if along your route. Sunflower Fest ends on July 28. ContactUs@prideofthewapsi.com