HOT PURSUIT
Mother’s Day meant a trip to the first-ever Tulip Festival outside of Farmington for Rick’s mom June Bussler along with her granddaughter, Kyrie Bussler. Brand Farms offers 160,000 tulips from now until May 24. Staff photo by Rick Bussler
Spring is definitely blooming across southern Minnesota, and that was no more evident than at a hidden gem I discovered on Mother’s Day.
I took Mom to the first-ever Tulip Festival at Brand Farms near Farmington. We felt like we had discovered paradise in the middle of nowhere.
More than 160,000 tulips are planted across three acres, with 36 different varieties. The Dakota County dairy farm (no, Dakota isn’t all metro) offers hayrides out to the tulips where there are activities for the kids and many photo props. There were so many vibrant tulip beds and beauty that it allows you to leave behind any worries you may have in the world.
The paths through the tulips run on a sloped, natural farm setting with straw-covered walking areas.
By contrast, I have often heard about the Tulip Festival in Pella, Iowa, which took place this past weekend and reportedly offers 300,000 tulips. I’ve never been to that festival, but I can only imagine that it’s spectacular.
Neither one may come close to the 9 million tulips planted in England for the hit movie, Wicked, in 2024, but Brand Farms offers a slice of spring not too far away from home.
The festival at Brand Farms offers red, yellow, pink, white, purple and many other combinations of tulips. They are perennial flowers, which means they come back year after year. The only bad thing is they don’t last very long.
Because their blooming season is short, they offer a lesson in appreciating beauty in the present moment. I found the psychology of tulips encourages a “gentle” approach to life – appreciating small, meaningful moments and trusting in the natural cycles of growth and renewal.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that tulips are used to boost mood, with their presence believed to help increase dopamine and serotonin levels.
In addition to the tulip masterpiece, the farm also offers fresh eggs, apples and a farm store with meats, treats, salsas, butter and jams. They even have some entertainment on the weekends.
Brand Farms has been a family dairy operation, in existence since 1957. Now in its fourth generation, the farm is operated by Aaron Brand with his father John. His grandfather Richard was born in 1932, and still has a daily presence on the farm.
The family is focusing on connecting with the community at large. “Our vision is to create an environment where every guest experiences joy, fulfillment and satisfaction. Brand Farms will offer moments of happiness that leave a lasting impression and ensure every visit is a memorable one,” the Brands say.
Brand is located at 18605 Biscayne Ave. W., Farmington. It’s open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until May 24. For more information go to https://brandfarmsmn.com/events/tulip-festival-2026.
If you’re looking for something to do where you can enjoy God’s creation over the next 10 days, I highly encourage you to go in hot pursuit of making a trip out to Brand Farms. It’s something you won’t regret. Besides, how can you not find the beauty of tulips in a natural setting?