Lavender Hill Farm: Hands-On Farm Life & Workshops in Boyne City - Traverse City

Lavender Hill Farm: Hands-On Farm Life & Workshops in Boyne City

Traverse Cityeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

30 minutes to 3 hours depending on event

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical exertion required except some walking on uneven terrain

Overview

Discover hands-on farm workshops, lavender tours, pottery classes, and seasonal events at Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City, Michigan. Learn farming skills, savor unique lavender treats, and join creative gatherings on this lively Northern Michigan farm.

Details

Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City, Michigan, offers a uniquely engaging glimpse into the vibrant world of lavender cultivation and its many uses. Situated in the northern region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, this working farm combines hands-on education with a variety of immersive farm-based activities, blending agriculture, artistry, and community events. Visitors are invited to walk or take guided golf cart tours through expansive rows of fragrant lavender, inhaling the fresh, unmistakable scent carried on the breeze.

The farm specializes in lavender-focused workshops and seasonal boot camps that cover planting, harvesting, and processing techniques, giving guests practical skills alongside sensory experiences. These include the Lavender Processing Boot Camp and Lavender Planting Boot Camp, where participants learn directly from knowledgeable guides. The farm also hosts distinctive creative events: paint-and-sip nights led by local artists, floral design sessions timed with Michigan’s seasons, pottery workshops crafting pie plates or mugs, and kid-friendly art classes. These engaging experiences pair well with their popular movie nights in the barn, offering family-friendly entertainment against the backdrop of rural farm life.

Visitors consistently praise the friendliness and expertise of the staff and praise the thoughtful attention to detail, as well as the opportunity to enjoy farm-fresh lavender treats like iced lavender lattes and lavender lemonade fizz. The farm’s history as a former dairy farm adds a layer of local heritage to the experience, rooting modern agricultural innovation in Michigan’s pastoral traditions.

Lavender Hill Farm stands out as a rare blend of outdoor education, creative expression, and sensory delight. It’s an ideal destination for visitors seeking a slower-paced, meaningful connection to the land and its seasonal rhythms. Whether you’re joining a boot camp, a pottery class, or simply savoring a lavender-inspired meal on the porch overlooking violet fields, this farm offers a memorable outdoor experience in Northern Michigan’s scenic farmlands.

Adventure Tips

Book Guided Farm Tours Early

Popular golf cart tours fill quickly in peak season; reserve ahead to ensure a spot and a knowledgeable guide.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

You’ll spend time walking through fields and workshops on uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Check Event Schedule for Special Workshops

Lavender Hill offers frequent creative workshops—pottery, wreath-making, paint nights—so plan visits around your interests.

Prepare for Changing Weather

Northern Michigan weather can shift quickly; layers are useful especially for outdoor tours and dining on the porch.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • The lesser-known lavender processing sheds where you can see distillation in action
  • The rustic event barn that hosts community gatherings beyond farm activities

Wildlife

  • Songbirds like warblers attracted by the lavender’s blossoms
  • Pollinators including native bees vital to sustainable farming

History

Lavender Hill Farm was once a traditional dairy farm, reflecting northern Michigan’s agricultural roots before transitioning to specialty crop cultivation.

Conservation

The farm uses sustainable farming practices focused on chemical-free lavender cultivation and educating visitors on eco-friendly harvest methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour at sunrise or sunset
Mid-morning for soft, diffuse light

Best Viewpoints

  • From the main farm porch overlooking the lavender rows
  • Along the golf cart tour route capturing sweeping field panoramas
  • Inside the barn during evening events for atmospheric shots

What to Photograph

Lavender fields
Creative workshop activities
Farm animals and rustic buildings

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Protect your feet and maintain grip as you walk the farm’s varied surfaces.

spring|summer|fall specific

Layered clothing

Essential

Adjust easily to Michigan’s shifting weather patterns, especially outdoors.

all specific

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)

Essential

Shield skin during long daytime tours and outdoor dining sessions.

summer specific

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during workshops and farm activities.

all specific