Tasting and Tulips: The Fest is Over, but the Wines Not!

The annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, put on and owned by the Iverson family, was in full bloom this spring, but there was more to do than stop to smell the flowers. 

In addition to the 40 acres of tulips, the farm has a gift shop where you can purchase fresh cut bulbs and a tasting room where you can sample Wooden Shoe Vineyards wine, and purchase beer, cider, and slushy adult drinks.  

While the tulips are over, the tasting room remains open daily in May, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; a great spring day trip getaway. 

The Iverson family has been growing tulips since 1974 and founded Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in 1983. Barb Iverson, one of the founders and owners, said that a neighbor encouraged them to open the farm to the public. She wondered why anyone would want to come to a farm. 

One Easter Sunday in 1985, Wooden Shoe opened to the public. There were so many visitors that there was a “traffic jam.” Iverson said she thought at the time, “I guess people do want to come.”

During the festival, the children’s play area holds their famous duck races and hay bale tent which are back this year after a hiatus for COVID safety. The festival also hosts food and craft vendors, carnival rides, and hot air balloons. However, on this day, the hot air balloons weren’t operational, but some visitors enjoyed watching, and even helping, as a pilot took down his balloon.