Plan the Perfect Family Day Trip to Middlebrook Agrihood in Cumming, Iowa

Looking for a family-friendly day trip just minutes from Des Moines? Head south to Middlebrook Agrihood in Cumming, Iowa, a unique and growing community where agriculture and family fun go hand-in-hand. With parks, orchards, trails, and a whole lot of charm, Middlebrook offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, fresh food, and small-town magic. Here’s your go-to itinerary for a day of fun that the whole family will love!

Start Your Morning at Mayor Tom Becker Park

Kick off your day at Mayor Tom Becker Park, a spacious and clean park with a great playground, green space, and even a little library box for a quick story break. It’s the perfect spot to let the kids run, climb, and burn off some early morning energy before exploring the rest of Middlebrook. We also love to drive around and see all the unique houses being built.

Explore Wilson’s Orchard & Farm

Next, make your way to Wilson’s Orchard & Farm for a scenic and interactive experience. Take a short walk from the parking area to the play barn, where the kids can enjoy fun farm-style activities. Then take your time strolling the orchard paths. Depending on the season, you can pick fresh berries, beautiful flowers, or even apples right from the tree! The best place to stay up to date on what is available for picking, prices, and hours is on their Facebook page.

Grab Lunch at the Ciderhouse

After working up an appetite, stop into the Ciderhouse Restaurant & Bar, the cozy on-site restaurant with a menu that will please everyone. We suggest splitting a couple of their wood-fired pizzas (they’re amazing!) and sipping on refreshing apple cider. Try the hard cider options if you’re a parent looking for a treat. They have a beautiful indoor space, as well as a great patio, perfect for sitting outdoors and taking in the view of the property. The patio is dog-friendly too!

Stock Up at the Farm Market

Don’t leave Wilson’s just yet! Step next door into their charming farm market, where you can browse a great selection of locally made goodies. Grab some take-home items like cider donuts, premade pies, apple cider, fresh produce, and of course, a sweet dessert for the road.

Take a Hike at Middlebrook Meadow

Next, head to Middlebrook Meadow for a short post-lunch hike through nature. This peaceful trail is full of surprises! You might spot butterflies, birds, or even a deer running across the meadow. We loved how there was a clear path to follow. The Middlebrook Meadow can be hard to find. There are three different ways to access it. We chose to park at the Coolidge Trailhead. Check out all the details and specifics before you go!

Hop on the Great Western Trail

If you brought your bikes, now’s the time to hop on the Great Western Trail, which connects directly from Middlebrook. If not, no worries! It’s still a beautiful place to take a relaxing family stroll and soak in Iowa’s scenic countryside.

Refresh at Middlebrook Mercantile

Make a pit stop at the Middlebrook Mercantile, a small-town gem with snacks, beverages, and plenty of charm. Grab a cold drink, enjoy a sweet treat, and sit outside for a quick card game or some laid-back family time before the day wraps up. We stopped in to play cards and cool off after our afternoon hiking adventures. They offer live music and other fun events throughout the year. Keep tabs on everything happening on their website.

Don’t Miss Fridays at the Farm

If you’re planning your visit, be sure to come on a Friday so you can experience Fridays at the Farm, a beloved weekly event in the warmer months. With live music, food trucks, drinks, and wide-open space to play and relax, it’s the perfect way to end your family adventure with community vibes and fresh air. You can shop local vendors, head to their farmstand to stock up on any fresh goodies, pick your own flowers, and more. They even have a Gaga Ball pit where all the kids come together and play.

Fridays at the Farm typically kicks off towards the end of May and happen every Friday through the end of September. Every Friday, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Why Middlebrook Agrihood Is Worth the Day Trip

Cumming, Iowa might be a small town, but Middlebrook Agrihood is bursting with reasons to visit. From the farm-fresh fun at Wilson’s Orchard & Farm to the beautiful trails and family-friendly vibes, it’s an easy day trip from Des Moines that feels like a peaceful getaway. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, good food, or just a change of scenery, Middlebrook is calling!

Tip: Located just 20 minutes from downtown Des Moines, it’s a quick drive with big rewards.

Bonus Cumming, Iowa Stops!

While you are visiting the Middlebrook Agrihood there are other fun stops to make while in Cumming, Iowa including:

  • Ted Lare Design Build & Garden Center – They offer many events and activities throughout the season, including a storywalk through their gardens!
  • Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch – We are big fans of Howell’s and always visit a few times a year. Whether it’s picking out our Christmas Tree or cuddling goats.