My family has been getting our tree at Summers Tree Farm for over 35 years. It's one of the highlights of the holiday season I look forward to every year. The property is GORGEOUS. The Summers are 2 of the most genuinely nice and friendly people you will ever meet in your life. And the whole experience is one of cherished memories. It sounds cheesy, but it's true.
First the property. One of a handful left of its kind- a designated tree farm. No manure smells or anything like that. It's set at the beginning of where the driftless region begins- think gently rolling hills, tall evergreens swaying in the wind, ya it's Christmas Card/ Instagram worthy. You can even see the Capitol in the distance. It really is a special place.
The way the property is set up is pretty smart. The parking area, gift shop and pre-cut trees are located in the middle of the property where is kinda like a bowl. The trees are on all sides up a gentle hill. This makes it easier to drag them out. It's easier to walk downhill with a tree rather than up hill, right? Now it's not crazy hilly like you're climbing mountains or anything, but just enough you won't want to wear high heels and flip flops- it is fall/ winter duh. If you think it's too
much of a haul, they've got a bunch of workers eager to help for free. They'll saw it, drag it, tie it on , etc for no extra charge. Although if you're at all able bodied there's no reason you can't do it yourself. (Maybe get a few pointers if it's your first time tying a tree to your car.)
After you've hiked around (trust me you're going to want to, the place is super pretty) and bailed your tree (free) and had the guys tie it to your car (free) they sell apple cider, hot cocoa, and some food. They also have a quaint Christmas shop. It's basically a Christmas themed Etsy shop. Tons of unique handmade trinkets and stuff you won't find anywhere else. Plus the Christmas shop is toasty warm, so it's a must visit :)
If you can't tell, I think this place is pretty magical. Our family will never have a fake tree. Nothing represents Christmas like a Chinese plastic tree sitting in the middle of living room! Sure you could go to Costco and get a $40 dead tree that was cut down weeks ago in South Dakota and have all it's needles drop. Or you can go to this locally owned, family run business and have a bit of an adventure. Spending time with family is what this season is all about. So it's nice to put down the phone/iPad for an afternoon and get outdoors and make some memories. read more