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Rodale Institute is located on a 333-acre organic certified farm in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. The entire farm is devoted to research, education and certified organic production. The farm is perhaps best known for its Farming Systems Trial (FST), the longest-running U.S. experiment specifically designed to compare organic and conventional farming practices. FST was established in 1981 and attracts interest from scientists, farmers and lay visitors from around the world.
In addition to the research experiments, the farm’s production and demonstration areas offer visitors an opportunity to learn how agriculture can either contribute to environmental problems or be a significant solution in solving global warming, improving human nutrition and preventing famine throughout the world.
Go right to our 2008 Calendar of Events or see below for visitor hours and custom programs.
Visitor Center Hours and Contact Information
In Season: May 1 to December 31
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
Out of Season: January 1 to April 30
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday
All other weekdays by appointment only
To schedule your visit, or for more information, contact:
Rodale Institute
Visitor Center/Bookstore
611 Siegfriedale Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
610-683-6009
Farm Tours & Events
Self-guided Tours
Available in season for individuals and groups fewer than 10 people who would like to tour the farm at their own pace. All tours start at the visitor center.
Admission: Free of charge. A tour booklet is available at the visitor center for a $4.00 fee or click here to download it for free. No advance reservation required unless you need special accommodations.
Guided Tours (60 minutes)
Available in season, every Tuesday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Our educators will guide you through production fields, orchards and demonstration gardens as they explain how the Rodale Institute’s work has impacted food production and environmental conservation for more than a half century. All tours start at the visitor center and advanced reservation is required. Programs with less than five visitors will be canceled. Call for confirmation 24 hours before your visit.
Admission: $12.00 adults 17 & over; $6.00 students 7-16; children under 6 FREE.
Custom Programs
Our custom programs are designed around the specific educational needs and goals of our visitors. These programs are available by advance reservation for groups of a minimum of 10 people. Depending on the length of the program, lunch can be arranged, if ordered in advance. Please call or email the visitor center to make your reservation.
Admission: Call for special rates.
Organic Gardening Workshops
From designing a backyard or a school garden, to the culinary and medicinal use of herbs, these workshops offer hands-on learning opportunities for homeowners, teachers, students and parents interested in organic gardening. Available in season and conducted by our instructors and/or invited guests, all workshops require advance registration and a minimum of five participants.
Admission: $20.00 adults 17 & over; $12.00 students 7-16.
Field Days, Workshops and Seminars for Farmers
Always a good source for up-to-date research and useful information for farmers, extension specialists and other agricultural professionals, as well as watershed and waste managers and other environmental issues specialists, these programs are conducted by our own researchers and top specialists from around the country. Please register in advance as these events fill up rather quickly.
Admission: While most events of this kind are financially supported by grants, some may require a fee. Call or email the visitor center for more information or go directly to the online registration page to make your reservation.
