From Homesteads to Hospitality: A Study of Agritourism Evolution in Montana

Building on two previous agritourism studies conducted in Montana by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, this current research aims to comprehensively understand the landscape of agritourism in the state by addressing several key inquires. First, it delineates the operational status of agritourism businesses and projects their trajectory over the upcoming years. It also creates an inventory of current agritourism offerings by farms and ranches while also investigating their plans for future. Additionally, the research examines farmer and rancher motivations and barriers to agritourism ventures, and explores agritourism visitor experiences in the state. Finally, it provides an insightful retrospective analysis of the evolution of agritourism in Montana, examining its transformational journey over the past 15 years. By analyzing agritourism from multiple angles, the study promotes sustainable growth of agritourism within the state.