Cran Career Spotlight: Agricultural Tourism & Education Coordinator
Overview:
Agricultural tourism (agritourism) connects people with agriculture through immersive, hands-on experiences. In cranberry-growing regions, ag tourism is especially popular during fall harvest season, when marshes welcome thousands of visitors for farm tours, cranberry themed events, and festivals. But agritourism doesn’t stop in the fall. Many cranberry farms and organizations also maintain permanent buildings, museums, and interpretive centers that educate visitors year-round about the cranberry industry’s history, science, and sustainability efforts.
Ag Tourism Coordinators help design, promote, and operate these experiences, from seasonal events and gift shops to full-scale visitor centers with exhibits, multimedia displays, and educational programs.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
Organize and lead cranberry marsh tours for individuals, schools, and travel groups
Plan and manage fall festivals, harvest weekends, and educational events
Develop and update exhibits and interactive displays in permanent buildings, including cranberry museums, farm visitor centers, or retail spaces
Assist with the creation and maintenance of interpretive signage, touchscreen learning stations, and hands-on STEAM activities
Oversee the daily operation of farm gift shops or on-site retail spaces
Coordinate with volunteers and seasonal staff to provide tours and run visitor centers
Promote agritourism programs through social media, email campaigns, flyers, and local media
Handle group bookings, bus tours, and field trip coordination
Ensure visitor safety, hospitality, and satisfaction
Collaborate with local tourism offices, chambers of commerce, and community organizations
Seek and manage grants or funding for educational infrastructure and outreach
Evaluate programs and gather visitor feedback to improve experiences over time
What Education and Training Is Required?
A degree in one of the following is helpful:
Agricultural Education or Communications
Hospitality or Tourism Management
Marketing or Event Planning
Museum Studies or Environmental Education
Hands-on experience working with the public, in a museum or visitor center setting, or on a cranberry farm is highly valued.
To Prepare in High School:
Recommended courses:
Agricultural education
Marketing and business classes
Speech or public speaking
Hospitality, tourism, or event planning (if available)
Art, multimedia, or graphic design (for exhibit development and signage)
Volunteering at local cranberry farms, museums, school farm tours, or community festivals is a great way to build experience.
Where Can I Work?
Wisconsin Cranberry Discovery Center
Cranberry farms with agritourism components, including harvest tours and on-site retail
Cranberry museums and interpretive centers
Cranberry festivals and events
Agricultural education nonprofits focused on youth and public outreach
Tourism boards, chambers of commerce, or visitor centers in cranberry-growing regions
Historical societies or regional museums with agricultural exhibits
This career is ideal for someone who loves agriculture, education, storytelling, and creating welcoming experiences for people of all ages. Whether managing a museum exhibit, leading a school tour through a cranberry marsh, or hosting a fall festival, you'll play a key role in connecting the public to the rich world of cranberry farming.
