The Discovery Center at Dutch Hollow Farm was established to provide hands-on experience with dairy cattle to those who have little or no background with agriculture. Visits are 2-3 hours in length and include a tour of the facility, hands-on stations and a healthy snack.
Through the farm experience, students will learn about life cycles and the food chain, nutrients in dairy foods and some basic plant science.
They will learn the importance of conservation, new technology versus simple machines and how animals adapt to their environment.
And, of course, what tour would be complete without opportunity to interact with and pet our animals?
Topics covered and depth of discussion varies to keep tours age-appropriate. Teachers are always welcome to discuss with us in advance any topics they would like covered, so the experience connects and builds upon the current curriculum.
Plan a Trip
School Groups:
Dairy tours are a wonderful educational experience where students can learn more about where their food comes from. We have found that kids, teachers and parents alike all enjoy learning about the farm!
Groups should plan at least two hours for a visit to move through the whole program. The tour can include time for both snacks and lunch.
Previously, there was a small fee per student associated with our tours, which sometimes prohibited visits. The Dutch Hollow Discovery Center now operates on a donation basis in an effort to allow any school group wishing to visit to do so!
For groups that would like to donate to the Discovery Center to help us keep these opportunities available, cash or checks are the preferred method of payment. We do not accept credit cards. Receipts can be provided.
An eating area is available with picnic tables and a tent. Rest rooms and a wash station are also available. Please note that there are no retail establishments on the premises.
The farm is easily accessible by bus and there is ample parking available for cars.
Please consider bringing hand sanitizer. If stormy weather is forecast, bring umbrellas and rain coats.
To request a tour, call Emily at 518-856-4840 or email us at dutchhollowfarm@gmail.com.
Guided Tours:
Though much of our traffic consists of school groups, we do open our doors to groups of all kinds as well as families. Guided tours are available for groups of all sizes.
As with our school tours, we do not charge a fee for guided tours or other groups. If you enjoy your visit to the farm and would like to make a donation towards our program, your generosity is always appreciated. Donations may be made as cash or checks.
For more information or to schedule a guided tour, please call Emily at 518-956-4840 or email us at dutchhollowfarm@gmail.com so we can learn more about your group and accommodate your needs.
Farm Directions
From the New York State Thruway, take Exit B1 and travel south on US-9; continue 3 miles to Maple Lane and take a right; continue 1 mile to Running Creek Road and take a right; continue to farm on right.
From I-90 East, take Exit 12 toward Hudson and travel south on US-9; continue 3 miles to Maple Lane and take a right; continue1 mile to Running Creek Road and take a right; continue to farm on right.
From Valatie, take US-9 north to Maple Lane and take a left; continue 1 mile to Running Creek Road and take a right; continue to farm on right.
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Dutch Hollow Farm
Dutch Hollow Farm is owned and operated by the Chittenden family.
The Chittendens care for 1,000 head of Jersey cows and heifers. More than 2,000 acres of land are farmed to grow feed for the animals. Crops include corn, alfalfa, soybeans, wheat, oats and grass.
The farm has been continuously operated since 1976 and continues to grow. The Chittenden family is committed to educating the public about dairy farming.