34Long Haul Flower Farm - Hipcamp in Chelsea, Michigan (2024)

Long Haul Farm is an organic flower farm in Chelsea, MI dedicated to sustainably growing plants, family, community, and soil biology for generations, the long haul!--- 2024 update ---- R We are doing less flower growing that we did before, as life has taken us to work outside of our own space. However, we've shifted to more stewardship on our property and the adjacent preserve. We'd love to guide you on a hike and teach about the local ecology, flora, and fauna too! The goats and chickens continue to provide joyful entertainment as well. --- AN OFFERING --- Acknowledging that this land was unceded by the people who previously occupied it, we're offering that anyone with indigenous ancestry can stay for reduced rates, just message us and ask! -------- History --------Growing up, I used to come here to visit my great-aunt & uncle's horse ranch. My great uncle grew up visiting his great uncle who was one of the first in our family on this land. They were animal and nature lovers, and in their retirement, sold 130 acres to The Nature Conservancy, all of which is now protected as a county nature preserve.Unfortunately, 11 years ago, my great-uncle and aunt had passed, and we had to sell the family land.Serendipitously, as we were looking for a farm homestead to move to, we reconnected with the owners of the land, and they were just deciding to sell it. My family was able to buy back the family land and continue the legacy.-------- Onwards ----Kathryn and I are restarted our cut-flower farm and hoping to develop a permaculture inspired orchard and keep chickens and pigs. We love living here surrounded by extensive state and county parks and recreation land, while still being close enough to Chelsea and Ann Arbor for all that they provide.Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable atmosphere for our visitors. We hope to provide a refuge in nature and perhaps even some education of flowers or wildlife.Join us in carrying on the legacy of family land stewardship and love for natural spaces!-Doug (he/him/his) & Kat (she/her/hers) & Phoebe (3yr old - She/they TBD)2024 UPDATE: With our 3 year old and two jobs, we've put our flower farm on hold, and so we don't have many flowers growing this season, so we want to give an accurate expectation for our Flower Farm. We are also putting our farm breakfasts offering on hold given our limited capacity.There are plenty of great hikes and activities nearby still that we're happy to recommend.Thanks to all the campers from 2020 who voted us the 2nd best inMichigan to visit in 2021!Hope to see you back!-----New to HipCamp? Copy/Paste this linkand get $10!hipcamp.com/i/flowerfarm-------- About the Space --------Our property is a cozy 4.5 acre flower farm atop a beautiful vista surrounded by hundres of acres of contiguous nature preserves, county parks, and state game area. We have 3 friendly pygmy goats and 15 roamin' chickens. Please let us know if you intend to bring dogs.-------- About the Campsite--------This camp is out of sight of any houses or roads. While it doesn't have all the views of our HillTop site, it is much more secluded and shaded. It includes a firepit and close to the composting toilet and water.There’s ample space to park a vehicle near your spot, including for pop-up campers or RVs. We don't have shore power, but we do have an extension cord that will reach. Please indicate if you have a large or many vehicles.See our other listing for the Hilltop site.-------- Breakfast --------We sometimes can offer our homecookin'breakfast of our own chicken eggs, locally made bread toast, local organic greens, and organic coffee/tea. Avocado, bananas or other fruit included depending what we have at the moment.We ask a sliding scale donation of $8-14 for the breakfast, and that you let us know ahead of time if you are interested.-------- Amenities --------Water is available via a hydrant that pumps from well water, we like the taste. There is a rustic dry composting toilet for your solid wastes.We have electric in the barn if needed. We have internet in the house, but only available to campers by special request.-------- Social Atmosphere --------We’ll often be out working in the flower farm, taking our dogs for walks, and may be hosting other campers, so expect to have some socializing around the farm. We love to hear your stories and share ours.Anyone looking to rent the whole space exclusively for more privacy, can do so for an extra charge at a first come first serve basis. Must be requested in advance!-------- Adventure Awaits --------HIKERS, TRAIL RUNNERS, & NATURE ENTHUSIASTS:It's a short walk to amazing remote natural area for wildlife viewing, a quarter mile to the middle of 38 mile Pinckney-Waterloo trail system that connects the two huge recreation areas with abundant hiking and nature viewing.MOUNTAIN BICYCLISTS:We are 1 mile from the very popular mountain biking DTE Energy Foundation Trail. We are 6 miles north of downtown Chelsea, MI with the majority of the route including the B2B multi-use trail system.PADDLERS & HORSE ENTHUSIASTS:We sit smack-dab in the middle of both the Waterloo and Pinckney Recreation Areas, which offer some amazing spots to paddle, swim, and ride horses, among many other activities.MOTORCYCLISTS:We're along North Territorial Road, a popular scenic motorcycling route, and only 10 minutes from a golf course. Our neighbors are few and secluded. And we have a couple wonderfully friendly dogs.DISC GOLFERS:We are a ten minute drive to Hudson Mills Metropark, which boasts two amazing 24 hole courses. Additionally, we’re 25 minutes from Independence Lake County Park, the local favorite with 18 holes. Lastly, about 30 minute drive will get you to Bandemer, a chill course near the Huron River in Ann Arbor.-------- Words of Caution --------POISONOUS PLANTS AND BUGS! We do have lots of poison ivy, stinging nettle, ticks, horse flies,and mosquitos. The hiking nearby isn’t always a mowed trail, so come prepared with long pants, tall socks and hiking boots if you want to explore the preserve. We’re glad to show you what to look for if you’re unfamiliar, they are all easy to avoid with the right precautions.Please use Hipcampmessagesto contact us about camping, not facebook. To inquire about camping availability, make a request so we can review and approve.