Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm: A Uniquely South Jersey Family Adventure
Cranberries floating in a flooded bog, waiting to be harvested.
Visiting a cranberry farm during the harvest season has been on my bucket list for many years. This year, my family and I finally made that dream come true with a trip to Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm in Chatsworth, New Jersey. As a mom always on the lookout for family-friendly activities, this adventure promised to be both unique and exciting.
Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm
Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm, nestled in the quaint town of Chatsworth, New Jersey, is not your average farm. This seventh-generation family farm is a part of the Ocean Spray cooperative and has a rich history dating back generations. As members of the Ocean Spray cooperative, they send 100% of their cranberry’s to Ocean Spray, and only host the tours to share a quintessential New Jersey experience with everyone. There is no cost and nothing to buy! That makes this place a rare find. To find it, head to Chatsworth, NJ and don't forget to treat yourself to a hot dog at Hot Diggity Dog as you pass through town.
The Harvest Tour
The tractor has special treads to minimize damage to the bushes and metal “fingers” to loosen the berries so they float to the surface.
Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm offers limited tours each year during the harvest season, and my family and I were fortunate to secure our spot. Picture cranberry bogs flooded with water and the harvest in full swing. The tour started with a short video about the cranberry growing and harvesting process, and they gave us some craisons to eat, a big hit with our daughter. After the video, we walked out to the bog and saw the harvest in action, with farmers up to their thighs in the water, and machines sucking up the cranberries to be driven down the road for weighing at the Ocean Spray facility nearby. The presence of old farm implements added a touch of history to the experience, giving us a deeper appreciation for the farm's heritage.
The experience even more special by the presence of a retired Ocean Spray employee who shared insights about the cooperative's partnership with farms like Lee Brothers. He, like the farm, does the tour it simply for the enjoyment every year. It was a truly unique New Jersey experience.
Historical implements on display at the Lee Brothers farm.
Tour Availability and Planning
If you're considering a visit, keep in mind that tours at Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm are in high demand and sell out quickly as there a only a few each year. We recommend checking their website well ahead of October to secure your spot. Unfortunately, all the tours for 2023 are sold out, but trust me, it's worth putting this on your list for next year.
Conclusion
Our visit to Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm exceeded my expectations. As a mom, I can attest that it's a fantastic destination for families seeking unique and educational experiences with their children. Personally, I had waited for years to visit a cranberry farm during the harvest, and am so glad we finally made the! So, if you're a mom in New Jersey looking for family-friendly activities, make sure to mark Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm on your list for next year's fall adventures. It's an experience you won't want to miss.
