Schnepf Farms

Arizona's Best Family Experience!

"Where We Preserve History and you Create Memories"

Who We Are

Visiting our favorite country, France.

Schnepf Farms History

1941 was the year that Ray and Thora Schnepf, moved from the city to a wonderful place called Rittenhouse.. They spent their honeymoon night on this farm in a one room shack with their farmhand sleeping outside. It was desert, so in order to start farming, Ray Schnepf had to start clearing the land of shrubs, bushes and start making it some of the best farmland in Arizona, Only because it had such sandy soil which made it perfect for grouwing onions, sweet corn and potatoes.

Mark Schnepf and a few of his friends looked into the future of this small farming community which was on the verge of being swallowed up by Mesa and Gilbert. So they began the incorporation process and Rittenhouse became the Town of Queen Creek  in 1989.  Mark Schnepf served as the town's first Mayor for 11 years before retiring from politics to spend more time with his children and building and focusing on the direction of Schnepf Farms. As Queen Creek continues to prosper with new housing projects every day, Schnepf Farms still remains a true family farm. Mark says: "He hopes to leave a legacy of "farm life" for Queen Creek residents and the many families who visit his family farm for generations to come."

When Mark and his father Ray farmed this land several years ago, they were large commercial potato farmers (actually Queen Creek was known as the Potato Capital of the World because of the number of potato farmers in the area and amount of acreage being farmed in potatoes.) In the early years Mark's uncle and mother were all involved in the farming operation. But as times changed, so did farming and it became more and more difficult to produce crops and make money in the 80's, so changes began. After 3 potato crop failures in a row, it was now time to downsize and look at other ways to keep the farm alive. Mark and his wife turning to "entertainment." Trying to encourage people to drive out to the farm for a farm experience..

Land was sold as the farm downsized and agri-tourism began. The transition from commercial farming to entertainment farming is an on-going process and a very slow process, but it is a chance to keep the farm alive for the 5th generation.

Recently Queen Creek became a boom. Thoursands and thousands of acres were sold to commercial developers, housing projects  etc, etc."We were constantly asked to sell our land," says, Mark  Schnepf "We wouldn't keep doing this if we couldn't see the "fruits" of our labor, watching families create memories , makes it all worth the hard work," says Schnepf. New projects are always being talked about and what can happen on the farm. It's going to be a lifelong project.

In October 2006 Schnepf Farms was designated as an "Arizona Treasure" by the Governor Janet Napolitano and Arizona Office of Tourism. As family farms in Arizona disappear, Schnepf Farms continues to develope and thrive by creating a place where people from all over can visit, get educated and be entertained all while visiting a farm. In 2006, Schnepf Farms celebrated 65 years of farming. Mark Schnepf says he hopes people will be able to enjoy his family farm for another 65 years. To read more press releases or to find out what awards and articles have been written about Schnepf Farms, click on Media Coverage.

Grayson Schnepf enjoying a ride on the Electric Hummer driven by Governor Napolitano (Oct. 2006) during her Arizona Treasure award visit.

The Transition from commercial farming to "entertainment" farming has been going on for over 12 years.

Even though many of the new attractions are rides, everything is planned around existing orchards and gardens. "Farming will always be our foundation as we continue to add buildings, rides, etc. we will never forget that we are farmers. Our goal is to never forget that our foundation is farming and our future will also be in farming, but in an entertaining and educating way. " says Mark Schnepf. Today Schnepf Farms is enjoyed by almost a quarter of a million people during their season. October - December, April & May. They educate over 30-thousand school children about vegetable farming and entertain thousands more with their festivals in October, December & May.

 

In Loving Memory of Thora Irene Schnepf August 3, 1922 - March 23, 2004

This photo was taken only one month before Thora Schnepf passed away. Mark and Thora are sitting in front of the Schnepf Farmhouse Museum (Now open Saturdays and Sundays ) This house used to be the original farm house that Ray and Thora Schnepf lived in for 16 years. The house still has it's original hardwood floors and cedar closet. When  visiting the farm, make this a MUST STOP to learn the history of Schnepf Farms and the family.

 

(Connor celebrating his 11th birthday with Dan Majerle and friends; and McCall and Hayden enjoying a Suns Game with the Gorilla, enjoying being "HIGH-FIVE" Kids at the Phoenix Suns Game during the Playoffs.)

Our Mission Statement : To provide quality family entertainment in a safe farm setting. To educate and inform the public on Arizona agriculture. Our goal is preserve not only a little history of our farming community of Queen Creek, but preserve a true family farm, our home.

Schnepf Farms

Schnepf Farms Farm Park is open September - June with Seasonal Events in the Fall & Spring.

"Fresh from the Farm" Restaurant is open year around closing 2nd & 3rd week in July

Driving Address:: 24810 S. Rittenhouse Road

Queen Creek, AZ  85242

  Mailing Address:: 22601 East Cloud Road
Queen Creek, Arizona 85242
480-987-3100
Email: schfarm@earthlink.net