It is an exciting time on the grounds of the historic Hardman Farm – the cows are coming home.
At the foot of the iconic Nacoochee Mound in Georgia, there’s an annual tradition that signals the arrival of spring for local residents and visitors alike. Each year, as winter melts away, a new herd of dairy cattle arrives at Hardman Farm’s lush pasture. This event, known as the “Cows Come Home,” is more than just a seasonal transition—it’s a celebration of history, agriculture, and community.
For much of the year, the Nacoochee Mound pasture is home to dairy cattle that are raised to become milking cows. The field remains vacant during the winter months, allowing the land to rest. But as late February or early March approaches, the cows return, symbolizing the season’s shift and marking the return of full-time operations at the farm.
This annual event, complete with family-friendly activities and historical demonstrations, draws crowds from across the region to celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of the area.
A Day at the Cows Come Home Celebration
On Saturday, March 1st, Hardman Farm State Historic Site will host its popular “Cows Come Home Celebration,” offering a variety of activities for visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the farm’s early 20th-century dairy operations, which were once vital to the local community.
The day’s festivities include guided tours of the farm’s century-old dairy barn and creamery, where visitors can explore the site that was once a hub of dairy production.
For those who enjoy a more hands-on experience, the event will feature butter-making demonstrations, allowing guests to try their hand at this historic farm skill.
In the farm’s kitchen, cooking demonstrations will take place on the old wood stove, giving attendees a taste of how meals were prepared in the early 1900s.
And no visit to Hardman Farm would be complete without a walk through the main floor of the historic Hardman Farm mansion, where reenactors portraying Governor and Mrs. Hardman will be on hand to share stories about the farm’s history and its prominent role in the area.
“Visitors can enjoy a day full of activities centering around the Nacoochee Dairy that operated at Hardman in the early 1900’s”, said Sarah Summers, Hardman Farm’s Assistant Manager. Activities will include tours of Hardman Farm’s 100+ year old dairy barn and creamery, hands-on butter making demonstrations and cooking demos on the wood stove in the historic Hardman Farm kitchen.
Young (and young at heart) attendees can enjoy a puppet show depicting the history of the farm, farm animals and old fashioned games such as corn hole on the lawn.
“We’re extremely excited that our friends from London Farms will be bringing some of their cows over for the festival this year. Lots of our most frequently asked questions at Hardman Farm revolve around the cows in the pasture with the Nacoochee Mound, so we’re thrilled that the Londons will be here to talk with guests about the cattle,” said Summers.
In addition, local musicians will provide live music throughout the day and local artists and crafters will have goods for sale including handmade soaps, wooden jewelry, sewn products, original paintings, baked goods, and more. Visitors can grab lunch from local food truck, Mutt & Jeff’s Smokehouse BBQ or a snack from Old Fashioned Fun Food.
“At a time of year when we’re all waiting for longer days and warmer weather, we’re excited to provide a day for our community that celebrates the rich history and uniqueness of our local area. There really is something for everyone at this festival—you should bring your whole herd,” Summers says.
Admission to the festivities is $8 per person (children 5 and under, free). For more information, contact the Hardman Farm Visitors Center at 706-878-1077, email [email protected] or go to https://gastateparks.org/HardmanFarm
