Point of Interest: Be Our Guest

By Haley Banwart | Photos by Joseph L. Murphy

Visitors staying at the New Day Dairy GuestBarn don’t need to count sheep to pass the time. Instead, they can go cow gazing while enjoying a one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast experience on a working dairy farm near Clarksville.

Iowa dairy farmers Dan and Lynn Bolin opened the GuestBarn in January 2020. Equipped with a full kitchen, dining space and three bedrooms, the unique farm stay features a loft with 24/7 access to two large windows overlooking 120 cows.

“The GuestBarn has always been a part of the vision for our family’s farm, but it took some time before all of the pieces fell into place,” says Lynn, a self-proclaimed city-turned-farm girl.

Warm living spaces inside the New Day Dairy GuestBarn.

Inspiration for the GuestBarn stemmed from enriching experiences Dan and Lynn shared while traveling across the U.S. and living overseas early in their married life.

“Traveling broadened our perspective of how other people live,” she says. “We wanted to bring that same sense of discovery to our farm and build an authentic space for those who may not come from an agricultural background.”

Beyond the Barn

Upon arrival, guests are given a guided farm tour where they can interact with the cows and meet Rita, the Bolin’s state-of-the-art robotic milking machine.

For those seeking a more hands-on agricultural experience, the Bolins created a “Be a Dairy Farmer Challenge,” which includes a more in-depth tour of the farm and opportunities to milk a cow by hand, bottle feed a baby calf and take a tractor ride.

“Our dairy farmer challenge has been a popular activity with guests who want to get their hands dirty and go beyond our introductory and farewell tours,” says Lynn.

Delightful Dairy Treats and Amenities

Back in the GuestBarn, visitors can customize their stay with a root beer float party, supplies to make their own ice cream or a continental breakfast.

The breakfast is complete with coffee, bagels paired with cream cheese sourced from Prairie Farms – the co-op where milk from New Day Dairy is delivered – and handmade Dutch letter pastries prepared by a neighboring dairy farmer.

Throughout the modern rooms, which are decorated in colorful dairy-themed décor, guests will also find fun amenities, such as soap made with cow’s milk and local souvenirs to remember their stay.

All Visitors Welcome

Since opening the GuestBarn, the Bolins have welcomed couples and families from the East Coast, Midwest and several Iowans.

“The most rewarding part of the experience has been meeting new people, learning their stories and seeing the excitement on their faces as they immerse themselves in new adventures on our farm,” Lynn says.

Dan Bolin gives a handful of feed to a calf. Guests can learn about modern dairy farming and get up close and personal with the cows.