McKinstry's Market Garden

In 1752, Reverend John McKinstry arrived in Chicopee as the first minister of the First Congregational Church. By 1908, the McKinstry farm began to flourish under the guidance of Willard McKinstry, who started a market wagon business at the age of sixteen. The farm has been operated by six generations of the McKinstry family, transitioning from poultry to a diverse array of crops. Today, it is managed by Willard McKinstry's grandson and his wife, continuing the legacy of providing fresh produce to the community.

The farm employs Integrated Pest Management (I.P.M.) practices, ensuring that crops are monitored weekly and sprayed only when necessary. This approach guarantees high-quality and nutritious produce. The farm specializes in early corn and tomatoes, growing forty to fifty different varieties of corn, including all yellow, all white, and mostly yellow and white.

The farm stand is open seasonally from May 1 to October 20, offering a wide range of fruits, vegetables, bedding plants, cut flowers, and vegetable starts. The farm also engages in agri-tourism, providing pick-your-own experiences, school tours, and hosting events like the Strawberry Festival. Known for their motto 'Picked Fresh Daily,' the farm's produce is available at their store in Chicopee and shipped across the country.