Lucknow - River Rock Acres

There’s something about discovering a new farm attraction that makes you want to slow down and have a look around, especially when the farm itself is part of the attraction.

That’s what’s happening at River Rock Acres, a new agritourism destination just outside Lucknow, where Dave and Elly Boonstoppel are turning their 100-acre hobby farm into a place where visitors can enjoy the countryside, meet some unusual farm animals and have a little fun along the way.

The Boonstoppels purchased the property in late 2023. Both are realtors, so sharing a property with others isn’t entirely foreign territory, but River Rock Acres is a different kind of real estate project.

The farm sits on both sides of the Nine-Mile River, and that natural feature has become an important part of the couple’s vision for the property. Along with the recreational side of the operation, they are committed to educational and sustainability initiatives focused on the river and the surrounding landscape.

Of course, it’s hard to think about a farm visit without thinking about animals, and River Rock Acres has plenty of them. There are alpacas, ponies, ducks, peacocks and laying chickens to discover. Then there are the fainting goats, probably the farm’s most entertaining residents.

Despite their somewhat alarming name, the goats aren’t actually fainting. They have a genetic condition that causes their muscles to stiffen when they become excited, which can result in the animals simply tipping over. Visitors will be able to feed the goats, although there’s no guarantee that an especially enthusiastic snack will result in a goat doing a little sideways tumble.

The fields provide another seasonal attraction. Pumpkins, sunflowers and lavender are grown on the farm, adding plenty of colour to the property as summer gives way to fall.

There are lawn games for those who want to linger, but two of the biggest draws are the wagon rides and the corn maze.

 

The maze occupies a five-acre cornfield and was designed by Dave himself. For his first attempt, he decided not to make things too complicated. The design features a central circle with several paths leading in different directions, including an “escape” route for anyone who decides they’ve had enough of the maze.

There’s a little more to it than simply finding your way out, though. Trivia questions are incorporated into the maze, giving visitors something to ponder as they navigate the corn.

And once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s no need to leave the farm. River Rock has invited a food truck to the property this season for hungry visitors, while the farm store offers locally sourced meat, and rural-themed goodies.

River Rock Acres’ first season is focused on the fall, with operations running through September and October. The farm will be open to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 9 pm and on Saturdays from 9 am to 9 pm. The season wraps up on October 31 with an extra-spooky nighttime adventure, an appropriately creepy finale for a farm already offering plenty of reasons to explore after dark. 

But the Boonstoppels aren’t stopping there. The farm’s permanent pasture is part of their plans for the future, with Highland cattle expected to join the operation. Beginning next year, they hope to raise the cattle on grass and offer their own grass-fed beef.

For now, though, River Rock Acres is a place to wander, explore and enjoy a little piece of the countryside along the Nine-Mile River. Whether you’re navigating the corn maze, feeding a fainting goat or simply taking in the scenery, it’s a new stop worth adding to your travels around Lucknow. www.riverrockacres.ca 36818 Belfast Rd.,  Lucknow