From a small roadside stand selling cut flowers, potted tulips, and bulbs, Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm has blossomed into an attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. This spring, the farm is excited to announce its 41st annual Tulip Festival, from March 21 to April 27. The farm is located in Woodburn, OR, and, while flowers are the star of the show, the farm also offers tours through the tulip fields, hot air balloon rides, kids’ activities, food, and crafts. “We’ve tried it all at some point,” Emily Iverson, the operations and farm manager at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, says. “The festival is an annual celebration of spring, a way for people to shake off the winter blues.”
Iverson Family Farms, originally founded by Ross and Dorothy Iverson in 1950, began growing tulips in 1974 under contract for Dr. Clyde Holman, a flower producer from Indiana. Following his retirement in 1980, the Iversons bought his tulip bulbs and launched the Wooden Shoe Bulb Company to sell directly to consumers. In 1984, they opened their fields to the public, kicking off the annual Tulip Festival.
Over time, the festival grew in popularity, and in the 1990s, the farm expanded its business by focusing on fresh flower sales and introducing potted tulips. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the family supported their community by delivering tulips to senior homes, and in 2021 they introduced online ticketing. As the farm continued to grow, the Iverson family embraced new ventures and opportunities. In 2024, the farm started growing summer flowers, and today, the Iverson family continues to share the beauty of their tulip fields with the world.
“Our farm has expanded over the years, and now we farm around 1,100 acres of grass seed, hazelnuts, clover, and other crops. We’ve been farming since the 1950s, and the Tulip Festival is just one part of what we do,” Iverson says. She continues, stating that it’s a family affair: “Our farm is run by my cousins, my mom, and my uncles. Everyone plays a role in the festival, and we’re all involved in making it work.”
The farm grows 53 different tulip varieties, from the traditional flower with a smooth, cup-like shape to peony-style tulips that have a multi-layer bloom. The bloom times depend on the weather and the variety’s growing needs; in fact, 2024’s cold winter set the tulips back about two weeks behind schedule. Iverson shares that some of her personal favorite flowers include: “Fostery King, a Darwin hybrid with a pinkish-red color and dark stems; and Gudoshnik Double, which has variegated colors, with red and yellow stripes or blends of both.”
One of the most popular experiences the farm offers is the Sunrise Pass, which grants visitors early access to the grounds to enjoy the sunrise over the flower fields. Hot air balloons, provided by Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons, are another prominent attraction. “The tradition of flying hot air balloons over the tulip fields started 30 years ago when my mom, one of the co-founders of the farm, began flying hot air balloons herself. Since then, it’s become a major feature of the festival,” Iverson says. Chris Hancock, who works with Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons, explains, “Our first flight from the tulip fields was in 1996. It’s grown so much in the last five to six years, and we’ve loved being a part of that. People love watching the balloons over the flowers as well as flying over the flowers. It’s a great match.” He adds, “Sometimes, we’re able to take off, fly for an hour, and then land back at the tulip fields, which is very special. We get to see the tulips twice during the flight, and it’s an amazing sight.”
However, there is more to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm than its flower fields; it’s also a place that brings people together. Dedicated to supporting the local community and celebrating the beauty of the surrounding region, the Iverson family upholds a commitment to integrity in everything they do. This passion is reflected in the farm’s partnerships with local businesses, artisans, and organizations, including their partnership with Portland Rose Hot Air Balloons. “We love flying and sharing our passion for balloon flight. So having it be a big part of a festival is a lot of fun,” says Hancock.
This year, the 2025 Tulip Festival features multiple special events dedicated to important causes. Alzheimer’s Weekend, from April 5-6, raised awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. From April 12-13, the Festival will host Relay Rally Weekend in partnership with the American Cancer Society, supporting vital research and treatments. Additionally, a blood drive was held at Ninety-One School in Hubbard, OR, on April 2 in honor of Vicki Iverson. These events reflect the farm’s strong commitment to giving back to the community and supporting causes that make a meaningful impact.
The size of the festival is another key feature that sets it apart. There are very few farms in the United States that offer 40 acres of tulips. “We see the other farms as friends, not competitors. Each farm has its own style and approach, and we all thrive in our own way. We do a festival-focused experience, with longer hours, while some of the others are still more focused on wholesale sales,” Iverson highlights. “We’re a bit different from other agritourism businesses in the area because we take everything down after the festival. If you were to visit us during the off-season, you wouldn’t even know we hold a tulip festival here — there’s nothing left standing except for a large office building. The rest of the farm is just grass,” Iverson elaborates.
It’s a big job, and the farm’s team has been hard at work since mid-February. However, it’s tough to find seasonal workers these days. “Most of the current staff are retirees, and they’ve been great, but we have a small pool to choose from,” Iverson says. It’s also challenging to keep up with evolving technology and social media. “We want to be as accessible and accommodating as possible, so we’re always adapting to new trends and platforms to engage with visitors,” Iverson explains.
The Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm’s dedication to tradition, community, and innovation has made it a beloved destination for visitors each year. With a commitment to supporting important causes, showcasing local talent, and offering exciting experiences, the farm continues to grow and thrive. As the festival celebrates its roots and embraces the future, it remains a true reflection of the Iverson family’s values and their passion for bringing people together.
