Frequently Asked Questions about Dudley Farm Historic State Park

Question: What is Dudley Farm?
Answer: It is a 325-acre park that is an original working farm representing the lifestyle of the 1880s-1930s. Work activities, buildings and clothing are all authentic to that time period.

Question: Will the animals be out today?
Answer: Yes, we utilize the farm animals daily in some type of activity. We have cracker cows, mules, cracker horse and Plymouth barred rock chickens.

Question: Do you grind sugar cane and make syrup here?
Answer: Yes, we start cutting the cane in November around Thanksgiving and start grinding the cane and boiling the syrup in November and December or until the cane is all used up.

Question: Are there other activities you do at Dudley Farm?
Answer: Park staff and volunteers interpret the daily farm activities including daily care of the farm buildings, animals, gardens, orchards, and even removal of exotics. There are many seasonal activities. In January, teamsters with mules and draft horses plow the soil and prepare it for planting; In March and April we plant the crops with mules and hand implements; Crop harvesting begins in September through October and November. Corn shucking, shelling, and grinding are fall activities. Rug braiding, quilting and other domestic skills are demonstrated on Wednesdays. Groups and volunteers help with farm chores and exotic removal.