Rich in cultural history, Whiterock's Home Farm (formerly called "Garst Home Farm") was once the family home of agricultural innovator and citizen diplomat, Roswell Garst. Roswell Garst facilitated the creation of the hybrid seed corn and established Coon Rapids as the cradle of the Green Revolution.

 

-1916: Roswell began farming the 200 acre "Apple Farm," now the "Home Farm," with his brother Jonathan. 

-1922: Elizabeth and Roswell are married, and Elizabeth moves to the then dairy farm.

-Late 1920s: Elizabeth convinced Roswell to move to the city for a few years, until they began feeling the effects of the Depression. The whole time he spent in the city, Roswell continued to run his farm full of agricultural innovations from afar and through frequent visits.

-1929: Our historic River House Barn, then owned by the Heeder Family, was converted from a working barn to a place for celebration in the time of prohibition. The barn has remained suitable for many occasions and today continues to be a venue for event, dances and weddings.

-1940's: The farm where Roswell and Elizabeth were raising a family of 5 kids and a number of growing agricultural innovations was converted into a swine producing farm. 

-1950's: The farm was then transformed into a cow-calf operation through one of Roswell's agriculture innovations of feeding corn cob silage to cattle.

-1959: Roswell and Elizabeth culminated distinguished careers by hosting Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev during the height of the Cold War. The visit is remembered rather vividly by Liz Garst, the granddaughter of Roswell, and is depicted in many wonderful photographs around the home**.

-1977: Roswell dies at age 79, ten days after suffering a heart attack. He is buried at the Union Township Cemetary.

-1996: Elizabeth died at nearly 101 years old and left the house she had lived in for almost 80 years.

-1997: Garst Farm Resorts was founded as a way to preserve the history of the Home Farm in a way that would continue to engage the public with history and eco-tourism opportunities.

-2004: The Garst family announced the formation of a new nonprofit, Whiterock Conservancy, to ensure protection and public access to this unique land base.

-2007: Garst Farm Resort became Whiterock Resort.

-2010: As of January 2010, Whiterock Conservancy owns 2,570 acres of the eventual 5,400-acre land gift.

**To learn more about Whiterock's history, visit Whiterock Resort at the historical Garst Home Farm.

On display at the Bed & Breakfast is a superb collection of photographs, memorabilia, books, and videos.

Liz Garst shares true stories about the family history and the Khrushchev visit in a history talk, which can be arranged during your stay.