If you’ve ever driven down Interstate 58, just north of Tehachapi, you’ve probably noticed the big red barn on the east side of the road. Folks-in-the-know are clued into the fact that Murray Family Farms’ Big Red Barn boasts year-round, farm-fresh produce – and also happens to be one of the Central Valley’s most popular agritourism destinations. We met with Steve Murray to learn more about how Murray Family Farms, a family-owned farm east of Bakersfield, attracts visitors from all across the state.

Following his farming dreams

As a child, Steve dreamed of becoming a farmer while planting fruit trees in their family’s yard alongside his father. His dream became a reality when he and his wife, Vickie, traded their Bakersfield home for a 20-acre table grape and cherry farm right down the road. Steve recalls, “We started out growing table grapes and cherries and selling in farmers markets. We enjoyed it so much that we started diversifying into other crops and acquiring more land where we could grow more varieties of fruit.”

Today, Murray Family Farms grows hundreds of varieties of fruits on over 300 acres – although Steve still considers grapes and cherries their signature crops. When asked to share a few examples of what the family grows, Steve smiles and rattles off, “Cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, pluots, apriums, persimmons, figs.” He pauses, then shrugs, implying that the list goes on – but that there are simply too many to list. 

A Big Red Barn full of seasonal fruit, preserves and more

While the farm is famous for its unique stone fruit varieties – and boasts the “world’s earliest cherry harvest” – that’s certainly not the only draw. In 1994, they built their trademark “Big Red Barn” – a virtual beacon to travelers looking for a convenient stop along a rural stretch of road between Bakersfield and Southern California. Steve admits with a grin, “It was all my wife’s idea. This is what she dreamed of doing – we just have always loved reaching out to the public.” 

When guests walk inside the Big Red Barn, they’ll find seasonal fresh fruit grown on the family’s farms, jarred preserved goods and sauces, a selection of California wines, and assorted dried fruits and nuts from neighboring farms. 

Ever heard of an Okie Pie?

If you ask Steve, however, the Big Red Barn’s biggest attraction is their “Okie Pies”. Steve explains that the historic significance of the popular pastry is tied to Highway 58 – the road outside the farm.

During the 1930s, highway 58 brought thousands of people west from Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas to California during the 1930s. They brought their food traditions with them, including Okie Pies – a handheld pocket pastry filled with sweet and savory ingredients. 

Okie Pies are always on the menu at The Big Red Barn, but the selections are constantly changing. The Blueberry BBQ Pulled Pork Okie Pie is a year-round favorite, but the kitchen’s menu also includes seasonal fruit-filled Okie Pies.

Fun on the farm: U-pick, pumpkin patches + more

In recent years, Murray Family Farms has embraced agritourism, boasting a near year-round U-pick season. While cherries, berries and pumpkins are some of the most popular U-pick offerings, the farm is open for U-pick most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Throughout October, the farm is transformed into “The Great Bakersfield Pumpkin Patch.” Alluding to the pumpkin patch’s popularity, Steve quips, “We’re one of the few businesses that gets people in places like Hollywood to come to Bakersfield for vacation.” 

Every fall, over 70,000 people from across the state visit the Big Red Barn to pick the perfect pumpkin, navigate their way through sunflower and corn mazes, hop on a hayride to explore the farm and enjoy a variety of games and activities. “People come for the pumpkins,” Steve wryly notes, “but they really come for the ambiance and the activities.” 

The Big Red Barn also hosts popular one-night attractions during Pumpkin Season, including Trick or Treat at Murray Family Farms and Christmas at the Pumpkin Patch.

Economic + educational benefits of agritourism

At Murray Family Farms, seasonal events aren’t just a way to connect with the community; they’ve proven to be economically beneficial. Steve states, “October has become our biggest revenue stream outside of our cherry harvest.” Murray Family Farms hosts similar festivities in the spring with an Easter theme, and is always looking to expand their already packed events calendar.  

Steve hopes that folks visiting the farm will leave with a better understanding of how food is grown – and maybe a newfound love for fresh produce. “In California, as a whole, one in ten children are eating enough fruits and vegetables,” he says. “They’re just not accustomed to eating really good fruits and vegetables. If you go in the grocery store, most of the fruit has got a lot of miles on it. Here, we’re harvesting it at its peak. It tastes better, and it’s better for you.” 

Flashing a broad smile, he concludes, “Our mission really is to improve the quality of people’s lives. And we do that through the fruit that we grow, the employment that we provide, the entertainment and education from people coming onto the farm.”

Visit Murray Family Farms’ Big Red Barn

6700 General Beale Road, Bakersfield, CA 93307

(661) 330-0100

Open daily, with U-pick on weekends. 

Article and photography by Hilary Rance.