My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's to compare the best rates & stays in the state. If you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required). For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my packing list for your travels to the great state of Alaska.
About the Dean Homestead Tour in Homer
What Is the Dean Homestead?
The Dean Homestead is a local homestead on the eastern hillside of Homer, Alaska. Everything you see onsite has been hand built, with the help of the Dean's family and friends. Because both Jeff and his wife Ranja are local artists, you can truly feel the artistic flair come alive in their various buildings, gardens, and decorations throughout the property - and as soon as you begin the tour it feels almost like you've been whisked away to a fairytale. The "Dean Homestead" is a collection of a few different things - first and foremost it is Jeff & Ranja's family home. It's also their art studio & gallery, a garden, and home to the multiple animals they have onsite. Booking the Dean Homestead Tour The Dean Homestead and Art Studios Tour can easily be booked on their website. Currently, tours last about 2-3 hours and cost $85 per adult, unless you upgrade to the wine package, which is $110 per adult. They also have a 2 person or $170 minimum, which could be important to keep in mind if you're planning a trip. Right now, they offer once-a-day, 2:00 pm tours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Unless you have a car, it could be a bit tricky to get to, so I recommend making sure you have your own transportation before planning a visit to the Dean Homestead. Since they have a bit of parking onsite, I wouldn't worry about finding a space unless you have an oversized vehicle.
What to Know Before Visiting
To be honest, there isn't too much you *need* to know before your visit, other than to keep in mind that this is a working homestead, and Jeff and Ranja's private home. My main recommendation would be to wear comfortable, close-toed shoes you don't mind getting dirty. The weather in Homer can also change pretty quickly, so I recommend dressing in layers just in case. You'll also want to keep in mind that you'll be spending a majority of the tour outside, and the walking paths can sometimes be uneven or on some hills. If photos are your thing, then there's plenty of opportunities for a cute photo, so you may want to plan your outfit around that as well.
My Favorite Tours in Homer :
- Katmai National Park Bear Viewing - Kachemak Bay Wildlife Tour - Grewingk Glacier Guided Hike
My Experience Touring the Dean Homestead
What to Expect on the Tour + What You'll See
As soon as the tour starts from the parking lot, you'll be led through a small orchard of berries, and during the correct season you might even see some neighbors picking fruit. From here you're led to their onsite art studio, a space they've built where you can ask all kinds of questions and learn about the processes that he, his wife Ranja, and their daughter M'fanwy use to make their art, as well as see their tools up close. At the end of the tour, you'll be able to meander through their onsite art gallery, where you can see more of their finished pieces and any large-scale commission pieces they've completed in the past.
The main part of the tour centers around touring the homestead. You'll be led through all kinds of small buildings and structures, from the chicken and rabbit enclosures, to the flower and vegetable gardens and guest house. There's also a few barns (with some incredible views of Kachemak Bay and Grewingk Glacier) that house the various animals they have onsite - from their donkeys and goats to their icelandic horses and Yeti, the famous "yow" (a mix of a cow & yak). The entire tour brings you up close to their unique innovations (like their water storage and drying house) throughout the property and gives you the chance to ask Jeff or Ranja anything you want to know about the homestead.
Is the Dean Homestead Tour Worth It?
So, is the homestead & art studios tour really worth it? If you're interested in homestead life in Alaska, yes. If you're interested in good views and cute scenery, yes. If you just want to add a unique tour to your time in Homer, yes, I 100% think this tour is worth it. I've lived in Alaska for 5 years now and never knew that visiting or touring a homestead was even an option, and this easily became one of my favorite things to do in Homer. Turns out the Dean Homestead and Art Studios Tour has the #1 Trip Advisor spot for a reason, and I'll be recommending this spot to anyone visiting Homer that's looking for something fun and unique to do. If you end up going, make sure to tell Jeff & Ranja I said hi, and tell them I sent you! :)
Watch My Homestead Visit Here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 12 Best Things to Do in Homer -> 48 Hour Weekend in Homer -> Best Places to Eat in Homer
Pin this Homestead Tour for Later!
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Hi, I'm Deborah! In 2022 my husband convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. \\\ My blog is free to read, but some links may be affiliates. This means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Learn more here. \\\ 
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