In 1996, a recently-retired Ken and his son Mike, who currently runs the farm, attended a hazelnut seminar by Dennis Fulbright at Michigan State University. The seminar intrigued them and stirred Ken’s agricultural spirit and curiosity. In 1997, Ken and Mike began planting chestnut trees. While there were bumps along the way, they successfully planted their first crop which soon began to grow and produce fruit (as well as the seeds of LaFever Chestnuts).

Several years went by as the small family project grew when LaFever Chestnuts was approached by a journalist inquiring about the chestnuts. During the interview, the journalist suggested doing a U-pick program in the fall. After some consideration, the LaFevers opened up the farm as a U-pick attraction for Southeastern Michigan. The published article brought many East Asian people to the farm, seeking the familiar tastes and feelings of home and childhood. Word of mouth spread quickly and today people from all walks of life come to LaFever Chestnuts. It is not uncommon to hear people speaking half a dozen different languages as you sit around a the bonfires—all united by the humble chestnut.