Five Farms

Let the ride take you...

Elawa Farm (Lake Forest) on Middlefork Savanna - Built in 1917 in Lake Forest, IL for A. Watson and Elsa Armour.  A. Watson Armour was a member of the family who owned Armour & Company, the largest meat-packing company in the world at the turn of the 20th century.

The Garden Market will be open Friday and Saturday, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

Their Holiday Market is seasonal and open towards the end of the year. (Call to confirm days/hours) 

Meals - The Potting Shed can seat up to 14 people or the Hay Barn can be used for larger groups. Meals can be catered through the farm or they can be purchased on your own. Limited seating in the Cafe and outside.

Indoor restrooms available in the Hay Barn.

Give your group time to wander the gardens and savanna.

Cost for a guided group tour up to 20 people, flat fee of $150 minimum or $10 per person.

The Potting Shed at Elawa Farm, Lake Forest, IL

Liberty Prairie and Farm Store (Grayslake) - 95-acre holistically managed farm that uses regenerative farming best practices, grows USDA-certified organic produce and supports people, plants, and animals thriving together.

Best days to tour -  Fridays, mid-July through September.

Farm Store is a great place to pick up locally sourced produce, meat, and fruit.

Fiber House is for groups wanting to have a hands-on experience with fiber and gardening.

The historic Yellow Farmhouse is for smaller groups and educators offer a hands-on learning activity related to gardening, fiber, agriculture, etc. Meals can be catered as well.

Fully ADA-accessible bathrooms at the Farm Store and Fiber House. Bathrooms at the farm are not ADA, but are flexible (port-o-potties or bathrooms within the yellow farmhouse).

Full motorcoach sized groups would need to break into smaller groups for some of the spaces.

A 3-hour farm educational experience and tour is $25 per person. Room rentals within spaces range from $250-$500 for the day.

Liberty Prairie Farm Store, Grayslake, IL 

Richardson Adventure Farm (Spring Grove/Fox Lake) - homesteaded in 1836 byRobert Richardson who emigrated from England. What began as a 240-acre homestead grew to encompass 544 acres, including two farmsteads and a variety of activities like corn mazes, Christmas tree farms, and festivals.

SPRING - Tulip Fest, timing is based on Mother Nature.

Best day to tour - 9:30AM - 6:00PM, any day except Monday.

Any size group is welcome. They will provide a meet and greet on the coach or in the gift shop based on availability. Flush toilets (portables in the fields).

There are limited food trucks and eating would be on picnic tables outside. Private event space based on availability and catering.

Plan on 1-1.5 hours.  During Tulip Festival,  one free tulip with each paid admission. 

Admission $16 on weekdays.

Tulip Festival, Richardson Adventure Farm and Corn Maze, Spring Grove, IL

FALL - Mid-September (Sunflowers in September) through end of October.

Best day - Fridays only, 10:00AM -11:00PM (could open early at 9:30AM for bathrooms and intro)

There is food on the grounds. Group can rent event space or fire pits. Plenty of flush toilets in three places on the grounds.

There are lots of activities for all interests. Plan on 2-3 hours for a visit in the fall.

Admission Fridays $20-$24 per person.

Fall Fun at Richardson Adventure Farm and Corn Maze, Spring Grove, IL

SunBerry Orchard (Mundelein) - Ukranian-American family farm providing fresh, organic produce and meats by using sustainable farming methods. They welcome visitors to enjoy the grounds, animals, and to learn about local agriculture and wander through their shop.

Visit the apple orchard and farm market in Mundelein. Enjoy a free petting zoo, scenic farm stroll, bakery, cider mill, and shop for frozen pasture-raised meats and fresh produce. 

Fresh apple cider tasting and access to farm and store - $10 per person

Best time to visit - the Fall - experience their amazing apple cider and orchards. The stores* are open year-round.

*They also have a Lake Zurich store that specializes in artisanal sausages, smoked meats, and Ukranian deli items.

SunBerry Orchard, Mundelein, IL

Susanna Farms (Lake Villa) - Family farm run by sisters, Laura and Elizabeth Heffernan. Learn about the origins of the farm and their holistic approach to life with nature and animals.

Best days to tour - Tuesday and Wednesday, 11:00AM - 2:00PM

Three stall restrooms on site. Not handicap accessible.

Meals must be catered and they have room for 10-60 people.

Fee is  $10 per person for a tour and to interact with the animals and use the barn for a catered lunch.

Susanna Farms, Lake Villa, IL