Blackberry Farm is open May through October - and for 8 days in December for Holiday Express. Visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org for specific hours. Enjoy
Blackberry Farm is a living history museum on 54 scenic acres with a lake, ponds and a meandering stream. The grounds contain an arboretum with more than 200 varieties of trees, floral displays and historic agricultural gardens.
Blackberry Farm has five museums including the Carriage House, the Farm Museum, the Early Streets Museum and the Huntoon House. These contain an outstanding collection of late 19th century artifacts used in every facet of life. In the Carriage House, there are 40 carriages, sleighs and commercial vehicles. The Farm collection has many rare implements dating from the mid-1800s to 1910. The Streets Museum houses 11 late Victorian-era exhibit stores including a music shop, pharmacy, general store, photography shop and toy store.
Many period craft demonstrations bring Blackberry Farm to life. Visitors can watch demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, sewing and pottery, as well as visit a one room schoolhouse, an Aurora home from the 1840s, and a farm cabin. In each area, demonstrators depict activities and life of the bygone era.
Children and their parents will enjoy a ride on the restored miniature train to visit the pioneer cabin, where they can take an old-fashioned hay wagon ride along Blackberry Creek. Back at the village, they can ride the carousel, paddle boats or the ponies.
Food is available at the outdoor Summer Kitchen that overlooks a pond with a spraying fountain. Visitors may bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the picnic groves along the lake shore.
The Gift Shop, located in the town square, carries handcrafted textiles and pottery made in the park. Special orders are also taken. For more information or reservations, call 630-892-1550.
