Imagine the joy of plucking ripe berries right off the vine, spending a day with animals, and sampling the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. These activities not only connect you with nature but also provide a deeper appreciation for the farm-to-table journey. Make the Rockford region your next destination to experience life on the farm.
Farm Experiences & Tours
This 146-acre park is home to an array of farm animals and offers programs, horseback riding lessons, and other experiences. They have various group packages including private wagon rides, horse grooming, or time with cows in the pasture. End your visit at the onsite observatory and stargaze from their 14-ft Ash-dome. In the summer months, visitors can go for “Saturdays on the Farm” for a tractor ride and entry at their children’s farm to visit with the animals.
Visitors can explore an impressive array of over 700 cast iron implement seats alongside fifty antique tractors, windmills, windmill weights, and antique washing machines. The exhibit also features wagons, spreaders, cultivators, planters, and an extensive compilation of Emerson Brandingham equipment made in Rockford, Illinois. Additionally, there's a notable collection of model tractors and toys, renowned for their size and uniqueness. Individual tours are offered for a personalized experience of this remarkable museum.
Located in Pecatonica, Gretta’s Goats is a commercial goat dairy, apiary, and educational farm. They host various events and classes throughout the year, including 1-mile hikes with their miniature goats and goat milk soap-making classes. In the spring, guests can attend baby goat snuggle sessions.
Orchards & Pick-Your-Own
Apple cider donuts (gluten free options available), apple cider slushies, farm animals, and tractor rides can be found at this family run orchard located amidst the beautiful rolling hills of Winnebago, IL. They grow 18 different varieties of apples from over 5000 trees and have a pumpkin patch and u-pick raspberries.
Known for their award-winning apple cider, Curran’s Orchard is Rockford’s destination for pick-your-own fruit. In the summer, Montmorency cherries are abundant before apples become available in the fall. They also offer apple cider slushies and fresh lemon, apple or cherry donuts on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer. Bite into a caramel apple, or grab a slice of freshly baked apple pie from their bakery. Families and friends can enjoy hayrides on the weekends and test out their straw maze, corn tunnel, and apple slingshot.
This 35-acre family-owned orchard in Cherry Valley is also open throughout the summer and fall. Rhubarb, raspberries, blueberries, cherries, red, white and black currants, and blackberries are available to pick on your own. They offer orchard tours and field trip activities which include a wagon ride, an informational talk about the orchard and apple sorting, and a complimentary apple to take home. Jams, jellies, salsas, squash, pumpkins, gourds, and more are available at their bakery in the fall.
Situated in South Beloit, IL, this idyllic family farm grows fresh blueberries and raspberries that are insecticide, pesticide and herbicide free. Pre-picked and pick your own options are available. Ox Berry Farm is normally open in July. Check their social media for picking hours.
For over 75 years, this tree farm has been a part of many local family traditions during the holiday season. Guests can cut their own Christmas trees, enjoy hot coca by a stone fireplace, take a hayride through the woods, and finish holiday shopping in their lodge and gift shop. Families can also visit with a variety of animals and have fun in the children’s play area.
Farm-to-table Dining
This cozy Scandinavian brunch and dinner spot proudly sources their ingredients from local farmers. They offer seasonal dishes along with a weekly rotating dinner menu. One of their most popular items is their Danish Æbleskiver, fluffy pancake balls served with maple syrup and jam.
Located in downtown Rockford, Abreo serves original and seasonal menus that are sourced heavily from local farmers along with a variety of premium import suppliers.
Situated along the scenic Rock River in a refurbished brewery from the 1800s, this brewpub specializes in craft beer and house made dishes. Their menu is specially crafted, sourcing fresh ingredients from local farmers and foragers.
SALT. partners with local farms to bring a unique and elegant dining experience driven by the seasons. Their frequent menu change provides an opportunity to taste a variety of new dishes every few months.
Neighboring Communities
Located in Caledonia, IL, this non-profit focuses on teaching sustainable and regenerative farming and creating accessibility to locally grown food through community efforts. They offer kids and community programs, including a farm beginnings program and overnight camps, throughout the year. They offer a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program as part of their urban farm located within Blackhawk Courts Housing Authority in Rockford. The purpose of Farmer’s Rising Rockford CSA is to give a traditionally urban community access to fresh and locally grown food.
This family farm, also situated in the scenic pastures of Caledonia, IL, offers unique farm stays for those wanting a rural retreat and farm life experience. Friends and families can enjoy overnight stays in an elaborate tent apartment, participating in farm chores, cooking on the outdoor stove, feeding the animals, gathering eggs, and milking goats.
In the neighboring town of Poplar Grove, IL, this farm and fiber mill is home to over 40 Suri and Huacaya Alpacas. They hold a variety of classes year-round that include felt making and spinning. Every September they host “Alpaca Days” where guests can stop by and visit with the alpacas and sheep and shop for everything alpaca in their farm store.
Consider making the Rockford region your next destination to immerse yourself in the authentic charm of farm life in every season!
