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Volkening Heritage Farm: A Living History Experience

Experience 1880s German-American farm life at this living history museum with hands-on activities and historical buildings in Schaumburg, Illinois.

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Step back into the 1880s at Volkening Heritage Farm, a living history museum in Schaumburg, Illinois, showcasing rural German-American farm life. Explore original buildings, interact with farm animals, and participate in seasonal activities, offering an authentic glimpse into the past.

A brief summary to Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley

Local tips

  • Check the Schaumburg Park District website for seasonal hours and special event schedules before visiting.
  • Participate in hands-on activities like feeding animals or churning butter for an immersive experience.
  • Explore the hiking trails within Spring Valley Nature Center surrounding the farm.
  • Admission is free, but donations are appreciated to support the farm's mission.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Volkening Heritage Farm is located at 201 S Plum Grove Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194. From I-90, exit onto Roselle Road heading south. Continue on Roselle Road until you reach Schaumburg Road. Turn left onto Schaumburg Road, then turn right onto Plum Grove Road. The farm is located within Spring Valley Nature Center on the east side of Plum Grove Road. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the farm.

  • Public Transport

    Pace Bus Route 554 serves the intersection of Schaumburg Rd and Plum Grove Rd, a short walk to Volkening Heritage Farm. From the Schaumburg Metra station, take Pace Bus Route 554 to Schaumburg Rd and Plum Grove Rd. A single ride on Pace costs $1.75.

  • Walking

    Volkening Heritage Farm is located within Spring Valley Nature Center, which has multiple entrances and trails. From the Spring Valley Nature Center's main entrance at 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, follow the marked trails through the nature center to reach the farm. The walk is approximately 15 minutes.

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Discover more about Volkening Heritage Farm at Spring Valley

Volkening Heritage Farm, nestled within the Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg, Illinois, offers a unique and immersive journey into 19th-century rural life. This living history museum recreates a German-American farm from the 1880s, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into the daily routines, agricultural practices, and cultural traditions of the time. The farm was established in the late 1800s by German immigrants Johann and Catharine Volkening. Today, the Schaumburg Park District operates the farm, meticulously preserving its historical accuracy. Visitors can explore original buildings, including the farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, and chicken coop. Heirloom gardens showcase vegetables, herbs, and flowers commonly grown during the period. The farm is also home to various livestock breeds, such as cows, pigs, chickens, and sheep, which are cared for using traditional methods. Guests can participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations that provide a deeper understanding of 19th-century farm life. Depending on the season, visitors may witness blacksmithing, woodworking, cooking, and gardening techniques practiced by early settlers. Children can engage in age-appropriate chores, such as feeding the animals, collecting eggs, or churning butter. Special events are held throughout the year, celebrating holidays and seasonal activities that were significant to the farming community. Volkening Heritage Farm offers a variety of educational programs and guided tours for school groups, scout troops, and families. These programs align with state learning standards and cover topics such as agriculture, history, and the natural environment.

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