Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm

Location

100 S. Barnes Road
Aurora, IL 60506
630-892-1550
Directions

2010 Regular Season
May 1 through September 26

Hours

Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

NOTE: After Aug. 29, the park is open Saturdays and Sundays only - through September 26 - and closed on weekdays.

We want to hear from you...

Your opinion matters to us--let it be heard! Take a few moments and tell us what you think by filling out our Blackberry Farm facility survey. Your feedback will help guide us. Note: The survey is limited to one response per computer. If you require immediate assistance on an issue, please contact the facility manager.

Click here for a downloadable pdf color map of Blackberry Farm.

General Information

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 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.

For residents of the Fox Valley Park District: Click here to buy Blackberry Farm passes

For non-residents of the Fox Valley Park District: Click here to buy Blackberry Farm passes

Park Amenities

Food: Sandwiches, salads, healthful snacks and soft drinks are available at the north end of park in the Summer Kitchen.

Picnic Areas: Picnic areas are available throughout the park. Reservations are required for groups of 15 or more.

Drinking Fountains/Restrooms: Located in the Village Center near the General Store, near the barn and near picnic area #1. There also is a drinking fountain near the carousel. Handicap-accessible restrooms are located at the entrance.

Rides: Admission to Blackberry Farm includes unlimited rides on the miniature open air train, the tractor-drawn hay wagon, old fashioned carousel and ponies (weight limit 70 pounds). Ride as often as you like, but please re-enter the line to do so. Note: Pony rides and pedal tractors are available weekends only in May. Pony rides are available seven days a week when school is not in session..

Fishing: Blackberry Farm welcomes anglers of all ages for catch and release on Lake Gregory. Fishermen need to supply their own equipment and bait. A fishing license is required for those ages 16 and up. This recreational activity is free with paid daily admission. Upon arrival, please register at the front desk.

Walk the park: Start your day with a walk around Lake Gregory (with paid daily admission). The spectacular view makes exercise effortless. The road measures one flat mile around the lake. Park paths can be added for incline workouts.

Note: Grills, pets and alcohol are not permitted in the park. This includes the parking lot areas.

First Aid: Ask any employee.

Lost & Found: Inquire at park entrance.

Gifts/Souvenirs: Items crafted by local artisans may be purchased at the General Store.