address

1510 Wagner Rd.
Glenview, IL 60026

phone

847 657 1506

contact hours

Daily | 10 am-5 pm

Historic Wagner Farm represents a historic jewel of the North Shore and the site of the highly-popular Glenview Farmers Market and Historic Wagner Farm Heritage Center. An educational destination for scout troops, schools, daily visits, and birthday parties, the staff at the Wagner Farm continues to design and incorporate fascinating programs and events to provide a taste of local farm life from the past and the important role that farming plays in today’s culture.

This 18.6 historic acre farm is the last remnant of the farm owned by members of the Wagner family since their arrival from Trier, Germany in the 1850s. Wagner Farm was owned by the family until the last surviving member Rose Wagner died in 1997.  

Following Rose’s death, a group of local citizens approached the Glenview Park District and asked its leaders to buy and preserve the property. It was their wish for the farm to be maintained as an historic working farm for the education and enjoyment of the community. With citizen support, the park district purchased the farm in 2000. 

Serving over 140,000 annual visitors, Wagner Farm has become a prosperous land that gives back to the community through education and it’s plentiful supply of produce.

The park district, assisted by representatives from the community, embarked on a master planning process to set guidelines regarding the future uses and development of the farm. Guided by this master plan, the park district has repaired and restored the barn and farmhouse, added chickens and pigs to the farm’s livestock, and introduced a number of programs and events to allow the public to experience the farm. Aided by the energetic fundraising assistance of the Friends of Wagner Farm, the park district constructed and opened the Historic Wagner Farm Heritage Center Museum in 2006.

Today, Historic Wagner Farm represents one of the historic and educational jewels of the North Shore community. In 2007, Historic Wagner Farm became home to the Glenview Farmer’s Market. The staff at Historic Wagner Farm continues to design and incorporate fascinating new programs and events to provide visitors with a taste of farm life from the past and educate them on the important role farming plays in all our lives today.

Due to the historic nature of Wagner Farm as well as active farming operations, the Glenview Park District has adopted specific policies governing still and video photography. Filming and photography permits are now required for any commercial filming and photography including family portraits, wedding photography, any film that will be used in the production of any marketing materials, public service announcements, documentaries, training films, commercials, television films, or series, student films, feature films, or commercial art. Permit fees for professional portraits and candids is $50 per hour plus a refundable security deposit. For more rates, information, and to obtain the required permit, contact Andrea.Just@glenviewparks.org or call 224-521-2204.

play, explore and learn on the farm

where history meets education

Take a leap back in time to farm life from decades past. Historic Wagner Farm provides opportunities to discover the historic and modern importance of agriculture.

  • Collect eggs, step inside a two-story silo and “shop” in a 1930s grocery story while exploring the interactive exhibits in the Heritage Center
  • Dig in a sandbox, swing on a tire and learn as you play at the Farm Adventure area, a unique hybrid between a traditional playground and an interactive agricultural education exhibit.
  • Observe livestock and poultry in pastures, sheds and coops
  • Learn about the seasonality of produce and crops by discovering what’s growing on the farm
  • Visit the 1920s farmhouse and help out with some of the domestic chores (days and hours vary throughout the year)
  • Participate in a guided program
  • Attend a special event
  • Shop the Glenview Farmers Market each Saturday from June – October

 

bring the farm home with you

While you’re visiting Historic Wagner Farm, stop by the Museum Store, located in the Heritage Center and pick up a nostalgic souvenir of your visit to Historic Wagner Farm. Featured items include books, t-shirts, postcards and toys. The store is open during the farm’s regular hours of operation. Produce, eggs and Wagner Farm to Table food products are also for sale when available.

Sweets & Treats, also located inside the Heritage Center, is a charming ice cream parlor serving delicious scoops of Homer’s Ice Cream during the summer months.

 

location

Sweets & Treats is located inside the Heritage Center.

days & hours

Open daily, 1-5 pm through August 14. Sa and Sun, 1-5 pm August 20- Labor Day.

School Programs

Step back in time with your students to a slice of rural American history with a trip to one of the last working dairy farms in the area.

learn more

Scout Programs

We have a variety of hands-on programs that work towards or meet certain requirements for scout achievements and badges.

learn more

Birthday parties at Historic Wagner Farm

Party ’til the cows come home with our special farm-themed birthday celebrations.

Learn more about birthday parties

heritage center museum rental

In search of a truly unusual venue for your next event, one your guests won’t stop talking about for months? Historic Wagner Farm’s award-winning Heritage Center Museum is the place.

view rental options

Historic Wagner Farm

Kendra Strubhart

Program Manager

224 521 2189 kendra.strubhart@glenviewparks.org

Blake Lanphier

Farm Manager

224 521 2191 blake.lanphier@glenviewparks.org