DIS C O VER AGRITOURISM
DISCOVER DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS
Welcome
Dive into the Discover Downstate Illinois Agritourism Guide, your ultimate companion to all of the agricultural experiences across our 22-county region. This publication aims to lead you on an enthralling tour through all of the orchards, u-pick farms, petting zoos, farmers markets, and agriculture museums spread across our beautiful region. Whether you grew up on a farm or are just looking to reconnect with the agricultural heritage of the greater Midwest, the information in this guide will be the perfect map to navigate the bounty of our local agritourism industry.
We hope this guide encourages you to explore, appreciate, and immerse yourself in the agricultural roots that have played such a vital role in our region’s history. Look out for our other publications as well, each designed to help you discover more of what Downstate Illinois has to offer. You can request them on our website for FREE at downstateil.org. And don’t forget to share your adventures with us by tagging @downstateil and using the hashtag #downstateil – let’s celebrate the farms, equipment, and history of Downstate Illinois together!
A GUIDE FOR YOUR GLOVEBOX
Throughout the year, we produce a variety of publications that are perfect to keep in your car for spontaneous road trips and weekend adventures. Our Spring/Summer Tourism Times hits mailboxes each May, and our Fall/ Winter Tourism Times follows in September - each packed with events, itineraries, and local highlights from across Downstate Illinois. And for our most comprehensive resource, be sure to request our annual Visitors Guide.
To get on our mailing list, visit downstateil.org/plan/request-information.
Farms
Take your adventure off the beaten path and explore this list of pumpkin patches, orchards, and u-pick farms across the region. From highly curated experiences on the outskirts of larger metros to multi-generational family farms in rural areas, there is an activity for every comfort level. For more detailed information on opening dates, crop seasons, and special events, make sure to visit our website – happy travels!
Braeutigam Orchards
2795 Turkey Hill Ln, Belleville
For a more rustic feeling orchard tour, head on down to this 7th-generation family farmstead in the tranquil countryside of Saint Clair County. With a broad range of fruits and vegetables growing across the property, there will always be new offerings for visitors to enjoy during open season. Starting in June and running until October, the orchard’s farm stand and bakery are a hot spot for vine and tree-ripened produce, homemade jams, and fresh baked goods straight from the oven. They also accept group tours, so plan ahead for your next field trip or group outing!
Scharf Farm
8132 IL-163, Millstadt
Just a stone’s throw from St. Louis, Missouri, Scharf Farm offers a charming countryside reprieve from the hustle and bustle of city life by welcoming visitors to come and witness exactly how the produce they eat makes it from farm to table. What started as a simple roadside stand over 60 years ago has slowly grown to be a premier spot to find fresh local fruits and vegetables in the Metro-East. Can’t make it out to the farm? That’s alright! Scharf also operates a stand in the historic Soulard Market just across the river.
Krause Elk Farm
8311 St Leo Rd, Evansville
You don’t need to venture to the mountains to catch a glimpse of these awe-inspiring creatures; they live right here in Downstate! Since the mid-1990’s, the Krause family has blessed the region with some of North America’s most majestic animals. Today, groups and visitors can get right up next to over 70 elk, providing an unparalleled look at these larger-than-life animals.
Eckert’s Family Farm
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms 951 S Green Mt Rd, Belleville Millstadt Fun Farm 2719 Eckert Orchard Lane, Millstadt
Every season brings a new adventure at Eckert’s. At the Belleville Farm, fun for the entire family awaits year-round with pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, delicious dining at the farm restaurant, an expansive Country Store, and handcrafted favorites from the lively Cider Shed. Just a short drive away, the Millstadt Farm shines during the fall season with apple and pumpkin picking, wagon rides, and family-friendly activities that have become a beloved autumn tradition. This 8thgeneration family farm offers two unforgettable experiences and farm-fresh flavors in every season.
Haudrich U-Pick Farm
7903 IL-156, Waterloo
July and August might bring some of the hottest days of the year in Downstate Illinois, but they also bring colorful blooms at Haudrich Farm outside of Waterloo. Shades of color from across the rainbow paint the farm’s fields during the dog days of summer, bringing a welcome reprieve to the often grueling time of year. Sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias are their bread and butter, offering a varied selection for assembling beautiful bouquets. The farm operates on the honor system, meaning visitors can wander into the field to pluck to their heart's content and pay for what they pick!
Schoenbeck Ranch
5991 Sulser Rd, Ellis Grove
Puppies, ponies, photo ops, and more await at this family-friendly fun farm in Ellis Grove! With a sprawling property that is set up with numerous activities for all ages, Schoenbeck Ranch is the perfect place to take the family for a relaxing day of fun on the farm. In addition to the adorable animals that call the farm home, they also offer a corn maze, a straw maze, wagon rides, and a pumpkin patch, making Schoenbeck one of the premier stops for fall fun in Downstate.
Salger’s Ostrich Farm
10102 1st Rd, Red Bud
While it may not be the first thing that comes to mind when gathering ingredients for a hearty homemade meal, Ostrich meat makes a wonderful alternative option to typical red meat from the local grocer. If you’re looking to get adventurous, Salger’s has you covered. Their selection of ostrich-based meat products will bring a new sprinkle of excitement to any recipe. With countless cuts to choose from, their farm store is a new world of flavor waiting to be discovered.
Happy Hollow Family Farms Pumpkin Patch
1697 2250th St South, Saint Elmo
Fall fun comes to life at Happy Hollow Family Farms Pumpkin Patch. This family-friendly destination offers classic autumn experiences like pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and seasonal activities that make it a favorite stop each fall. Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin or making memories with the family, Happy Hollow delivers a full day of festive fun in the Illinois countryside.
Voss Pecans
10101 Slant Rd, Carlyle
Clinton County is home to many cool attractions, including the largest pecan orchard in the State of Illinois. Spread across almost 250 combined acres of the Voss family homestead, mature native and grafted pecan trees drop bushels of the hearty nuts for harvest every year. Fresh harvests are available every fall, but the fan-favorite nuts are also available for order year-round, with shipping options offered to get them directly to your door. Whether you’re planning a sweet pecan pie for the holidays or a nice nutty crunch to add to a summer salad, Voss Pecans has all the bases covered.
Taphorn Orchard
12350 Bartelso Rd, Carlyle
Peaches, pumpkins, apples, and more await your arrival at this family-run orchard just a few miles away from the famous Carlyle Lake in Central Illinois. Every fall, the family property becomes abuzz with excitement as time draws near to share the fruits of their labor with the surrounding community. While the fresh fruits they grow take the main stage, their other products complete the show, with spiced apple cider and vibrantly colored mums standing out. When the cool winds of autumn finally move in, throw on your favorite wool sweater, pack up the family, and head on out to Taphorn for a full day of fall fun.
Country Kids Pumpkin Patch
14758 Co Hwy 11, Hoyleton
For just a few dollars, you can unlock a whole day of fun on the farm just outside of Hoyleton in Washington County. With a sprawling setup of activities, there is enough excitement to keep the whole family active for hours. Pedal go-karts, rubber duck races, a corn maze, and a petting zoo are just a few of the many ways to stay entertained on a beautiful fall weekend. After a long day of play, be sure to head into town to Kretzer’s for a hearty homestyle meal to refuel for more adventures in the future.
Daniken Tree Farm
781 IL-140, Pocahontas
What started as a cunning way to make use of a tract of land unfit for traditional crop farming has transformed into a blustering family business that spreads heaps of holiday joy across the region. Daniken Tree Farm, now in its third generation, is one of the premier spots to find a locally grown real Christmas tree in Downstate Illinois. With over 5,000 trees sold each year, it has grown into a beloved family tradition for many in the area. While finding the perfect tree is the main attraction, a gift shop for ornaments, bonfires, and hay rides to and from the fields make the experience a truly magical way to kick off the holidays with the ones you love. Load up the car and pay them a visit to find the ideal tree for your home this year!
Rolling Lawns Farm and The Milk House
438 Falcon Rd, Greenville
601 S Idler Ln, Greenville
You might have seen Rolling Lawns’ specialty milks in grocery stores in the area, but a trip to their production facility offers an unparalleled look at how their flavored milk products are processed. Two separate facilities handle all their products from start to finish. The farm, located southwest of Greenville, allows visitors to get up close and personal with the cows that provide milk for the business. Back in town, The Milk House is home to the state-of-the-art processing and bottling line that takes raw milk to the final, flavorful products we all know and love. The Milk House is the #1 spot to find farm-fresh milk in the area, along with a seriously delicious lineup of ice cream and assorted dairy products.
Marcoot Jersey Creamery
526 Dudleyville Rd, Greenville
For seven generations, the Marcoot family has dedicated their time and labor to managing their exceptional herd of Jersey cows on the family homestead just outside of Greenville. When sisters Amy and Beth took over in 2010, they decided to share their passion for dairy farming with the public, opening their gates to visitors. Today, the operation is thriving more than ever. Guests who make their way to the farm are welcomed to take a tour around the facility, which includes a glimpse into the futuristic robot barn that automatically milks the cows on their own schedule, as well as the sterilized cheesemaking line. While taking a tour, you can peruse the farm store, where homemade ice cream and cave-aged cheeses are just a few of the many treats are available for purchase.
Schwartz Orchard
1942 Copple Rd, Centralia
Nothing screams fall quite like a visit to the local orchard for fresh-picked fruits of the season. At Schwartz, that means apples. The farm, which is spread across multiple acres and bears multiple varieties of apples, allows visitors to get in on the action and pick their own harvest. With varieties that mature at different times throughout the season, there is always a ripe batch of locally grown apples just waiting to be taken home to your kitchen. In addition to the sweet juicy fruits they grow, a corn maze stretches along the back side of the property, adding hours of festival fall fun to any family outing.
Cider Barn Tree Farm
1869 County Rd 520 N, Fairfield
From summer berries to holiday trees, the Brokaw family has crafted a destination that offers something worth visiting no matter the season. Come late June, the berry patch opens up for u-pick blackberries and raspberries, making for a sweet summer outing on the farm. As the holidays roll around, fresh-cut Christmas trees, a cozy gift shop stocked with locally handcrafted goods, and a crackling fire on the front porch set the stage for a truly memorable experience. And when the pond freezes over, the outdoor refrigerated ice rink adds one more reason to make Cider Barn an annual tradition for the whole family.
Shreve’s Pumpkin Patch
2142 County Rd 150 N, Barnhill
When the leaves begin to turn and the air carries that first hint of autumn chill, few families in Downstate Illinois embrace the season quite like the Shreves. Their passion for all things fall runs deep. So deep, in fact, that they regularly share fall-themed recipes on their Facebook page to keep the seasonal spirit alive long after your visit. With a sprawling u-pick pumpkin patch ensuring there's a perfect gourd waiting for everyone, and a uniquely designed corn maze that has become a beloved signature of the farm, there's no shortage of ways to soak in the season. Whether you leave with one pumpkin or a whole wagonload, a trip to Shreve's is the kind of simple, unhurried fall tradition that the whole family will look forward to every year.
Wild Child Flower Farm
12186 Union Chapel Rd, Sumner
Just a couple of miles east of Sumner off of U.S. Highway 50, the Weiss and Hill families have cultivated a vibrant floral escape that has quickly become one of Lawrence County's most beloved warm-weather destinations. From July through September, 20 rows of zinnias, sunflowers, celosias, and more burst into full bloom, inviting visitors to wander the fields and hand-pick their own custom bouquet. Spring brings an equally colorful kickoff, with tulip popups offering a taste of the season before the summer fields hit their stride. Whether you're a photography enthusiast chasing the perfect shot or simply looking for a beautiful way to spend a summer afternoon, Wild Child is a breath of fresh air in the heart of southeastern Illinois.
Dahnke Family Farms 13825 County Rd 1030 E, Martinsville
For nearly four decades, the Dahnke family has been welcoming visitors to their beloved farm along U.S. 40 east of Martinsville for a season full of fall and holiday fun. A sprawling pumpkin patch and corn maze make for a perfect autumn outing, but the real showstoppers are the reindeer! Their growing herd of these magnificent animals has quickly become the heart and soul of the operation. As the holidays approach, the farm transforms into a festive Christmas tree destination, with fresh-cut trees and a gift shop rounding out the experience. Whether you're coming for the pumpkins, the reindeer, or the trees, Dahnke Family Farms delivers the kind of wholesome, seasonal fun that keeps families coming back year after year.
Streif’s Country Market
9477 County Rd 1000 E, Flora
When the first hints of fall begin to settle over Clay County, Streif's Country Market bursts to life with all the color and charm the season has to offer. Located just north of Flora along Route 45, the market is a one-stop shop for everything you need to deck out your home for autumn, from vibrantly colored mums and ornamental gourds to a wide selection of pumpkins perfect for carving or decorating. A straw maze and corn maze round out the experience, giving the kids plenty to explore while the adults browse the seasonal offerings. Open on weekends throughout September and October, it's a laid-back and affordable way to soak in everything fall has to offer in Downstate Illinois.
Grissom Family Orchard and Farm Market
680 IL-130, Greenup
What began as a humble family orchard planted by Gary and Pat Grissom in 1963 has blossomed into one of the most exciting agritourism destinations in southeastern Illinois under the passionate stewardship of the next generation. Trever and Tracy Lynn Grissom have breathed new life into the operation, expanding the market's offerings and earning state recognition for their awardwinning apple cider along the way. From juicy peaches in midsummer to crisp apples, fresh-pressed cider, and pumpkins in the fall, there is always something worth making the drive for. Stop in daily from mid-July through January and see for yourself why this orchard has been a regional treasure for over six decades.
Dorney’s Pumpkin Patch
14144 Old US Hwy 50, Lawrenceville
Just east of Lawrenceville along Old U.S. Highway 50, Dorney's Pumpkin Patch has been a beloved fall fixture in Lawrence County for years, drawing families from across the region for a weekend packed with seasonal fun. A hayride, choo choo train, corn maze, and a towering 20-foot slide are just a few of the many activities that keep visitors of all ages entertained from September through October. Of course, the star of the show is the pumpkin patch itself, where u-pick and pre-picked options ensure everyone goes home with the perfect gourd. With something fun around every corner, Dorney's is the kind of place that turns a simple pumpkin run into a full day of cherished fall memories.
Organ Farms
13094 IL-14,
McLeansboro
Whether you are planning a fun fall outing for the whole family or plotting out the perfect garden for the spring planting season, Organ Farms is an essential stop for ultimate outdoor fun. The farm store and attached greenhouse are the major highlights of spring and summer at the farm, with a wide selection of seeds and potted plants to choose from. When Autumn rolls around, visitors are invited to explore the sprawling complex of family fun activities. A 5-acre corn maze, hay rides, bonfires, and massive slides keep everyone entertained for hours while a delicious lineup of fall-themed treats keeps the whole crew fueled up for an entire day. From mid-September through Halloween, there are few places that offer as many fun ways to enjoy the outdoors in Southern Illinois like Organ Farms.
Bigard’s Strawberry and Peach Orchard
10505 N 1400th St, Newton
Sun-ripened strawberries and peaches make this Newton orchard a seasonal favorite for anyone craving a true taste of the farm. Visitors can enjoy the simple joy of picking fresh fruit in a welcoming rural setting, whether they’re gathering ingredients for homemade pies, stocking up on juicy summer produce, or planning an easygoing family outing. The experience feels relaxed, hands-on, and wonderfully down-to-earth, with that classic small-town charm that makes a walk in the orchard feel like a little escape from the everyday. It’s the kind of place where the season tastes sweeter, the pace slows down, and a simple visit turns into a memorable downstate tradition.
Schmitt Family Tree Farm
15010 E 700th Rd, Paris
Nothing says Christmas quite like the crisp air of a tree farm and the thrill of finding the perfect evergreen in the middle of a downstate field. This family owned spot outside Paris welcomes visitors to stroll rows of fresh cut trees, enjoy the slow rhythm of the season, and choose a centerpiece that will anchor their holiday celebrations at home. With its simple, welcoming vibe and a focus on shared family moments, it blends tradition and fun into a timeless outing that feels like a true holiday ritual. Whether you’re sipping a warm drink, bundling up for the walk between rows, or posing for a photo with the kids by your chosen tree, it’s the kind of place that turns a routine errand into a cozy, downstate memory worth repeating.
L&A Family Farms
21661 Staley Rd, Paris
U-Pick flower fields, preselected pumpkins, and a massive 10-acre corn maze all come together to make L&A Family Farms one of the best places for a fall outing in Downstate. With affordable pricing, special discounts for veterans and seniors, and an exciting mix of activities for all ages, there is no shortage of fun to be had on the farm this fall. If you prefer more chills and thrills in your autumn adventures, their haunted corn maze nights will be sure to scratch the itch. All of this and so much more mean that the fun is never-ending at L&A!
Southfork Homestead
12330 E 275th St, Paris
Set on a working farm with plenty of room to roam, Southfork Homestead turns fall fun into a full-day adventure with a corn maze, wooded trails, pedal cars, photo spots, and hands-on activities for all ages. Visitors can climb, crawl, splash, and explore their way through a mix of country charm and playful excitement, from duck races and barnyard games to a giant slide, sand pit, and old-time homestead displays. With its hillbilly village, Native American village teepees, old West town area, and gold panning mill, it offers a whimsical blend of history, imagination, and outdoor fun that keeps families coming back for more.
Museums & Interactive Experiences
If a trip to the farm just doesn’t scratch the itch to explore, these curated experiences surely will. Downstate Illinois is home to a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered. From the early pioneer period’s cutting-edge agricultural practices to some of the first oil booms in the United States, the region’s rich background of innovation is on display at several museums across the area. No matter what time or season it is, these activities are the perfect getaway. So, load up the car today and head out to get a little dirt on your boots in Downstate fashion!
Illinois Rural Heritage Museum
187 Fairground Rd, Pinckneyville
In keeping with the region's longstanding agricultural tradition, the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum in Pinckneyville is another wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with the equipment and machinery that helped build the towns and communities we call home. With more extended hours than the other experiences on this list, the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum is an excellent option for an outing, rain or shine. As you enter the facility through the signature Red Barn, you are immediately greeted by seasonally rotated displays of power and transportation equipment dating back to as early as the 1800s. The subsequent halls house even more excitement, with children’s activities and historical recreations of local businesses.
American Farm Heritage Museum
1395 Museum Ave, Greenville
It’s no secret that Illinois’ history is heavily intertwined with agriculture. From humble roots as the westernmost territory in a developing America, to modern high-tech farming solutions, Illinois has had a front-row seat to it all. Few things pay better homage to this rich legacy than the yearly events at the American Farm Heritage Museum in Greenville. This sprawling complex showcases one of the region’s largest collections of vintage tractors and farm equipment, including some that were designed and produced right here in Illinois! With an exciting lineup of events from spring all the way to Christmas, the AFHM grounds are always a wonderful stop on a Downstate agritourism adventure.
Illinois Oilfield Museum
10570 Farley Rd, Oblong
While Illinois’ agricultural prowess is well established, a lesser-known industry also contributed heavily to the early development of the region – oil! The main boom swept through the area in the 1930s and 1940s, bringing with it unforeseen levels of wealth for both landowners and local businesses alike. At the heart of it all was Salem, which functioned as the social and economic center of the movement for the thousands of newcomers seeking fame and fortune. Today, oil production has slowed to a steady trickle, but signs of the area’s industrious past can still be seen in the abandoned oil wells scattered across the otherwise rural surroundings of eastern Downstate. Indepth history of the craze can also be found at the Illinois Oilfield Museum in Oblong, where an expansive collection of drilling equipment and memorabilia takes visitors back in time to an era often overlooked by the rest of the country.
Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo
9906 IL-15, Nashville
Nothing is more interactive than a personal tour at Rainbow Ranch Petting Zoo in Nashville. This exotic petting zoo experience is a truly one-of-a-kind pitstop where animal species from across the globe add a quirky twist to the typical farmyard atmosphere. Zebras, camels, and kangaroos are joined by more common farm animals like goats, horses, and cows to make the roundup of critters at Rainbow Ranch, one of the cutest bunches around. Tours of the farm are conducted by the property owner, Alan, who will introduce every animal by name and ensure you leave with a smile on your face. Yearly events like their Baby Bonanza in the spring and pumpkin patch in the fall mean that repeat trips to the ranch always have a little bit of excitement.
Farmers Markets
There’s nothing quite like a morning at the farmers market - browsing fresh produce, meeting local growers, and discovering handmade goods you won’t find anywhere else. Across Downstate Illinois, these markets bring communities together while supporting local farms and small businesses.
Before visiting, be sure to check each location’s Facebook page or website, as dates, times, and details may be subject to change.
Tuesday
• Highland Farmer’s Market (Highland) On the Square | May–Sept | 4–7 p.m.
Thursday
• Columbia Community Market (Columbia)
Columbia American Legion | May–Oct | 4–7 p.m.
• Swansea Farmers Market
Rural King Parking Lot | May–Oct | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Norris City Chamber Summer Farmers Market
Boyd Park at the Reservoir | May–early Sept | 5–7 p.m.
Friday
• Marshall Farmers Market
Downtown by the Courthouse | June –Aug | 6–9 p.m.
Saturday
• Mt. Carmel Indoor Farmers Market
Market Street Mercantile | Year-round | 8 a.m.–Noon
• Vine Street Market (O’Fallon)
O’Fallon Station | May–Oct | 8 a.m.–Noon
• Flora Community Market (Flora)
Flora Park | May–Oct | 8 a.m.–Noon
• Monroe County Farmers Market (Waterloo)
901 Illinois Ave | May–Oct | 7:30 a.m.–Noon
• Bond County Farmers’ Market (Greenville)
215 N. 2nd St | 1st Sat, June–Oct | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• New Baden Farmers Market
New Baden Village Park | Last Sat, May–Sept | 8 a.m.–Noon
• Downtown Paris Farmers Market
Paris Town Square | June –Sept | 8–11 a.m.
• Cross Street Market (Robinson)
Cross Street Station | May–July | 8 a.m.–Noon
• Vandalia, IL Farmers’ Market & Pickers and Vendors Market
5th St next to City Hall | 2nd Sat of the month | 8 a.m.–Noon
Monthly / Special Dates
• Carlyle Farmers Market
Carlyle VFW | Select Dates May–Sept | 5 p.m.–Dusk
Photo Credit: Ally Fink
