Location: 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL 62234
Website: http://www.willoughbyfarm.org/
From the website: "Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve is a public park where we've recreated an atmosphere inspired by 1950's farming life, complete with tractors, barns, a 1930 Sears Catalog Farm House, and even live animals like pigs, chickens, and goats! We have over 30 acres of wild-life preserve complete with hiking trails, bridges, and vistas overlooking the prairie and other areas. We're open daily to the public, and since we're a public park admission is always free! So come on and explore a little of what life was like in the 1950s here in Collinsville."
Willoughby Farm is part of the Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD). It is a place where the history of the area comes alive through historic structures, original tools, replica gardens, and a restored environment. Along with housing historic structures, farm tools, and live animals, CARD staff has created more than three miles of hiking trails along the woodland and prairie and is working to restore the land as part of its conservation mission.
The farm is open 10-7 every day unless otherwise posted. The farmhouse is open 10-2 daily Monday through Friday. The barns are open every day 10-3:30 Monday through Friday or by appointment. They do rent this place out on the weekends for parties and weddings so check with them before you drive out!
Restrooms
Rabbit Hutch
This building had a cow and sheep
They have miles of trails here!
The kid zone has lots of wooden things to climb on and explore
Swings- adaptable, tire, and expression!
Goat bridge
This barn was full of old tools. They had gold plates next to everything to tell you what they were and some sheets explained things like the difference between straw and hay.
This is the tractor they use for hay rides
Pigs
Horseshoes
Big pavilion
Gorgeous garden!
The farmhouse was closed but we peeked in the window. What an amazing Sears catalog home!
Willoughby Farm does special events in the spring and fall, and I can't wait to come back and check them out. I can see this place being amazing in the fall! I can also see it being really cool for field trips or homeschool outings because there is so much opportunity to learn here- from beekeeping to gardening, farming, hiking, and nature. They also have some kid-friendly geocaches here so make sure and get them. This place is really special and I can't believe it took me so many years to get over here. We will definitely be back!
