Take a trip back in time to get a glimpse of olden German-American life and experience the slower pace of life strongly tied to the land and reconnect with the life which was simple and true in a charming setting comprising a historic 1800’s German villa, barns, windmills, grassy fields, and farmland.

The Volkening Heritage Farm is an enduring effort by the local community to keep its German-American past alive. Located in Schaumburg, Greater Chicago, this place is a local favorite amongst suburban Chicago residents and visitors visiting the town.

The farm hosts a range of seasonal events and activities – organized tours, living history programs, native prairie demonstrations, hands-on workshops, fall festivals, maple sugar fests, and many more such events and activities to promote and further enhance appreciation and awareness about the rural life through its rural experiences. It provides ample avenues to enjoy for people of all segments – nature lovers, outdoorsy, solo, couples and families.

You walk through a log bridge amidst the sparsely wooded area to reach the farm. The residents and interpreters dressed in traditional German attire take you on a guided tour of a typical German home of the times and impart information about the history of how early German settlers lived and began their journey of settling down in the region.

Visitors can hop-jump onto The Percheron – a draft horse wagon carriage, take a ride around the farm and its rolling pastures, stroll around the rural landscape and winding trails of the cattle ranch, old windmills, and warehouses displaying old farming equipment or take a peek into the brightly colored barns and meet its friendly inhabitants.

This heritage farm also has a little museum where you can see traditional domestic daily usage items, handicrafts and an assortment of unique treasures of the times.

The experience left a lasting impression on me and was a great way to explore and get familiarized with the region’s history, past life, traditions, and rural life.

Address: Volkening Heritage Farm, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007