Book a field trip at Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm is a living history museum where pioneer life is re-created through educational demonstrations and hands-on fun. Our educational experiences complement classroom curriculum for grades Pre-K and up. Topics and hands-on activities align with Illinois State Standards. Below are the different field trips to review when deciding which field trip would best for your group.



  • Self-Guided Field Trips (May - Sept.)
  • Guided Field Trips (Sept. - Oct.)
  • How to Book Your Field Trip
  • Contact Us
  • Self-Guided Field Trips (May - Sept.)

    Self-Guided Field Trips (May – September)

    Self-Guided field trips are offered May-September. Self Guided field trips allow students to explore educational exhibits and demonstrations in addition to all of Blackberry Farm’s rides and activities. For more information about Blackberry Farm’s historical sites and attractions please visit our Plan Your Visit page.

    May: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm
    June-August: Monday-Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm
    September: Friday, 9:30am-3:30pm

    Illinois State Standard: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.B.1a, 16.A.1c, 16.A.1b, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.E.2a

    Field Trip reservations cannot be scheduled on Free Museum Days (2024 Dates: June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31, August 14)

    Guided Field Trips (Sept. - Oct.)

    Guided Field Trips (September & October)

    Guided field trips are offered September & October. Field trips are 2 hours in length and have a minimum of 25 students and a maximum of 100 students. Please Note: Blackberry Farm is closed to the public during guided field trips. Only the sites involved with the field trip will be open during the visit.

    September: Monday – Thursday, 9:30 or 10 a.m.
    October: Monday-Friday, 9:30 or 10 a.m.

    Apple Hayride (Pre-K to Grade 2):

    Take a tractor-driven hayride to the farm’s own apple orchard, learn about the legend of Johnny Appleseed, see and use an antique apple press and sample some tasty apple treats.

    Illinois State Standards:
    15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 16.A.1A, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.1

    Pioneer Exploration (Grades 1 to 2):

    Step into the life of a child from the 1800s. Students will receive a lesson in our One-room Schoolhouse, try their hand at daily chores at the Pioneer Cabin, visit with the weaver for a hands-on experience working with wool and learn about animals at the Discovery Barn.

    Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.1, 18.B.1a,18.C.1, 17.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.D.2b, 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2B, 16.E.2a

    Destination 1800s (Grades 3 to 5):

    Through hands-on and interactive activities, students will step back in time to learn why pioneers chose to move to Illinois and how they survived. Explore the Pioneer Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Print Shop and Weaver’s Cabin.

    Illinois State Standards: 15.C.1a, 15.C.1b, 18.A.2, 18.B.1a, 18.C.1, 18.C.2, 15.C.1a, 17.C.1b, 17.C.2c, 17.D.2b, 16.A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.A.2c, 16.B.2d, 16.C.2c, 16.D.2b, 16.E.2a

    One-Room Schoolhouse (Grades 2 to 5):

    The One-room Schoolhouse program offers an immersive experience in the life of children of the 1800s. Activities will be led in the most authentic way possible and simulate actual lessons and activities form the days of the One-room Schoolhouse. Maximum number: 30 Students.

    Illinois State Standards: 16A.1a, 16.A.1b, 16.A.1c, 16.B.2d

    How to Book Your Field Trip

    Please follow the link below for the required request form you will need to fill out in order to book your field trip.

    Self-Guided Field Trip Form

    Guided Field Trip Form

    1. Download the appropriate form for your field trip type, fill out all fields, and email it to blackberryreservations@fvpd.net.
    2. A Blackberry Farm staff member will respond to your request within 48 hours. Blackberry Farm takes all inquiries on a first-come, first-served basis, and your submission will be responded to in the order in which it was received.
    3. Once your field trip has been officially booked a confirmation email will be sent including all of your field trip details.

     

    Contact Us

    Still unsure which field trip would best fit your group needs? Have additional questions for our staff? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.


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