Kline Creek Farm at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve
Location
The trailhead parking lot is on the west side of County Farm Road, one mile south of North Avenue (Route 64), at the entrance to Kline Creek Farm.
Preserve Maps
- Kline Creek Farm Illustrated map (1,099 KB PDF)
- Timber Ridge Forest Preserve Trail map (317 KB PDF)
Kline Creek Farm / Timber Ridge History
Kline Creek Farm, sitting within the 1,102-acre Timber Ridge Forest Preserve in Winfield, is a living-history farm depicting farm life as it was on this site and hundreds of others like it in 1890s DuPage County. Its purpose is to explore what life was like here over a century ago. Toward that end, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has combined original structures, authentic re-creations, livestock and historically accurate activities into a realistic 1890s DuPage County working farm.
Kline Creek Farm began as a log cabin homestead in the early 1830s. It continued to be a working family farm through the 1960s until it was purchased by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. The farm first opened to the public in 1984 for special events and opened for year-round operation in July of 1989.
Programs and Activities
Kline Creek Farm offers a variety of programs and activities each year. These activities are seasonal in nature, reflecting the daily life of a 19th-century farm family and their need to accomplish various chores and tasks. Activities may include making sausage and butter; canning garden produce; making hay; harvesting; and preparing for social occasions such as weddings, funerals and holidays. Most of the activities associated with the farm's programs are free or require a nominal charge. Donations are greatly appreciated. For specific dates and information regarding these events, please contact the farm office at (630) 876-5900.
Agricultural Activities
Kline Creek Farm is involved in many different agricultural activities. The farm features Percheron work horses that are used in historical farming practices, such as the production of corn, oats and other small grains as well as hay.
The farm is also actively involved in raising livestock including a quality flock of Southdown sheep, a small herd of Shorthorn and Angus cattle, and chickens. All of these activities are representative of farm life on an 1890s DuPage County farm.
Domestic Activities
The kitchen garden is an area of frequent activity. From late spring through early autumn, many people can be found planting, weeding or harvesting the heirloom garden crops. All of the produce grown in the garden is processed or canned in the summer kitchen, which is the hub for many domestic activities. The summer kitchen would have been utilized by the farm family from May through October.
Kline Creek Farm Tours
A self-guided tour brochure, which describes the structures on the site in detail, is available at the visitor center.
The house and summer kitchen are available for guided tours only; tours are available on the hour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily when the farm is open.
The beautiful 1890s house, which was the center of domestic activities, features original artifacts and reproductions, which enhance the authenticity and add to the truly "home-like" atmosphere that has been preserved.
Visitor Center
The Timber Ridge Visitor Center features educational exhibits about the 1890s and the agricultural heritage of DuPage County. It also offers modern restrooms, a drinking fountain, and general forest preserve and trail information for those using Timber Ridge Forest Preserve as a trailhead or rest stop. The visitor center includes a store that carries a variety of Kline Creek Farm merchandise as well as beverages and snacks.
Picnic Area
An open-air picnic area is near the visitor center. Reservations are not required for use of the area.
Educational Programs
Kline Creek Farm offers educational programs throughout the year that cover a wide variety of topics including harvesting, canning, planting, maple sugaring and more. These programs are seasonal in nature and are available to school, youth and community groups. In the summer, the farm offers a unique, one-week day camp called Farmhands. This program covers a wide range of areas involving many activities from 1890s farm life. For more information on any of these programs, contact the farm office at (630) 876-5900.
Volunteer Opportunities
Kline Creek Farm is a terrific place to learn about 1890s farm life in DuPage County. Kline Creek Farm volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities and, in turn, help farm guests share in the experience. From cooking on the wood-burning stove to working with horses or collecting eggs from the chicken coop, participants in the volunteer program are able to learn and work in areas of specific interest. For more information on volunteer opportunities at Kline Creek Farm, please call the Forest Preserve District's Volunteer Services office at (630) 933-7681.
Accessibility
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is committed to making its facilities accessible to all visitors. People wishing to learn about farm life in the 1890s will find that the farmhouse, wagon shed, lower level of the barn and restrooms are well-suited for wheelchairs.
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.
Please note that pets are not allowed at Kline Creek Farm. Call (630) 876-5900 for more information.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 5000, Wheaton, IL 60189-5000
email: forest@dupageforest.com (630) 933-7200 Fax: (630) 933-7204 TTY: (800) 526-0857