“Kids don’t learn local history in school anymore,” says blacksmith  Thomas Korthauer.  Not until they come to Blackberry Farm, a popular field trip destination for area schoolchildren.  Blackberry Farm gives the kids a chance to learn the history of the area, one of the reasons Korthauer loves his job as a blacksmith at the Blackberry Farm Museum.  Not only does the Blackberry Farm provide a history lesson for kids and adults alike, it’s fun too, a living history museum and amusement park rolled into one.

At Blackberry Farm see an 1840s  pioneer cabine where you may see candles, soap or butter being made.

Visit a one-room schoolhouse, and learn from the teacher how she was able to teach all grades at once.

Artisans may be plying their trades in the weaver’s cabin, blacksmith shop or pottery shop.

Visit the Early Streets museum with 12 storefronts, the Carriage House with 40 carriages, and the Farm Museum, displaying antique farm implements and tools.

Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy the carousel, the miniature train and the paddle boats, and adults will wish they were kids again when they see the Adventure Playground.

During my visit to Blackberry Farm, I heard a mother ask her young son if he wanted to ride the carousel.  “I want to go to the museums first,” he replied, proving that kids will enjoy the Blackberry Farm museums as much as they will the amusement rides.

Blackberry Farm , a property of the Fox Valley Park District, is located at 100 S. Barnes Road in Aurora, Illinois.  Check the web site for hours and admission information.

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