Wagner Farm stands as one of the few remaining farms in north suburban Cook County, Illinois. It sits on 18.6 acres of land, surrounded by suburban homes and major roadways. Though engulfed by a 21st century landscape, the site holds a history of Glenview that not many other museums can attest to. The Wagner family owned and lived on the property until the death of Rose Wagner in 1997.
The site itself is not exclusively tied to any prominent historical figures nor does it have any uniquely aesthetic features. What it does have is representation, a living picture of a time not very long ago, when a family lived a common farm life despite the changing landscape surrounding them. Because of this unique history, Wagner Farm is a site dedicated to providing educational opportunities and historical interpretation of family farming and rural life in the Glenview area during the first part of the 20th century.
In addition to the cows in the pasture, Wagner Farm has chickens, draft horses, and pigs as well as a restored farmhouse and barn and the award-winning Wagner Farm Heritage Center. The Heritage Center contains interactive exhibits where you can learn about farming from the early 20th century through the present, "shop through history" at our 1930s Grocery Store or purchase a souvenir of your visit from our Museum Store.
If your kids think that milk comes in a carton, corn comes in a can and chicken comes in a cellophane wrapped package, it's time for a visit to Wagner Farm . . .