John and Catherine (Schneider) Wagner arrived in America in 1855 from the Rheinland region of Germany, and farmed nearly 100 acres in Northfield and New Trier Townships. In 1902, their youngest son Thomas and his wife Julia (Brachtendorf) Wagner (wedding picture featured on the left) became the owners of what is now the current farm site. The land was operated continuously by the Wagners until the last member of the family died in 1997.

The Village of Glenview, with support from voting residents, was able to save this property from real estate developers by purchasing it for educational and interpretive purposes.  Wagner Farm is now an 18.6 acre farm owned and operated by the Glenview Park District.  It is being developed to interpret historical farming methods from the 1920s-1950s.  Many historians cite the 1920s as a time with some of the greatest changes in American agriculture.  Industrialization, advances in chemistry and biology, and better access to education helped farmers increase their farm's output.

Wagner Farm is located at 1510 Wagner Road in Glenview Illinois.  The main phone number is (847) 657-1506.  Click HERE to download a PDF file with directions and a map to the facility.

The farm offers public visitation hours, educational programs for all ages, and special events throughout the year as well as seasonal sales of farm products.  Public visitation hours are Monday - Saturday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.  Admission is free on those days (unless there is a special event) and a farm story time is featured at 4:00 pm each Thursday.

Tours of Wagner Farm are available to groups, including preschool classes, adult day care and scout groups. To arrange a tour for your group, call (847) 657-1506.