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Randolph County's Farm & Garden Trail

Randolph County's Farm & Garden Trail

The Randolph County Farm & Garden Trail is a unique way to explore agritourism in southwestern Illinois. Click here to download a brochure to learn more or keep reading down below! 

Fort De Chartres Heritage Jardin Potager

The Fort de Chartres Heritage Garden Project is located at Fort de Chartres State Historic Site, 4 miles west of the historic village of Prairie du Rocher, Illinois at 1350 IL Route 155. The Fort’s heirloom jardin potager is a demonstration garden planted in the style of a French habitant kitchen garden. This type of Illinois Country heritage garden was generally tended by the women of the Illinois Country. Heirloom seeds and plants have been planted to reflect this unique French Colonial Garden style and the varieties that might have been cultivated in the eighteenth-century in the Illinois Country. This garden’s mission is to share our region’s rich heritage with the public through garden demonstrations and the sharing of heirloom seeds. The garden is interpreted during site special events, on the 2nd Friday of the month (April-November) weather permitting, or by special announcement at www.facebook.com/fdcjardin. Fort de Chartres site grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Fort de Chartres Historic Site self-guided tours only (site tour brochures located in the Visitor Parking lot). The Museum and display buildings are typically open Tuesday thru Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., depending on staff availability, closed all holidays. Site phone number (618) 284-7230.

Schoenbeck Ranch

We are a small pumpkin patch located in Ellis Grove, IL. We run cattle and horses all year long but, in the fall, late September through the end of October, we open our Ranch to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We also do field trips throughout the week! Join us for our Fall Festival which offers pony rides, horse drawn covered wagon rides, corn maze, straw maze, barrel car train, petting zoo, photo ops, corn box and so much more! For more information, contact Amy or Lloyd Schoenbeck at (618) 615-1686 or (618) 615-8474 or send an email to [email protected].

Salger's Ostrich Farm

We are a family owned Ostrich Farm located in Red Bud, IL. We have raised ostrich for the past 27 years and have learned a lot about the ostrich industry. Our operation starts with the incubation of the eggs and then raising them for the next 12-14 months to be healthy birds for market. On our farm we also grow the alfalfa, corn and beans used to make our own feed. For more information, contact Fred or Nathan Salger at (618) 781-6193 or (618) 210-3570 or send an email to [email protected].

Illinois Country Harvest

We are a sustainable, small, diverse heritage farm located in southwestern Illinois. We proudly grow heirloom and native flowers, fruits, grains, and vegetables and raise heritage pigs using all natural, sustainable practices. Our farm is proud to be Certified Naturally Grown! We invite the public to our farm through scheduled and private events tours and by appointment. Seasonally our gardens are open for fresh flower U-Picks and our on-farm gift shop features handmade items from the farm. Open year round by event or appointment. For more information, contact Jennifer Duensing at [email protected].

Knott Farms

Husband and wife, James, and Jennifer, live on Jennifer’s family farm just outside Ellis Grove, Illinois. They have two amazing boys who enjoy the farm life as well. Jennifer grew up here and this farm means the world to her. After her dad passed in 2012, they moved onto the farm and built their home. Jennifer has always had horses and still has her gelding who she had all 32 years of his life…yes that is old for a horse. It wasn’t until a few years ago that they got into dairy goats. They started making products with the milk for their family and as more people tried it, it quickly grew from there. “I love sharing our farm experience and our products. Even more, I love to hear how our products help people.” – Jennifer Knott Available by appointment only and open seasonally. For more information, contact Jenny Knott at (618) 615-8898 or send an email to [email protected].


Downstate Illinois Events

Downstate Illinois Events

Explore Our Event Calendar
Whether you’re looking for a festival, marathon or something family-friendly to bring the kids to, Downstate Illinois has something for everyone. The region hosts over 900 events each year, and we pride ourselves on providing the most accurate event information so that you don’t miss a thing.
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From outdoor recreation and adventure to foodies and family fun, we have the trip ideas to plan the perfect vacation.
Road Trip Itineraries

Road Trip Itineraries

21 Counties made for Road Trips
Downstate Illinois was made for road trips! With the help of our road trip itineraries, you can discover all that our 21 counties have to offer — from family fun to outdoor adventures and shopping sprees. 
Check out our calendar of events!
55th Annual Way of Lights Christmas Display

55th Annual Way of Lights Christmas Display

November 22, 2024 - December 31, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows | Belleville, IL
Christmas Lights Wonderland

Christmas Lights Wonderland

November 22, 2024 - December 31, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
American Farm Heritage Museum - Greenville, IL | Greenville, IL
Lebanon's Winter Wonderland of Lights

Lebanon's Winter Wonderland of Lights

November 22, 2024 - December 31, 2024 @ 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Horner Park | Lebanon, IL

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