At this point we have all heard of beer trails, wine trails, antique trails, and even barn quilt trails. But there is one up and coming trail in Randolph County that has definitely found a new niche. The Farm and Garden Trail currently consists of a handful of local farms, each with something a little different from the next. 

Illinois Country Harvest; Heritage Farm & Gardens

This is a sustainable, small, diverse heritage farm located in southwestern Illinois. They proudly grow heirloom and native flowers, fruits, grains, and vegetables and raise heritage pigs using all natural, sustainable practices. The farm is proud to be Certified Naturally Grown! The public is welcome to the farm through scheduled and private events, tours, and by appointment. Seasonally, the gardens are open for fresh flower U-Picks and the on-farm gift shop features handmade items from the farm. For more information, please email Jennifer Duensing at [email protected]. Find them on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website here.

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 on their Facebook page. 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 am to 4:00 pm, depending on staff availability, closed all holidays. Site phone number (618) 284-7230. For more information, please contact Carol Kuntz at (636) 671-2413 or send an email to [email protected].

Schoenbeck Ranch

This location is a family favorite in the fall. Schoenbeck Ranch is a small pumpkin patch located in Ellis Grove, IL. They run cattle and horses all year long but, in the fall, late September through the end of October, they open the Ranch to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. They also do field trips throughout the week!

Join them for their 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, please contact Amy or Lloyd Schoenbeck at (618) 615-1686 or (618) 615-8746 or email them 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," admits Jennifer Knott. This location is available by appointment only and open seasonally.

For more information, please email Jenny Knott at (618) 615-8898 or send an email to [email protected].