Heritage Farm's shiny new wheels allow for a ride back in time
Visitors to Volkening Heritage Farm can now travel back to the 1880s in style.
The Schaumburg Park Foundation purchased a beautiful, new hay rack style wagon for Spring Valley's 1880s living history farm located at 201 S. Plum Grove Road. The wagon will showcase the Farm's daily happenings, building and animals on tours. Trained guides will provide different insights on late 19th century farm life to history hungry visitors on the ride.
“Spring Valley has never had something like this,” said Pat Casler, executive vice president of the Schaumburg Park Foundation. “Visitors will be able to travel around Heritage Farm in wheels similar to those of Schaumburg's earliest residents.”
This popular type of wagon made of yellow poplar and white oak was constructed in Kansas. The 14 feet by 6 feet vehicle comfortably seats 12 individuals of all ages and is equipped with a modern safety brake and rubber tires, allowing for a smoother ride. The wagon is guided by trained volunteers and staff and driven by Prince and Duke, two black Percheron draft horses. Both are earlier contributions to the Farm from the Foundation. The pair is being trained for the rides by going on walks three days each week with the wagon so they are better accustomed to hauling visitors.
“Horse drawn wagons helped people of the late 19th century and early 20th century travel to and from with ease,” said Farm Operations Coordinator Evan Zimmerman. “The new wagon will allow riders to experience another element of early life in Schaumburg.”
The wagon will be used for the Farm's programs, private rentals and a series of new wagon rides.
Beginning this summer, Spring Valley will offer 15-minute horse drawn wagon rides through Heritage Farm. Tours will feature information about the farm, animals and history of Schaumburg's farm families. Scheduled dates are June 9 and 17, July 21 and 29, and August 11 and 19. Tickets are $3 per person and children age 3 and under are free. Tickets are available the day of each ride and sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups of 12 or more may schedule private wagon rides by calling (847) 985-2102.
“We're looking forward to seeing the wagon full of smiling faces this summer,” said Zimmerman.
The Schaumburg Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information, call (847) 985-2102 or visit www.parkfun.com.