Topinka recognizes Muirhead Farmhouse

Elgin –Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka recently saluted Muirhead Farmhouse and applauded its contribution to Illinois agri-tourism.

As part of the Office of the Comptroller's “Agri-Tourism Day” at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Topinka presented Agriculture leaders from throughout the state with proclamations celebrating their achievements and continuing dedication. Topinka specifically congratulated Mike Petersdorf owner of Muirhead Farmhouse.

“We are thrilled to have an attraction like this in our area and this award is a great way to spotlight one of our leading tourism draws,” stated Kimberly Bless, President and CEO, for the Elgin Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Located in a rural setting just northwest of Chicago, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Muirhead Farmhouse is the only known farmhouse designed and built by Wright during his lifetime. The Muirhead Farmhouse remains in the ownership of the Muirhead family and is open for tours by appointment.

Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois in terms of economic impact, contributing more than $8.85 billion to the state's economy annually. The state's 72,500 farms utilize 75 percent of Illinois land, including some of the most fertile soil in the world. Agri-tourists promote agriculture and tourism through a wide range of activities, including picking farm products, riding horses, learning about wine and cheese-making, and shopping for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts.