See everything Lambs Farm has to offer

In 1961, Bob Terese and Corinne Owen were determined to start a business where adults with disabilities could learn and lead productive lives.

They opened a pet shop in Chicago on State Street called The Lambs, confident that the employees would thrive due to the unconditional love and forgiving nature of animals.

Sixty years later, Lambs Farm, located just off I-94 and Route 176 in Libertyville, is now a place where 200 adults with developmental disabilities call home.

The residents live in our campus and community group homes, develop their own interests, take part in Special Olympics and choose working environments that best suit their skills.

A majority of participants work in the Lambs Farm businesses: The Dogwood Garden & Pet Center, Farmyard, Magnolia Cafe & Bakery, Cedar Chest Thrift Shop and Sugar Maple Country Store.

Lambs Farm is truly one of a kind. It's a popular destination for families to visit because of the many businesses, activities and rich history, but it's also a place where guests can grow through enriching experiences with people with disabilities, make memories and have fun.

Because of Lambs Farm's especially vulnerable population, we recommend that guests wear a face mask while visiting. Guests can start their day at the Farmyard, where they will see more than 300 barnyard friends. Visitors love to feed the cows, horses, pigs, donkey and sheep; gush over the cute baby goats; learn about all kinds of creepy, crawly critters that live in the Discovery Center; play a round of mini golf; and go for a ride on the mini train and carousel.

Guests can see more cute animals at what is now called the Dogwood Garden & Pet Center. Lambs Farm helps hundreds of families find their best friend with four paws each year through its partnership with Wright Way Rescue. Prospective adopters can view the animals up for adoption when they stop by the store, take part in one of our Puppy Yoga classes or visit www.lambsfarm.org.

After working up an appetite, families can visit the Magnolia Cafe & Bakery to enjoy a homemade meal. The cafe has fresh salads, soups and sandwiches and is an ideal place to host a birthday party, reunion or wedding.

If you love a good deal, you will definitely want to stop by the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop. This shop, run solely on donations, is full of hidden treasures. From clothing and jewelry to home decor and crafts, you will leave with all kinds of great bargains.

It's also not a visit to Lambs Farm without stopping by the Sugar Maple Country Store to pick up decadent chocolates and famous butter cookies made by the men and women of Lambs Farm, which are available year-round and can be shipped across the country.