Pioneer (Amusement) Park; Today's Blackberry Farm, Galena Blvd & Barnes Road, Aurora, Illinois.

Pioneer Park

Formed as Pioneer Park in 1969, the living history museum at 100 South Barnes Road, renamed the Blackberry Farm Pioneer Village in the 1980s. Before its acquisition by the Park District, the land was traced to two farms dating back to the mid-1800s.

It was a restoration of a rural Illinois farm village from 1880-1910. The Gay 90s. A restful old-time atmosphere with a Children's Zoo, old-time rides. Museums included a carriage house, area farm history, and farm equipment. There was a canteen serving lunch and snacks. They opened in early April and closed in mid-October.

Pioneer Park, Aurora, Illinois

Replica of a one-room country schoolhouse complete with teacher. Pioneer Park, Aurora, Illinois.

Model Barn in Pioneer Park, Aurora. Farm animals, baby animals, hatchery. and chicken house.

The Grist Mill at Pioneer Park, Aurora, Illinois.

Brochure Cover

Adult Ticket

Pioneer Park Souvenir Pin.

Blackberry Farm (still in business)

Blackberry Farm's Pioneer (Historical) Village is a living history museum with an Arboretum, Carriage House, Farm Museum, an Early Streets Museum, Pioneer Cabin, Hay Wagon Ride, Train Ride and more. You will also witness demonstrations of how people lived in the 19th century and how crafts were done. Blackberry Farm is a beautiful and quaint village amidst the bustle of the modern city. The park is composed of 54 acres of scenic land, ponds, lake, and stream. It has several period attractions that will amaze many guests.

The Arboretum — It is a botanical garden with more than 200 varieties of trees and floral displays. It is the site of historic agricultural gardens dotting the landscape of the park.

Carriage House — There are 40 carriages and sleighs as well as commercial vehicles on display at the Carriage House Museum.

Farm Museum — A large collection of rare tools and implements used widely in the mid-19th century and early 20th century.

Early Streets Museum — Walk along the street where eleven late Victorian-era stores are on exhibit. Among these stores are a pharmacy, general store, photography shop, toy store, and music shop from the bygone era.

Around the Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village, you will find a one-room schoolhouse, a farm cabin as well as an Aurora home built in the 1840s. In each area, staffs demonstrate certain activities that depict the life of people in the 19th century. Craft Demonstrations are also done in the Village. Watch period craft demonstrations such as blacksmithing, weaving, sewing, pottery, and spinning.

VIDEO

Blackberry Farm's Pioneer Village

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.