Harvest some good memories this September with a visit to the Forest Preserve District’s free, family-friendly Fall on the Farm event at Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

“Riverview is the perfect site to host this fun farm-themed event,” said Jen Guest, facility supervisor at Isle a la Cache Museum. “The farm will be decorated for fall while we showcase the farmstead's buildings and grounds.”

Attendees can explore Riverview’s barn, which will be filled with antique farm equipment, and the historic 1800s limestone farmhouse. 

“We will even have tractors, old and new, outside the barn for people to check out,” she said. “You can pose next to or climb up on a few for a great photo opportunity.”

Riverview Farmstead's buildings will be surrounded by activities for all ages to enjoy. 

“For kids, there will be an expanded petting zoo and hands-on, farm-themed activities,” Guest said. “They can try their hand at collecting eggs, hand washing clothes, and pretending to run their own farmstand.”

There also will be a barnyard-themed bounce house and corn sandbox with farm toys. 

Live bluegrass music will be provided by Rochambeau.

If you get hungry after all these fun activities, satisfy your cravings with food from Smokin' Z BBQ, quench your thirst with cold beer from Tapville Social, and enjoy cold treats from Kona Ice. 

“Be sure to stop by the craft areas to make butter from cream, a clothespin doll, a vegetable print, or farm-themed toy to take home,” Guest said. 

And make sure you take some pics in the photo booth to remember this fun occasion. Other sites around the preserve will be decorated to take your own pics, too.

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The Nature Foundation of Will County will host a native plant pop-up sale, and the Forest Preserve District will be selling its Outsider Threads T-shirts and other merchandise. In addition, Wild Birds Unlimited will be selling bird feeders and outdoor decor and Ruhter Bison will be selling frozen bison meat. 

“We also have some history demonstrations to check out,” Guest said. “Meet a farmer from the past, a historic beekeeper, and see how wool is made.”

Fall on the Farm is a wonderful way to show off this unique preserve and its history, Guest added. 

“We love highlighting Riverview Farmstead where we can share a bit about early agriculture in Will County," she said. "We have been so fortunate to save these beautiful buildings and grounds. We can’t wait to share it with the public during this awesome event.”