Elawa Farm

We held a rehearsal dinner in the barn for 45 people and filled the space comfortably. Even though it was August, we were comfortable as the barn is air conditioned and we were allowed to keep the doors open to the paddock area where we had cocktails and a lovely view. The on site rep that night was very helpful with setup and tear down. The restrooms (one for men, one for women with several stalls) were clean and spacious. The barn has plenty of light, both natural and twinkly inside and out. Only about 1 or 2 elec outlets in each wall. Free wifi.

This place is amazing! My husband and I have lived in Lake Bluff for over almost two years now and had no idea this place even existed! It’s really well maintained and the staff is super friendly and helpful.
We got to pet a few turtles, snakes and passed on the tarantula! Unfortunately the bobcat was sleeping so we couldn’t see him, but the hawk in the outdoor cage is worth the trip. What a wingspan!
They have a poison our room full of snakes, reptiles, and other creepy crawly things. We didn’t stay in this room for very long!
There is a nearby park for the neighborhood and an awesome walking/​running trail just beyond the parking lot.
They also have a beautiful party room if you want to reserve it for special occasions. I would love to have a birthday here or some other celebration.

So, this spot gets a 5 for how pretty it is, but I had to knock off a few stars since we spent a freezing night here at an event.
We drove up and it is definitely beautiful — a great spot for an event. There is a small parking lot (not sure where they put overflow as the homes nearby have plenty of signage NOT to park). We, luckily, got a spot easily as we were there right when the event started.
The barn is beautiful and I like the rustic feel. However, we were there on an evening that was approximately 30 degrees and I could not find evidence of heat. I was wearing a dress as was appropriate for the event, but I was forced to wear my wool winter coat for the entire evening. When we were inside the buildings, it was a smidge warmer, but not significantly and the walk to and from the bathroom was so frigid that I was shivering.
I’m not sure if this is usual for the winter or not as I know this venue is open all year round, but it was truly cold. So, if you are planning something in the winter, it will be gorgeous, but make sure you talk to them about heating options! It could have been due to the unseasonable temps that day and they weren’t prepared, I’m not sure, but that was the one bit of negative on an otherwise perfect day/​space that I had to knock off some stars for.

Wow, what a little gem of a place.
I’ll dare to say that this is really one of the most underrated and wonderful secrets of the North Shore area. The property is located on a side street in the West part of Lake Forest — it’s (unfortunately) one of those things that I think only locals know about, but hopefully more people from surrounding areas will take the time to visit this beautiful property.
Nice, moderately sized parking lot, which actually is also the entrance to a beautiful trail and nature preserve. There’s something wonderfully peaceful about the entire set-​up, as you have a farm that is almost supernaturally adorable and elegant in a storybook fashion on one side and a gorgeous natural area on the other.
If the initial impression isn’t cute enough, the little garden market that takes place a few days a week in a restored shed is über cute in a way that you would find something in Door County, Wisconsin or Maine. The produce is of the highest quality, but the kicker are the pastries and other freshly made items, which are so good they’re almost a hit to the soul. They do take credit cards, which was a surprise.
Lastly, there are also classes here and a small zoo area, which includes a number of examples of local wildlife.
Amazing place and wish I would have come here sooner. A must and one of the best kept secrets of the area.

Oh there is so much more to see than what I did the other night, so I can guarantee you there will be an update to this review. I can’t wait to go back!
Jennifer H does a really great job of describing this place, but I don’t think I can quite describe the random placement of this historical North Shore jewel. If you love nature, run (or drive quickly and safely) to this destination. While you’re there, you will no doubt feel like you have escaped all the everyday stresses of life. Coming here feels a bit like being on vacation.
Here they offer classes in photography, cooking, flower arranging, and then there is the opportunity to rent space for a private party. That’s what I experienced the other night at a friend of a friend’s son’s graduation party. In other words, I was a very far removed guest, but nonetheless I felt like one of the gang.
The party took place indoors and out — in the courtyard, haybarn, and wagon shed. The website says it’s $ 100 per hour for rental, and though this party was catered by an outside connection, it’s my understanding that their onsite kitchen allows for an all-​inclusive catered event.
— The grounds are stunning.
— The live music in the barn was magical with the hanging Christmas lights.
— The inside is air conditioned and nice for a hot summer night.
— There is a wildlife museum onsite with lots of snakes.
— They have farmers markets here and public garden walks.
— The facility is immaculate. The parking lot is clean.
— There was an open bar inside.
I look forward to walking the public grounds one of these days. Oh, and if you love beautiful carriage-​type houses, don’t forget to keep your eyes open wide, because you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of a few near by.

Hard to describe but worth knowing.
In 1998, the Cityof Lake Forest acquired a 16-​acre parcel of land, including the original farm complex buildings that were part of an early 20^th century gentleman’s farm, known as ELAWA FARM. This purchase created an opportunity for a unique partnership of public and private organizations to collaborate in the preservation and use of this property.
These groups offer a range of nature-​based events, events and ecological projects.
From a mom perspective, the thing we use the most is the terrific playground. Yep. amid the garden, birding, nature preserve and adult-​focused classes, there is an awesome playground! And it’s located right next to the wonderful Middlefork Savana, where you can explore different regions — savanna, swamp, prairie. Oh I could go on and on.
Others organizations hosted at Elawa Farm include: The Garden at Elawa Farm; Lake Forest Open Lands Association; The Center for Conservation Leadership and The Wildlife Discovery Center.
If you’re new to the region or just haven’t explored the area much, be sure to jump on to Elawa Farms website. There are always great classes. Or just throw (not literally!) the kids into the car and get some fresh air on the playground :-)