Nestled in the heart of central Plano is the Heritage Farmstead Museum, a premiere living history site honoring the Texas Blackland Prairie region in North Texas. HFM is a true local hidden treasure that dates back to 1891.
Yes, there are animals! Chickens roam the 4.5-acre historic farm complex along with pigs, sheep, and my children’s personal favorite: Poncho the donkey. A popular escape from the city for children and adults of all ages, all of the animals on the farm are as laid back as the staff and volunteers who tend to them.
But the Farmstead is more than just animals. It is not uncommon to see school buses in the parking lot. A popular site for field trips, the Heritage Farmstead Museum houses a collection of 10,000 objects and archival materials. The schoolhouse is my personal favorite, so don’t forget to step inside and check it out. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the dedicated HFM volunteers who dress in Victorian-era costumes.
Be sure to catch a wagon ride so that you don’t miss any part of the farm while you’re exploring. Picnic lunches are welcome, as are strollers and wagons.
Did you know that the farm has great programming?
HFM offers special programs for preschool and school-aged children up to sixth grade (and Teacher Resources!).
There is also a Scout Program, Junior Historian Program, and age 55+ programming. My family loves to attend special events at the farm like the Victorian Eggstravaganza. And new last year was Lights on the Farm during the holidays. We got to make s’mores in the field, seated on hay bales around a gorgeous lighted Christmas tree! Earlier this spring, I got to teach a Barre on the Farm class. Before we even started the workout, people asked when we could do it again!
But without a doubt, if you research nothing else, please consider Summer Camp at the Farm. My children attend two weeks at HFM every summer. They love the chance to help with small animal care and look forward to water wars and walking in the creek.
The camp counselors are local middle school and high schoolers who are so committed to the farm and sharing it with the campers. We plan the rest of our camp schedule around when the kids are going to HFM—it’s THAT good. As proof, camps are SOLD OUT for the summer. Consider this your warning to check it out early for next year!
If I’ve convinced you, check the website for hours and tour times. There are also some great special events coming up:
A Day at the Farm
Tuesday, June 21
A day focused on farm life, including shearing sheep.
Let’s Get Mooooving!
Wednesday, July 6
This event will be dedicated to fitness and learning about dairy.
So, what are you waiting for? Now that you’ve HERD the good news, get mooooving over to the Farm!
[This post is not sponsored, just a shout out to one of our favorite places is Collin County!]
