
They finally selected Illinois' Bicentennial, honoring the 200th anniversary of the state's founding. Once that was done, the design came naturally.
The 28-acre rectangle is bordered on the west by the Mississippi River and on the east by Lake Michigan, Navy Pier and Chicago skyscrapers. The state capitol and Abraham Lincoln dominate the center, along with symbols of Illinois agriculture with a barn, silo, tractor, row crops, apple trees and pumpkins. (Did you know that Illinois produces more pumpkins than any other state? And that America's first silo was built near Spring Grove?)

What's new this year? "We've added a taco truck and a wood-fired pizza truck," said Wendy Richardson. "That's in addition to our full concession stand, plus ice cream and homemade donuts, fudge and kettle corn. And we're building another big pavilion and more restrooms close to the jumping pillows."
Admission in September is $17 for ages 13 and up, and $14 for ages 4-12. October/November weekend prices are $19 for ages 13 and up and $17 for ages 4-12. Free for ages two and under.
Richardson Adventure Farm is open Sept. 1 through Nov. 4, Thursdays through Sundays, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day. For more details, visit www.RichardsonAdventureFarm.com.