Elawa Farm Foundation

Elawa Farm Foundation is a wedding venue in Park Forest, IL, situated on a historic 1917 farm property. The venue offers a unique setting for events on grounds that are free to access from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year, with on-site parking available. The property supports experiential learning and community engagement through programs focused on education, nutritious food, and the local food system. While the venue is available for weddings and special events, its core mission centers on stewarding a historic farm as a public resource. The foundation maintains a strong presence through community dinners, garden activities, and seasonal events like the Dead Head Flower Fest and Burger Night.

The farm was originally built in 1917 for A. Watson and Elsa Armour, members of the family behind Armour & Company, one of the world’s largest meat-packing firms at the time. Designed by architects Alfred Hopkins and David Adler, the property features classical architecture and a formal garden plan created by landscape architect Ralph Rodney Root. The land was later known as LeWa Farm after the Carroll family purchased it in 1954. In 2002, the Elawa Farm Foundation was established to lead the restoration of the historic property, including the revival of its organic public garden. The foundation now manages the farm through a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who oversee operations, events, food production, and community programs.

The property is located on Middlefork Dr in Lake Forest, IL, near the ancestral homelands of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples. While no specific nearby landmarks are listed, the site lies within the greater Lake County area, serving as a cultural and educational hub. The foundation’s focus on sustainability, public access, and experiential learning distinguishes it as a unique venue and community asset. It stands as a living example of historic preservation and grassroots stewardship in the region.