PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2023

SEED AND SOIL

THE EPITOME OF AGRITOURISM

Working farm in Knox County entertains with festivals, weddings and vacation rentals BY LAURIE PILLMAN PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON D riving by on I-74, it’s hard to miss the 35-foot-tall Civil War-era barn that graces Walnut Grove Farm. The structure rises above a walnut grove, flower gardens, and a three story Victorian farmhouse on the uniquely beautiful farmstead in Knox County. While the barn is the most iconic feature of the property, the heart and soul of Walnut Grove Farm are husband-and-wife team Rich Wood and Janis King. “This is a nationally registered farm stead,” said King. “The history of the

buildings pushes me to whatever we do. Our mission is to share the farm with as many people as possible so our agricultural history is never lost to complacency.” WORKING, LEARNING, ENTERTAINING, PRESERVING Walnut Grove Farm is a working farm. A portion of the land is rented for commercial crop production, while another part grows items for King’s florist business. However, King’s love of history and restoration has turned the farm into a center for agritourism. From concerts to gardening lectures and beyond, visitors can enjoy education and entertainment at the farm almost every day. Wood describes his wife’s passion for the farm’s legacy with a picture from 25 years ago. “Jan is up on top of the roof of the barn putting in a shingle. She’s dedicated to preserving this farm and maintaining this farmstead.”

Rich Wood and Janis King at their Walnut Grove Farm in Knoxville

Raised on a farm not far away, King is hardworking and humble. She barely mentions her fundraising efforts to restore the barn roof. Instead, she talks about how the BARN AGAIN! program launched by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Successful Farming Magazine in 1987 helped with the preservation. The farm’s 1989 addition to the National Register of Historic Places gets mentioned. Still, King downplays her work gathering the history of the original homesteaders, the Charles family. She credits the daily tasks of farming flowers, preparing for bed and breakfast visitors, and planning for events like

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