Experience farm life firsthand at Berning Acres in East Dubuque, IL. Milk cows, ride ponies, and savor fresh cheese curds in this perfect day out for families.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels including young children and seniors; mostly light walking and standing.
Wildlife
History
Berning Acres has been a family-run farm for generations, preserving Illinois agricultural traditions with care.
Conservation
The farm uses sustainable farming practices focused on animal welfare and soil health to minimize environmental impact.
Berning Acres
Experience farm life firsthand at Berning Acres in East Dubuque, IL. Milk cows, ride ponies, and savor fresh cheese curds in this perfect day out for families.
Berning Acres is a family-run dairy farm located in East Dubuque, Illinois. The Berning Family hosts hands-on farm experiences and guided tours that introduce visitors to modern dairy farming and animal care.
Offerings include a 90-minute Berning Acres Dairy Farm Tour, daytime family experiences like DAY at the FARM: Picnic & Play and DAY at the FARM: Cows, Kids & Curds, an evening VIP option called NIGHT at the FARM: Cows, Beers and Cheese Curds, and a specialized educational event, FARM VET for a day, scheduled for June 11th. Each experience features practical activities such as milking a cow, feeding calves, interacting with goats and ponies, and enjoying locally-sourced cheese curds and ice cream. The FARM VET for a day program provides veterinary demonstrations, animal handling instruction, and emergency care basics led by expert veterinarians.
Tours are led by members of the Berning Family and include opportunities to learn farm history and see modern farming techniques in action. Berning Acres emphasizes safe, supervised interactions suitable for families, children, and visitors seeking authentic rural experiences. Visitors should expect clear guidance during animal encounters and opportunities for photography and hands-on participation. As a visible, local farm in East Dubuque, Berning Acres offers a straightforward agenda for each booking with honest descriptions of activities, durations, and what guests can expect to do and taste. The farm’s public programs focus on education, enjoyment, and direct connection to dairy farming practices without overstating amenities or services. Booking information is available through The Adventure Collective online.
Location
East Dubuque, IL
Located in East Dubuque, Illinois
Hosts
Berning Family
Family-hosted farm experiences
Signature Tour
90 minutes
Berning Acres Dairy Farm Tour length
Featured Date
June 11
FARM VET for a day scheduled
Limited dates available for FARM VET for a day on June 11th — check availability and book through The Adventure Collective.
Bring comfortable shoes
You'll be walking on grassy and sometimes uneven farm terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Arrive early for best animal interactions
Animals are most active in the morning, making early visits more engaging and less crowded.
Prepare for weather changes
The farm is outdoors, so bring rain gear or sun protection depending on the forecast.
Great for all age groups
Activities are designed for kids and adults alike, making it a truly family-inclusive experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for navigating farm terrain comfortably and safely.
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects against sunburn during outdoor activities.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated throughout your farm adventure.
Light rain jacket
Useful for unexpected spring showers to keep you dry.
spring