Affordable, Stunning - Farm Escape - Near Chicago

Super AFFORDABLE! Escape the city to our 175 acre organic farm. Queen bed, clean room. Peaceful yet so much to do! WOOD FIRED PIZZA Fridays. TOURS. Farm Fresh BREAKFAST Saturday. Educational & Volunteer ACTIVITIES. Playground. Explore our 100 acre Forest Trails, 2 Gorgeous Gardens, Pastured Sheep, Wild Way Chickens - and of course help with Milking the Goats! Within 1.5 hrs of Chicago. 30 min to Starved Rock. Red Covered Bridge town of Princeton. Google "Hungry World Farm" for 100s of pics.
Farm Rules and Safety Policies for Airbnb Guests

Welcome to our farm! We want you to have a fun and memorable stay while staying safe. Please review the following safety rules carefully:

1. Animals
- Respect the Animals: Our cows, goats, sheep, guard dogs, and chickens are friendly but should be treated with respect. Guests should not approach the fence line without a member of the farm team present.
- No Feeding: Please do not feed any of the animals. Their diets are carefully managed to ensure their health and well-being.
- Supervise Children: Children must always be supervised around animals. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, as these can startle the animals.
- Do Not Enter Animal Enclosures: Only authorized personnel are allowed inside animal enclosures, including barns and pastures. Guests should also not pet the guard dogs, who are confined behind electric fences with the chickens and other animals.

A. Cows:
- Safety Concerns: Cows are large and powerful animals. While generally calm, they can become startled or defensive, especially if they feel threatened or if they are with their calves. Maintain a safe distance and do not approach them without a team member present. Guests should not enter the cow's area or pasture without a team member.
- Disease Risks: Cows can carry diseases such as E. coli and salmonella, which can be transmitted through contact. Always wash your hands thoroughly after any interaction.

B. Goats:
- Safety Concerns: Goats are curious and can be playful, but they may also headbutt, especially if they feel crowded or threatened. Avoid putting your face near their heads, as this may provoke them to headbutt. Do not approach the goats or enter their area without a team member present.
- Disease Risks: Goats can carry diseases like Q fever and orf. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling or petting the goats.

C. Sheep:
- Safety Concerns: Sheep are generally gentle but can become skittish. They may bolt or become defensive if they feel threatened. Approach them calmly and slowly. Guests should not approach the sheep or enter their area without a team member present.
- Disease Risks: Sheep can carry diseases such as ringworm and E. coli. Handwashing after interaction is essential to prevent any potential transmission.

D. Guard Dogs:
- Safety Concerns: Our guard dogs are protective of the livestock, especially the chickens, and are not to be petted. They are trained to guard and may perceive unfamiliar people as a threat. They have never been aggressive to guests but do not approach the guard dogs or the fence line where they are housed without a team member present. Guests should not enter the area where the guard dogs are confined.
- Disease Risks: While interactions with the guard dogs should be limited, it’s still advisable to wash your hands if you come into contact with them or their living areas.

E. Chickens:
- Safety Concerns: Chickens are generally harmless, but they can peck if they feel threatened or cornered. Do not chase or try to pick up the chickens without guidance from a team member. Guests should not approach the chickens or enter their coop or enclosure without a team member present.
- Disease Risks: Chickens can carry diseases such as salmonella. Always wash your hands thoroughly after any contact with the chickens or their environment.

F. Baby Chicks:
- Safety Concerns: Baby chicks are very delicate, and handling them improperly can injure them. Guests should not pick up or pet baby chicks without a team member present and should not enter the chick shed without authorization.
- Disease Risks: Baby chicks, like adult chickens, can carry diseases such as salmonella. Wash your hands thoroughly after any contact.


2. Barns and Farm Machinery
- Restricted Areas: Barns, sheds, pastures, and areas with farm implements are off-limits to guests unless accompanied by a member of the team. Farm tools and machinery can be dangerous if not handled properly so guests and volunteers are not allowed to use them until a waiver is signed.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Stay clear of any machinery or tools, whether in use or at rest. Always follow signs and instructions from farm staff regarding restricted areas.

3. Electric Fences
- Caution Near Fences: We use electric fences around certain areas to protect our animals and gardens. These are usually white mesh fences but can also include single-wire electric fences. Do not touch or attempt to cross these fences. Guests should always ask a team member if they are unsure whether a fence is electrified.
- Children: Ensure that children are aware of the electric fences and understand that they should not touch or play near them.
- Pets: We do not allow pets on the property except dogs which must be leashed at all times. Do not let them near electric fences. Dogs are never allowed in the pastures or garden areas or indoors except at the Cabin for guests who have rented it.

4. Hiking Trails
- Stay on Marked Trails: For your safety, please stay on marked hiking trails, especially in areas with steep hills. These trails can be uneven and slippery.
- Hiking Safety: Wear appropriate footwear with good grip. Be cautious of loose rocks, roots, and other obstacles. Carry water and a mobile phone when hiking.
- Wildlife: You may encounter wildlife while hiking. Observe from a distance and do not approach or feed wild animals.

5. Forest Areas
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Forest areas can be dense, and it’s easy to lose your way. Stay on marked paths and be aware of your location at all times.
- Avoid Poisonous Plants: Be cautious of poison ivy and other potentially harmful plants. If you’re unsure about a plant, do not touch it.
- Ticks and Insects: Use insect repellent and check for ticks after spending time in forested areas.

6. Playground
- Supervise Children: Children must be supervised by an adult at all times while using the playground equipment.
- Age-Appropriate Use: Ensure that children use playground equipment appropriate for their age and size. Do not allow children to use equipment in a way that it is not designed for.

7. Campfires
- Campfire Safety: Campfires are only allowed in designated fire pits. Never leave a campfire unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area.
- A fire extinguisher is located in each tent, cabin and rental unit. Make sure you know where they are and how to use them upon your arrival.
- Keep a Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the fire, especially when cooking or adding wood. Do not throw any materials into the fire.
- Firewood: Use only provided or approved firewood. Do not cut or break trees for firewood. You may use dead sticks from the forest floor.

8. Bike Riding
- Wear Helmets: Helmets are mandatory for all riders, regardless of age, when riding bikes on the farm.
- Ride in Designated Areas: Please ride bikes only in designated areas and follow all posted signs and speed limits. Do not ride bikes near animals, electric fences, or steep hills. The road from the Farm Learning Center down to the Farmstead can be dangerous when traffic is driving rapidly and it is steep.
- Supervise Children: Children must be supervised while riding bikes. Ensure they understand the rules and are aware of their surroundings.

9. Tents, Cabin, and Campsites
- Respect Other Guests' Spaces: Tents, cabins, and campsites that are not rented by you or your group should not be entered. These areas are private for the guests who have rented them.

10. Other Buildings
- Private Residences and Rentals: Guests are not permitted to enter any buildings that are not specifically part of your rental, including private residences, other rentals such as apartments, tents, cabins, and campsites. The only building available for all guest use is the Farm Learning Center and the restroom in it.

11. Market Garden
- Access and Picking: Guests are welcome to enter the market garden to enjoy the scenery. However, please do not pick any vegetables or flowers without authorization from a farm team member. This ensures that crops are harvested properly and that the garden remains productive for everyone.


12. Plow Creek Access
Plow Creek is a beautiful and serene feature of our property that we encourage guests to enjoy responsibly. To ensure everyone’s safety and the protection of the environment, please follow these guidelines when accessing Plow Creek:

- Supervise Children: Children must always be supervised when near the creek. The water can be deeper or faster-moving than it appears, and the banks can be slippery.

- Footwear: We recommend wearing sturdy, non-slip footwear when exploring the creek area. Rocks and the creek bed can be uneven and slippery.

- No Swimming or Wading: While the creek is a lovely spot to enjoy nature, it is not intended for swimming or wading. The water depth and flow can change rapidly, and there may be hidden hazards such as sharp rocks or debris.

- Environmental Respect: Please respect the natural environment. Do not disturb wildlife, remove rocks, or pick plants. Leave the area as you found it to preserve its beauty for others.

- Safety First: Be cautious of any wildlife in the area, including insects, and avoid areas with steep or unstable banks. If the creek is flowing rapidly due to recent rain, it’s best to enjoy it from a safe distance.

- No Littering: Please take all trash with you and dispose of it properly.