Plan Your Visit

Parking at Elawa Farm is free. There are three parking areas – two paved lots and one gravel lot.  Please park in any of these three areas. If parking is unavailable, please park on the south side of Middlefork Dr. Please do not park in the restricted parking areas in the adjacent neighborhood – signs are posted.   

Elawa Farm is a cashless facility. We accept debit and credit cards at our Cafe and Market.

Pets are allowed outdoors at Elawa Farm, except near the animal pen areas or inside our garden fences. Pets are not allowed in our Market or in any indoor facility. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Elawa Farm is not responsible for any animals left unattended. Please clean up after your pets.

Please store bikes in the designated bike racks located in front of the parking area. Bikes are not permitted in the Courtyard. Any bikes left elsewhere on the grounds will be moved to the racks to maintain safe, accessible walkways.

Yes. Our team manages bee hives on-site for pollination and honey production. The hives are located on the south side of the growing space. For your safety, please keep a respectful distance and avoid disturbing the hives.

Yes! We welcome professional photography sessions for families, couples, seniors, maternity, and other small groups (8 or less) in the Elawa Farm Gardens.

As interest in photography sessions at the Farm has grown, we are currently exploring a photography permit program to help manage demand while supporting the care and maintenance of our gardens.

In the meantime, if you are interested in scheduling a professional photography session, please email us at info@elawafarm.org with your preferred date, photographer's name, and the type of session. Access may be limited during private events or other Farm activities, and advance notice helps us confirm availability.

Please note that photography sessions do not reserve exclusive use of the gardens, and all visitors are expected to respect the Farm, its gardens, and other guests during their visit.

We are unable to accommodate large group photo sessions, including high school dance groups and large wedding photo shoots not connected to a private event held at Elawa Farm.

Visitors are welcome to purchase food and beverages from our Café or Market when available.

For those wishing to picnic with outside food, a public park with a covered pavilion is located just north of the Elawa Farm parking area. Please visit the webpage of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation for more information about the pavilion. https://www.lfparksandrec.com/

No. Elawa Farm is a non-smoking facility. Smoking, vaping, and the use of all tobacco or nicotine products are prohibited anywhere on the property, including during private events. Guests who wish to smoke or vape must leave the property before doing so. This policy helps maintain a healthy, welcoming environment and protects the farm's historic buildings and natural surroundings.