We have gone here to get a tree for twelve or so years. The workers are friendly and helpful. You can ride a wagon pulled by a tractor to find your tree. There is a warming house, free hot chocolate or tea, and some kids' activities.
Pioneer Tree Farm offers a laid back and rustic experience. My family picked out a tree on November 25th- I thought there were plenty of full trees of various heights and species (although, I imagine there are less to pick from the closer Christmas is). However, it is important to note these trees have not been trimmed and shaped to be as symmetrical as possible. Don't come here looking for a perfect looking tree; come here for a family experience of selecting and cutting down a tree for the holidays.
When we pulled up, we were given a general area to park in. After you park your vehicle, you hop on one of the several wagons being pulled by tractors that are looping the tree farm. The tractor driver will drop you off in the field where you like and you get to walk around judging the appearance of each tree and its ability to meet your family's holiday needs. Cutting down the trees is not an especially laborious activity. Afterwards, the tractor and wagon will pick you and your tree up and drop you off to the area that they package the tree for travel (shaking it to remove debris, wrapping it in a net).
Finally, at no additional cost, you can spend time in a warming house barn and view rustic furniture and tools while drinking coffee and hot cocoa. They had some other 'pioneer' activities, like making candles, but we did not participate in them.
We drove an hour and a half from Chicago and felt it was worth it. We will certainly consider coming back next year.
Great spot!!! Only $50.
Just lovely! The people that own and run the farm are hardworking, honest, peaceful people. Bill and Alice will make you feel like you're at right at home.
Hot cocoa, cookies, snacks, lots of homemade crafts, and a comforting atmosphere.Trees of any size.You
cant go wrong!
Waste of time, any tree over 4.5 feet tall was dead on the bottom half. The people were all very nice but the tree selection was awful. We won't be back.
Excellent family run tree farm. Grat place for affordable XMas trees. They have woodworking in action, candle making, chickens on display, and a warming room with hot chocolate. Dog friendly place.
The atmosphere is good. They had a lot of tractors going around, which was convenient. Their trees left much to be desired though. The price is affordable, but the trees are very small and not very full. We wandered almost the whole place before settling on a mediocre tree.
A great place to go to get an organic grown tree so you are not bringing all the pesticides and preservatives into your home. They are not the biggest trees, but we always have fun. A lot of activities for the kids to see as well. A real treat.