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What led to Von Bergen’s Country Market? Mel and Bobette have been farming in the area of Hebron since 1965, where they would grow soybeans, corn, and grew sweet corn for a local canning company. Gourds and Indian corn were grown and sold at South Water Market in Chicago. Mel was privileged to be one of the four Prairie Farmer Magazine Master Farmer’s in the state of Illinois, in 2012. They have a daughter, Michelle and son, Mike whose children are partners with the farm and market operation. Michelle is has two young children of her own and grandpa Mel and grandma Bobette can’t be happier with their grandchildren close by.
3 Generations Behind Von Bergen’s Country Market
The present-day market was created because (at the time), nine-year-old Mike wanted to grow and sell his pumpkins. He started selling pumpkins on a hay wagon in the yard, which eventually attracted so many people that the sale of pumpkins and fresh vegetables, added every year, led to the construction of a market. Today’s Von Bergen’s Country Market sells everything from zucchini to fresh apples, tomatoes, beets, pickling cucumbers, green beans, wax beans, and Mel’s famous musk melons, which are the sweetest around. Mike and Mel are the farmers of the Von Bergen’s Country Farm; they handle the planting, cultivation, spraying, and harvesting of the lush vegetable crops every year.
Save money now with the Chicago CityPASS, Adult, ages 12+Mel and Mike strive to improve the growing power throughout the farm by growing sweet corn on plastic. The sweet corn ripens about 10 days earlier than a regular crop. Bobette and Tracie both manage the vegetable market. They display the fruits and vegetables grown and find great produce that is not, helping the market to be a one-stop shop.
Von Bergen Country Market has offered school tours for over 25 years, teaching kids about growing crops and the fresh produce. After the presentation, you’ll get to board a wagon ride that will take you to the field where the pumpkins, finger corn, and gourds are growing. The market provides a bag so you’ll be able to pick gourds, a pumpkin, and finger corn to take home and enjoy.
Once the wagon ride is over, Princess Bright Feather whisks the kids away to the TeePee. Take a few minutes to venture through the kids’ maze, make a stop to play in the tractor area/sandbox, and take a visit with the fellow farm animals. It is important to show up on time, as this is meant to be an educational tour so the staff doesn’t like to rush you along. When planning a trip, make sure to wear appropriate clothing for the weather of the season, which is usually windy and a little chilly.
This is your ultimate down-home country experience! Mel and Mike love their land and want you to experience their farm without all of the frills! This will remind you of the pumpkin patch you visited as a kid! Famous for bi-color sweet corn that is picked daily to guarantee freshness and pumpkins, a variety of ready-made market products, Simple, quality produce, no gimmicks.
You can connect with Von Bergen’s Country Market here:
- Facebook @VonBergens
- Twitter @VonBergensCM
This is just ONE stop in my A Fall Bucket List for McHenry Illinois book! It’s worth a visit!
Thank you for visiting our farm….it is always a joy to share our love of the land and the community we live in!
I loved my experience at your farm! I would not change a thing.