Bone + Bear Farms
Cultivating Experiences, Harvesting Memories.
Where Nature Meets Community.
Our Farm Story
Sustainability at Heart
At Bone + Bear Farms, our mission is to create a destination where families, individuals, and communities come together to reconnect with nature, celebrate sustainability, and share unforgettable experiences. Through immersive agritourism activities, organic farming, and heartfelt hospitality, we aim to inspire joy, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty and traditions of the area.
Central to our mission is Della’s Place, our onsite farm-to-table restaurant named in honor of our Chef's great-grandmother and Lois's Grandmother, Della. A Southern Illinois native for over 90 years, Della was a pillar of her community. She taught Sunday school lessons to local children, grew and preserved her own food, and generously shared her harvest with those in need. Long before "organic" became a movement, Della practiced sustainable farming and instilled those values in her family.
His love for farming and cooking began on Della’s farm. At just six years old, after nearly burning down his family’s home while trying to make stovetop popcorn, he was sent to spend the summer with Della while the house was being repaired. That summer, he learned to care for the land, harvest fresh ingredients, and cook meals with love and intention. It was a transformative experience that would shape his life and career.
At Bone + Bear Farms, we offer more than a visit—we offer a connection. Visitors can experience vibrant seasonal festivals, flower arranging workshops, and thrilling outdoor activities like pumpkin smashing towers and zip lines. Guests can also enjoy our signature farm-to-table meals, featuring freshly harvested produce, prepared with the same care and love Della taught our Chef so many years ago.
With solar-powered glamping accommodations, educational programs, and sustainable farming practices, Bone + Bear Farms is not just a destination but a way of life. We honor the past while building a future that fosters community, supports the environment, and inspires a new generation of agricultural enthusiasts. Bone + Bear Farms is where traditions are celebrated, memories are made, and everyone is welcomed like family.
A Shared Dream
Simple Beginnings
Bone + Bear Farms began with a shared dream, sparked during a Thanksgiving dinner filled with laughter, family stories, and cherished memories of Della, the family’s beloved matriarch. Gathered around a table piled high with dishes inspired by Della’s recipes, the family reminisced about her Southern Illinois farm—a place that had been the heart of their childhoods. Della’s farm was more than just land; it was a sanctuary of love, sustainability, and community. It was where she grew and preserved her own food, welcomed everyone with open arms, and taught Sunday school to local children. Her generosity and commitment to the land left a profound mark on everyone who knew her.
As the evening unfolded, our Chef shared a pivotal moment from his childhood. After an innocent attempt to make popcorn on the stovetop nearly burned the family home down, he was sent to live with Della while the house was repaired. That summer, at just six years old, he learned to farm, cook, and care for the land under her guidance.
The conversation turned wistful as they all expressed a longing to return to those simpler days—to the sense of purpose and connection Della’s farm had provided. His mother, Lois, envisioned a farm that could honor Della’s legacy by bringing those values to a new generation. He dreamed of an onsite farm-to-table restaurant, Della’s Place, where he could celebrate her recipes and teach others about the joys of farm-to-table dining. The family imagined fields of sunflowers, strawberry patches, glamping sites, and a community-centered space that would host everything from seasonal festivals to weddings under the stars.
The dream of Bone + Bear Farms quickly became a reality. Returning to their roots in Southern Illinois, the family set out to build a farm that was more than just a business. It would be a destination where families could reconnect with nature, celebrate life’s milestones, and learn the value of sustainable living. From vibrant seasonal festivals to farm-to-table dinners at Della’s Place, every aspect of the farm would reflect the legacy of Della, the love of family, and the simple joys of a life well-lived.
Bone + Bear Farms is now a place where the past and future come together, honoring the values instilled by Della and inspired by the connections that make life meaningful. It is a celebration of family, community, and the land they call home, where every visitor becomes part of the story.
Offerings
Our Unique Features
Immerse yourself in the charm of Bone + Bear Farms with these exceptional offerings:
Farm-to-Table Dining
Local & Fresh Ingredients
Indulge in our farm-to-table restaurant, Della's Place, featuring dishes crafted from our farm and other locally sourced ingredients, bringing the essence of Southern Illinois to your plate.
Rustic-Chic Weddings
Unforgettable Celebrations
Host your dream outdoor wedding amidst the picturesque backdrop of our farm, creating timeless memories filled with charm and elegance.
U-Pick Fields
Fresh Harvest Experience
Embark on a delightful adventure in our U-pick fields, where you can hand-select your favorite flowers, fruits, and vegetables while enjoying the beauty of our farm.
Glamping Sites
Cozy Nature Retreat
Unwind in our eco-chic glamping sites, offering a unique blend of luxury and nature, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings.