FAQs
1. What is Clearview Farm?
Clearview Farm is where the heartland’s history meets farming’s future. The focus of Clearview Farm is regenerative agriculture and community engagement.
Regenerative Agriculture
We grow a variety of unique crops utilizing regenerative agriculture practices including implementing crop diversity, no-till, constant cover, and more. Our goal is to display regenerative agriculture practices as a concept, collect data and results, and learn about what ideas might prove successful for Illinois farms.
Community Engagement
Clearview Farm is also a space for the community to visit, explore, experience, and learn about agriculture. Each crop has educational signage, and we provide a variety of activities, events, and programs for the community to participate in each year.
At Clearview Farm, people of all ages are invited to enjoy beautiful surroundings and educational opportunities. Here are a few ways Clearview Farm enhances the C-U community:
- A visually stunning, photo-ready destination during all four seasons
- Field trips, demonstrations, and internships for students
- Abundant testing ground for non-native crops
- Commercial and academic partnerships to strengthen and enrich our local economy
2. What is there to see/do at Clearview Farm?
Clearview Farm offers 18 unique crops to explore. Many beautiful walking paths and trails make the farm a great destination for your next outdoor outing.
Clearview Farm is a visually stunning destination and has different crops in bloom at various times throughout the growing season. There is something new to see each month.
Clearview Farm is also an excellent educational destination. Each crop is signed with educational information. Our education page also houses additional resources to enhance your visit. We even have a page just For Kids!
3. Where is Clearview Farm?
Clearview Farm is conveniently located in northwest Champaign in the corner created by the intersection of interstates I-57 and I-74.
The entrance to our 140-acre farm is at the intersection of Mattis Avenue and Olympian Drive. The farm entry’s address is:
3501 N. Mattis Avenue
Champaign, IL 61822
The farm itself is spread along the entire length of Legacy Ave., off of Olympian. Looking for a specific crop? Check out our field map guide for this year’s farm layout. Crop locations change yearly.
If you’re specifically looking for the sunflower field, click here: Take me to the sunflowers!
4. What are Clearview Farm's hours?
Clearview Farm is open from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week. Come visit us when it is convenient for you!
5. What does it cost to visit Clearview Farm?
It doesn’t! In lieu of an entry fee, guests are encouraged to participate in philanthropy during the period that the sunflowers bloom (see details below). Otherwise, Clearview Farm is free for the community explore.
Clearview Farm’s sunflower maze supports Eastern Illinois Foodbank this year. Since the maze does not require tickets or admission fees, guests are encouraged to instead make a suggested donation to Eastern Illinois Foodbank during their visit. Honesty boxes are stationed at the maze entrance as a convenient location for visitors to make donations of cash and non-perishable food items. Guests can also give online through a secure digital portal.
6. Who operates Clearview Farm?
The Clearview Farm we enjoy today is a project of The Atkins Group.
The Atkins Group’s purpose reads, “We are empowered to exceed expectations that enhance as many lives as possible.” Our hope is that Clearview Farm enhances the lives of those living in the Champaign, Urbana, and surrounding communities by providing a space for people to enjoy, experience, and learn about agriculture.
Click here to learn about the farm’s rich agricultural history.
Need to contact us? You’ll find contact information here.
7. Can I buy Clearview Farm products?
All of Clearview Farm’s crops are harvested and used in some way. Products available for sale change seasonally. Follow us on social media to find out when products are ready and where you can buy them.
Clearview Farm also offers products for online purchase at various times throughout the year. Click on the Shop button at the bottom of the page to find out what is currently in season and available.
8. Is there a visitor's center?
Clearview Farm has no visitor’s center. Instead, visitors will find all Clearview Farm and crop information on our website and on signs stationed throughout our working farm.
9. Are restroom facilities available on site?
There are no permanent restroom facilities available. In the summer, our busiest season, there are two porta-potty units along the sidewalk bordering Legacy Avenue.
In 2023, both are located by the sunflower field on the west side of the Legacy Ave. loop. Please see our field map for the location.
10. Are tours available?
Private group tours are sometimes available for a fee depending on the season and schedule availability. Please contact us directly if you are interested in a tour.
We are happy to work with educational groups. Please contact us with more information about your group and what you are looking for.
11. Where can I park?
There is ample parking along the outside of Legacy Avenue (the road that loops through the main part of Clearview Farm). Parking is prohibited on the inside of the circle. Please follow posted parking signs.
12. Is the farm handicap accessible?
There are miles of wide, paved sidewalks that border most our fields. These sidewalks are handicap accessible from various entry points along the street.
Farm field conditions, uneven ground, and mud/dirt make our mazes and in-field walking paths difficult for handicap access.
13. Are pets allowed?
Leashed pets are welcome at Clearview Farm. Pets must remain on a leash at all times. Please be courteous and clean up after your pet if the need arises.
14. Can I pick the crops?
All crops at Clearview Farm are harvested and used. Please be respectful and leave all crops in the field without damage. Our ability to harvest, sell, and use these crops is critical to supporting this community resource.
15. What community events does Clearview Farm host?
Our events change each year depending on what crops we grow, when they bloom, and the time of year. The best way to learn about upcoming Clearview Farm events is to follow us on social media.
16. I have allergies. What will I encounter?
Crops
Clearview Farm is home to many unique crops and other plants. If you have severe allergies please consider reviewing our crop list to know what kinds of crops you might encounter.
**Note: Our crop list covers many, but not all, crops and other plants that we have at Clearview Farm. Cover crops, wild grasses, flowers, weeds, and other plants are not included on this list.
Bees
If you have bee allergies please be aware that Clearview Farm has many bee hives. These hives are necessary for crop pollination. If bee allergies are a concern for you, please be attentive to your surroundings. Although the bee hives are placed away from walking paths, there are always bees in crop fields, along pathways, and buzzing throughout the farm.
17. What should I bring?
A few necessities for any visitor:
- Water bottle
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen – It gets sunny out on the farm and shade is limited!
- Sturdy, closed toe shoes – Clearview Farm has many walking paths. While many are paved, field mazes and some other pathways are more “trail-like”. This may require visitors to walk on bare, uneven ground.
- Smartphone – Scan our informational QR codes, take pictures, engage with us on social media
