This place has such a calm feel to it. I took more pictures than I planned to because the buildings and the open space look so good together, and nothing about it feels forced or flashy. It is quiet, scenic, and just a genuinely nice place to slow down for a bit. Go when you want an easy walk and something pretty to look at, not a big production. read more

What a wonderful day. First a beautiful hike to reach the farm then seeing everything on the farm itself was magical. The chickens, cow, donkeys and barn cats were beautiful and friendly. The owners were incredibly gracious and brought out carrots for us to feed the animals with. The barn was huge and fun to walk through. All in all a must see and what a beautiful farm, animals were wonderful, incredibly gracious hosts. For me coming with my daughter and granddaughter, a perfect day read more

After many years of saying we need to visit it - I finally took the younger group of grandkids out to this farm (11-10-9) year olds - and they voted it a 5 star. It is a small farm and shouldn't take more than an hour - plus lunch - they have a nice picnic area. It is a good learning place with an old wood stove, actual ice box and hand washing machines to show the younger ones. My only issue is you have to park on the other side of a small hill and walk over it. Fairly steep (temp was almost 90 degrees) and difficult with my bad leg but they drove me back over in a golf cart. :) Seems like handicap parking could be at the front gate - normally less one star but the kids said no. Not much at the farm - 2 miniature donkeys - two cows and some chickens. If you go - be sure to get the home tour which even the youngsters enjoyed. There is a barn to wander in and some other houses but that is mostly it. They apparently host many summer camps where I believe the kids spend the night. read more

See all

I was a chaperone to my granddaughter's 4th grade class on a visit December 6. It's a shame it was only about 30 degrees and all of the stations set up by the naturalists were outside. The kids were distracted with staying warm rather than paying attention to the staff. But it was during the annual salmon spawning season and that in itself was fascinating. There were about ten "stations" staffed by naturalists who covered a range of topics including the history of the farm back to 1879 and it's evolution to a demonstration farm. It is an interactive program where students witness firsthand the wonder of the salmon lifecycle. Through water testing, habitat observation, and native plant identification students determine what makes a good habitat for salmon and discuss human impacts on salmon populations. Even for an old geezer like me, it was very educational. read more

Sitting outside the gate contemplating on this venue and the owner/manager came out swearing at us to get out of his @#$% driveway - that told me that we really do not want to use this venue at anytime read more

I went into one of the historic houses with my daughter who is 3. The lady in charged told us to stay within the carpeted area, so I told my daughter to do so. We entered a living room area wich was carpeted and the lady yelled at us for being there. I apologized, and said "I'm sorry, I thought you meant all the carpeted area" but she was referring to just the brown carpet. My daughter touched a little stool and I immediately told her not to, but the lady was very rude and yelled at me "get out of there NOW!" That took me by surprise..and I yelled back at her and said "I'm leaving! "You don't have to be rude!" So I grabbed my daughter and went out the door. My daughter started to cry 'cause she didn't understand why we were leaving. Everyone noticed how pissed I was. There's a way of saying things. This lady treated me like a child. read more

Stunning sweet farm full of history and helpful tour guides! I am beyond impressed with the beautiful historic home and farm tucked away in Auburn. The trickling stream, green grass and old trees really make me feel at peace. As the kids run about in the pasture and have adventures in the creek I'm in amazed I have never heard of this hidden gem. Our tour in the home was unplanned but well worth it. The detail and historic charm in each feature made me want to put on a time appropriate dress and go about milking cows and collecting eggs. The Donkeys were the kids personal favorites and chickens came in a close second. For our 5 and 8 year old this was a perfect adventure with The family. We will be back with a packed lunch to spend more time in the future! read more

First experienced this farm years and years ago. We walked up just to look at the old abandoned property. Fast forward 15-20 years and we attended a Hops and Crops beer and music festival. In the intervening years it has been restored by White River Valley Museum and City of Auburn. For a history buff it is fascinating. Imagine a woman in 1887 who was widowed with two children, remarried, yet retained possession of the property...Each structure has been restored and/or replaced but noted. The 1897 barn is killer. The charming weaving shed captured me. Sheds (recreated) that stored neighbor's possessions as they were shipped off to the concentration camps during the frenzy of WW II. The land itself with the ancient orchards, the structures, and the old wagon road, lets you feel the history as you walk the amazing property. read more

I signed up my two older daughters for their (Auburn's White River Museum's) Hands on History summer camp. Their summer camp was at the Mary Olson farm. Both girls love history. Now 11, our oldest has grown and grown in her knowledge and interest of history, and the rest of us tag along, ready for an adventure of learning, too, as we get to know the state we live in. NOT being from Washington- I absolutely LOVE that these beautiful farm parks even exist, are up kept with volunteers and even resident animals for city families to enjoy and learn from. It truly honors Washington's farming/rural heritage then and now. I've taken out of state visitors to these farm parks... and they are in shock and awe just like me- what a very cool idea here... I've never seen anything like them! We like Kelsey Creek Farm in Bellevue and the Ferrel McWhirter (sp) in Redmond. All of them offer classes, which makes me respect all this even more! Look up kids' classes, and support these cities reaching out to educate their communities. So, first day of camp was today. All the groups of kids were busy right away with huge grins. Our girls made pickles, strawberry jelly, and butter today. When I picked up our girls- they were happily walking the farmhouse's orchard with baskets in hand. Pictures do not do this place justice- it's so pretty and peaceful, and to see my girls strolling the grounds with such contentment was priceless! They both told me that they were happy I was running late so they could do more 'farm chores'. They said tomorrow is animal day. Later on in the week they'll make candles and taste their pickles. All for $80 for the week! We have not attended their classes before, but they all sound great. Even camp outs in the museum and at the farm! I never knew this museum offered kids' classes. Our girls have been to kids' history classes and events here and there- loving all of it. We've camped at Ft. Nisqually. This summer, our oldest went to a kids' archaeology class at the Burke Museum. The girls love driving out to Oregon Trail sites. Our family loves going to all the cultural celebrations in different cities. Our girls all love attending native pow wows to observe and respect. We've been to different cities historical society museums, and the bigger history museums, and even yet, the girls LOVED today's creating and learning. Nothing beats hands on. Kent's historical society has a monthly program for 4th grade and up to highschool (adults, too) to meet with Kent's senior citizens. The group discusses local, state, US, and world history one decade at a time once a month. Our oldest attended for 2 years, and loved it every month. For example, while discussing WWII, a resident of Kent discussed her family's experience at Japanese Internment camps, and we got to hold black out curtains and ration cards and enlistment papers. So, if you live in the area, and your kids love history- look that up for them, too! Our family will be returning for more fun at this farm! If your gps gives you trouble- it's next to Auburn's golf course. read more