Life's a Trip is a blog series that highlights similar attractions near each other, making each edition a perfect way to plan a day trip, or something to work in to a staycation!

Isn’t it time your kids found out where their food really comes from? At Marcoot Jersey Dairy & Creamery near Greenville, a tour includes petting a calf, seeing the milking parlor, and watching how cheese is made. Before you leave, taste the cheese or homemade ice cream.

Nearby is the American Farm Heritage Museum that has hundreds of tractors and other farm implements, along with hands-on activities and a train ride that circles the property. Both places offer an up close and personal look at agriculture.

While in Greenville, see the DeMoulin Museum’s unusual collection of Lodge Initiation Devices dating back to the 1890s. Who wouldn’t want to see the Lifting and Spraying Machine, the Invisible Spanking Machine, the Lung Tester, and the Practical Goat?

For art and architecture lovers, the Richard Bock Sculpture Museum at Greenville College gives tours by appointment. Bock is best known for his work with Frank Lloyd Wright.

Want to go?

Marcoot Jersey Dairy & Creamery, 526 Dudleyville Rd., 618-664-1110 Tours by appointment on Monday, Wednesday & Friday (cheese production days)

American Farm Heritage Museum – I-70 at IL Rte. 127, 618-664-3050 Open Saturdays 9am – 5pm, May – October, by appointment and for special events

DeMoulin Museum, 110 W. Main, 618-664-4115 Friday 1-3pm; Saturday 10aqm-2pm; Sunday 2-4pm or by appointment any day

Richard Bock Sculpture Museum, Greenville College Campus, 315 E. College Ave. 618-664-6521

This information originally appeared in the Spring/Summer Tourism Times 2013. Click here and sign up to receive three of these great seasonal guides every year at no cost!