Old MacDonald's Farm in Humble to close Nov. 30 after owner's death
Donald Wilkerson, who ran the 35-year-old attraction, passed away, prompting his family to end operations at the 3203 Farm to Market Road 1960 location.
By Ella Cox ·
Old MacDonald's Farm in Humble will shut its doors permanently on Nov. 30.
The closure follows the recent death of owner Donald Wilkerson, who operated the site for 35 years. An email sent to customers on Monday morning confirmed the decision. The message stated that the family made the difficult choice to close the business permanently at the end of the month.
Suzanne and Donald Wilkerson opened the children's farm and activity center around 1990. The property at 3203 Farm to Market Road 1960 included a working train, a large dirt hill, tether ball, playgrounds, petting zoos, and pony rides. For 34 years, the site served as a common destination for field trips from Houston-area school districts. The farm also hosted seasonal events, including pumpkin patches in the fall.
The family released a social media statement on Monday after declining to comment directly. The statement described the farm as more than a business to Wilkerson, calling it his passion and hard work. It noted that the business was built from the ground up by him. The family said the farm served the community for 34 years and helped build lifelong connections.
Scheduled events and field trips will not take place. The email to booked customers apologized for the inconvenience and the disappointment of canceled plans. The farm had been a frequent stop for school groups, meaning many upcoming visits are now off the books.
The closure occurs as the FM 1960 corridor undergoes major changes. The Texas Department of Transportation is finishing a road-widening project that began in 2021. The project costs $128 million and stretches from downtown Humble to Lake Houston. It has expanded the four-lane road into a six-lane highway. This construction has created detours and headaches for nearby businesses.
The farm's closing marks the end of a 35-year run for one of Humble's long-standing family attractions.
