Fair Oaks Farm is definitely a destination unto itself. You'll want to set aside an entire day to visit, because there is so much to experience, even during the colder months. You might even opt for an overnight stay, like I did. Fortunately, there's a hotel here on the campus (the Fairfield by Marriott at Fair Oaks Farm), and it looks like a farm from the outside!
This is a working farm, which means that you will see some $h!t. Literally, because we're talking about animals here; but also figuratively, because on a farm, baby cows will be born (and you can see it happen) and pigs will mate (and you can also see this happen). That's just a part of life and what happens on a farm. It's actually pretty cool, and especially charming/disturbing/fun for people not used to farm things.
The farm also showcases local agriculture, sustainable farming practices, animal encounters and farm-made food. It's an all-in-one destination. Like I mentioned, it has a hotel on site, and also interactive museums, daily tours, a farm-to-table restaurant, a cafe, an ice cream shop, a nature trail, and lots more.
The experiential museums and adventures at Fair Oaks Farm have guests exploring all aspects of farm life. The Dairy Adventure and Pig Adventure require reservations in order to go on the tours, because you take a shuttle to see where the animals live. Once you're finished with the tour, you can stay and explore each respective museum as long and as many times as you want.
The Dairy Adventure at Fair Oaks Farm includes a short shuttle ride to the dairy operation site of the farm, located about a mile away. While on the shuttle, you'll hear educational audio offering facts about the cows, life on the farm, and the daily operations that take place.
Once you've arrived at the dairy farm, you'll deboard the shuttle and get a 45-minute tour of the dairy. You'll see things like the milking carousel, the milk tanks and pasteurization areas, and rooms where the cows are kept to relax and chew their cud (some are massaged with a big brush!).
After the shuttle drops you back off at the main campus, there's an indoor museum that's a fun space for kids to play and learn. Kids can learn how to use a "real" milking station, watch how robotics are used to milk cows, learn about what it takes to be a dairy farmer and play at an indoor playground.
Next to the Dairy Adventure is the Birthing Barn, where there's usually a mama cow in the process of delivering a calf all around the clock. We saw the miracle of life take place before our eyes, but you might need to be patient -- we were sitting and waiting almost 45 minutes. But such is life. Birthing keeps its own time.
One of the more delightful aspects of the farm is The Pig Adventure, were you can see pigs at all ages and stages ... including just-born little piglets up close! Just like The Dairy Adventure, you hop aboard a shuttle that takes you around two miles away to where the pigs live on the farm. The Pig Adventure also includes a tour, but it is more interactive and casual, which is perfect for kids.
Back at the main farm, there's lots to do and see in the pig museum. Burn off some energy on the multi-level ropes course (for an additional fee of $5 per person). Younger kids might enjoy playing house inside the Redwood Treehouse, complete with a slide exit.
The Crop Adventure is one of the smaller museums/exhibits, but it was one of my favorites. You can learn about the importance of farmers, the many uses of corn, and to be sustainable with our resources. There's an interactive sensory center for kids, and lots of exhibits to read and play with.
There are lots of food options at Fair Oaks Farms, and you can read my individual reviews for each of those, if you wish. There's a cafe, an ice cream shop, and a fancier sit-down restaurant all located on the campus.
Fair Oaks Farm is a super unique hidden gem in Indiana. We had a great time here. read more