Fair Oaks Farms | Indianapolis

Fair Oaks Farms, located in Fair Oaks, Indiana, is a leading agritourism destination that offers visitors an immersive, educational, and entertaining experience centered on modern, sustainable farming practices. Established in 2004 by Mike and Sue McCloskey, the farm was designed to bridge the gap between consumers and agriculture by providing transparent insight into food production through interactive exhibits, live animal experiences, and hands-on learning opportunities. It has since grown into one of the most innovative farm attractions in the United States, blending education, entertainment, and agriculture on a massive scale.

Location and Overview

Fair Oaks Farms sits on over 30,000 acres of farmland, situated approximately halfway between Chicago and Indianapolis, making it accessible to a wide regional audience. The property functions both as a working farm and a tourist destination. It operates as a fully functioning agricultural enterprise with dairy cows, pigs, crops, and poultry, alongside visitor-focused attractions that communicate the realities of modern farming with transparency and care.

Main Attractions and Experiences

Dairy Adventure

The Dairy Adventure is a 15,000-square-foot interactive museum and learning center dedicated to the world of dairy farming. It offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how milk is produced from cow to carton. Highlights include:

Live milking parlor observation: Visitors can watch the milking process and learn about the technology and welfare practices that ensure cow comfort and product quality.

4D immersive theater: Animated films and interactive exhibits illustrate the dairy cycle, from birth to milk production.

Hands-on exhibits: Opportunities to try milking with replica equipment, explore cow anatomy, and understand the nutritional value of dairy products.

A children’s indoor play area themed around dairy farm life.

Pig Adventure

The Pig Adventure focuses on pork production and life on a modern pig farm. This attraction educates visitors about the care, housing, and management of pigs, emphasizing humane farming practices and food safety. Features include:

View barns: Safe observation areas where guests can see piglets and adult pigs in their environment.

Educational exhibits: Interactive displays explain the breeding cycle, feeding programs, and sustainability efforts.

Indoor ropes course: An adventurous activity area designed to entertain children and adults alike while reinforcing agricultural themes.

Crop Adventure

The Crop Adventure showcases the vital role of crop farming, soil health, and agricultural technology. It highlights the growing practices behind grains, fruits, and vegetables that feed people and livestock. Key elements include:

Interactive exhibits: Demonstrations of planting, soil testing, and harvesting techniques.

Large-format educational films: Detailing the use of precision agriculture and innovations like GPS-guided tractors and drones.

Pollinator’s Garden: A beautifully landscaped area featuring native plants to support bees and other pollinators, underscoring their importance in agriculture.

Dining and Culinary Experiences

Fair Oaks Farms offers distinctive dining options that emphasize farm-fresh ingredients and regional flavors:

The Cowfé: A casual café serving breakfast, lunch, and ice cream made with milk and cheese produced on the farm. Popular items include gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and dairy-based desserts.

The Farmhouse Restaurant: This farm-to-table restaurant features a menu highlighting local meats, seasonal vegetables, and traditional American comfort foods such as steaks, pot roast, and French onion soup. The Farmhouse provides a cozy atmosphere with rustic décor and often hosts live music or special events.

Lodging and Amenities

The site includes the Fairfield Inn & Suites at Fair Oaks Farms, a hotel designed to resemble a traditional barn but equipped with modern comforts. The hotel features:

68 traditional rooms and 31 suites, some with playful features like bunk beds or bridal dressing areas.

Family-friendly amenities including an indoor pool with a cow-themed water slide, a fitness center, and accessible facilities.

Pet-friendly policies, including accommodations for dogs and outdoor spaces like the Central Bark Dog Park.

Seasonal Activities and Special Events

Fair Oaks Farms hosts a range of activities and seasonal attractions to engage visitors year-round:

Mooville: A large outdoor play area open during the summer months featuring a jumping pillow, a 25-foot tall milk bottle climbing structure, slides, and other farm-themed play equipment for children.

Fall Events: Including apple picking, a 4-acre corn maze designed for family fun and exploration, and the Orchard Pub-a weekend gathering spot offering beer, wine, and live entertainment.

Winter Attractions: Ice skating rink, a 135-foot ice slide, and the popular Forest of Lights, a walk-through holiday light display. Visitors can also reserve private igloos for cozy outdoor dining experiences during colder months.

Educational Outreach and Sustainability

Fair Oaks Farms serves as an educational platform not only for visitors but also for schools and agricultural professionals. It offers:

School group tours and curricula tailored to K–12 students, promoting STEM learning through agriculture.

Programs focused on animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and food safety.

Demonstrations of sustainable farming practices, including water conservation, waste management, and renewable energy use.

Visitor Information

The farm is open year-round, seven days a week, with some attractions seasonal.

General admission is approximately $25 per person, with discounts available for school groups, children, and seniors.

Visitors are encouraged to plan several hours to fully experience the multiple adventure centers, dining, and outdoor activities.

Summary

Fair Oaks Farms represents a pioneering model in agritourism that combines large-scale commercial farming with engaging public education and entertainment. Its innovative approach demystifies the food production process, highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture, and fosters a connection between consumers and the sources of their food. With interactive exhibits, farm animal encounters, delicious farm-to-table dining, and family-friendly amenities, Fair Oaks Farms offers a unique, immersive experience that appeals to all ages and backgrounds, making it a standout destination in Indiana and the Midwest.