Go On An Adventure At Fair Oaks Farms

Located in northwest Indiana, Fair Oaks Farms offers an authentic Midwest experience perfect for families and visitors of all ages. As the #1 agritourism destination in the Midwest, it’s easy to spend more than a day exploring everything the farm has to offer.

The expansive Fair Oaks Farms campus features a hotel, daily adventures, tours, museums, a farm-to-table restaurant, a cozy café, a gift shop, a dog park, scenic nature trails, and much more.

The farm campus is conveniently situated just a few miles from the Illinois/Indiana border. Fair Oaks Farms is within easy driving distance of several major cities, making it an accessible getaway. Whether you’re coming for a day trip or a longer stay. Travel times to the farm from nearby cities include:

Lafayette, Indiana: 1 hour
Chicago, Illinois: 1 hour and 15 minutes
South Bend, Indiana: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Indianapolis, Indiana: 2 hours
Fort Wayne, Indiana: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Grand Rapids, Michigan: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Dairy Adventure and Tour

Fair Oaks Farms offers three daily adventures and two tours: the Dairy Adventure and Tour, the Pig Adventure and Tour, and the Crop Adventure. To start your day, head to the Admission Booth, where a staff member will help you plan your itinerary, provide a campus map and tickets, and schedule your bus tours.

Before our Dairy bus tour began, we explored the Dairy Birthing Barn and were lucky enough to witness two calf births—something that happens daily at the farm. Inside the Dairy Adventure building, families can enjoy hours of fun. With a virtual reality lab, a 4D movie, interactive games, and photo opportunities, there’s something for everyone, especially kids aged 12 and under.

When it’s time for the tour, you’ll board the Fair Oaks Farms dairy bus located at the back of the Dairy Adventure building. The narrated bus ride takes you to the dairy facility, located a short distance away, where the cows live. The tour includes both a bus ride and a walking portion through the dairy barns. Don’t worry, you’ll only access the clean visitor viewing areas.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, be sure to check out Mooville, an outdoor play area included with admission. Kids can climb the Milk Carton Climbing Tower, ride the Moo Choo Train, and bounce on the Dairy Jump pillow for endless fun.

Pig Adventure and Tour

Much like the dairy bus tour, the pig bus tour whisks you away on a narrated ride to the pig barn, which is located at a separate spot on the farm. You’ll catch the bus at the back of the Pig Education Building. Along the way, you get to see adorable baby piglets up close in the barn and have plenty of chances to ask questions about farm life.

Inside the Pig Education Building, kids can tackle a three-level indoor ropes course. This is the only activity on the farm that requires a little extra fee, but it’s totally worth it for the fun and challenge! The rest of the building is packed with interactive activities, including Peppa Pig’s house, a cool treehouse, an interactive pig sonogram, and even a “Pigterest” board full of fun facts.

Crop Adventure

The Crop Adventure doesn’t include a bus tour, but the Crop Building is hands down my favorite spot for interactive exhibits, especially as an adult! Plus, there’s an amazing cornfield photo backdrop inside, and let’s be honest, I never miss a chance to snap a photo with corn. Highlights include a globe movie screen, underground root system tunnels you can walk through, a curved-screen film created by National Geographic, and beautiful outdoor gardens. It’s a fun and educational adventure for all ages.

Farm-To-Table Food

The Farmhouse Restaurant
The Farmhouse, Fair Oaks Farms’ signature restaurant, offers elevated farm-to-table dining. Featuring locally sourced ingredients and produce grown right on the farm. The menu includes savory steaks, handcrafted pizzas, hearty sandwiches, and classic farmhouse favorites. On weekends, enjoy a special brunch menu in the cozy dining room, complete with a fireplace centerpiece. Diners can also catch a glimpse of the culinary action through large windows overlooking the kitchen. Don’t miss the generous desserts—perfect for sharing! Seasonal events, such as heated Igloo rentals in winter, are also enjoyable experiences.

The Cowfé
For a more casual option, stop by the Cowfé. This counter-service spot is home to the farm’s famous grilled cheese and creamy ice cream. The deli-style menu features made-to-order sandwiches, sides, and sweet treats. Browse the on-site chocolate counter and gift shop for local goodies and souvenirs.

The Dairycatessen
Located inside the Fair Oaks Farms fuel station, the Dairycatessen is ideal for travelers. The grab-and-go deli case is stocked with fresh sandwiches, snacks, cheeses, salads, milk, and ice cream—everything you need for a quick bite or road trip snack.

Spend The Night at Fair Oaks Farms

Ever stayed in a hotel that looks like a classic red barn with silos? At Fair Oaks Farms, you can! The Fairfield Inn by Marriott on campus is designed and decorated to celebrate Indiana’s rich farming heritage, making it a unique place to stay.

From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with friendly service and bright, cheerful colors that set a happy, family-friendly vibe. The hotel is packed with fun activities for all ages. The lobby and Great Room offer plenty of comfy seating, pool tables, and outdoor spaces that open up to a scenic Nature Trail. When it’s time to cool off or relax, dive into the family pool, zoom down the kids’ water slide, soak in the indoor/outdoor hot tub, or hit the gym.

The silos aren’t just for show, they house cozy family, business, and bridal suites. Family suites feature bunk beds and can accommodate up to six people, making them ideal for large groups. Plus, every morning, you can fuel up with a complimentary continental breakfast before heading out to explore.

Oh, and did I mention? The Fairfield Inn is connected to the Farmhouse Restaurant, so grabbing a delicious meal after a fun day is super easy.

Bring Fido Along for the Adventure

Fair Oaks Farms is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along for the adventure. The farm features a free, on-site dog park called Central Bark. It has separate areas for large and small dogs, ensuring a safe and fun space for all sizes. If you’re planning to stay overnight, the Fairfield Inn at Fair Oaks Farms offers pet-friendly rooms; please be sure to request one when booking. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the main buildings, they are welcome on the grounds and the porch of the Farmhouse Restaurant.

Tips for visiting Fair Oaks Farms

Here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit:

Consider an Annual Membership
If you’re visiting with a family of four or more or planning to return, the annual membership is worth it. It costs about the same as a single day’s ticket for a family and pays for itself on the first visit.
Check the Weather Before You Go
Many attractions are outdoors, but there are indoor experiences too. The farm is open rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather will ensure a comfortable visit.
Family-Friendly Facilities
Parents will appreciate the Mother’s Lounge and the handicap-accessible adult changing room, both located in the Feedbarn next to the Admissions Building.
Time Zone Reminder
Fair Oaks Farms operates on Central Time (CST), which is important to know when planning your arrival and departure.
Best Seasons to Visit
- Fall: Enjoy the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, and harvest festivals.
- Winter: Don’t miss the Forest of Lights and cozy heated igloos.
- Spring and Summer: Expect larger crowds, as well as increased farm activity and warmer weather.
Plan Your Day (or Two)
Completing all three “adventures” at the farm can take 4 to 6 hours, depending on the crowds. If you want to take your time, consider spreading your visit over two days.