Fair Oaks Dairy Farm, Indiana, USA
An Adventure Tour to Experience, 90 Minutes South of Chicago
Aug 5, 2009
One of the largest family-owned dairies in the country, Fair Oaks Dairy Farm produces it own line of dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and ice cream. With ample parking, dairy adventure tours are offered to all sizes, from individuals, to school outings, to corporate outings.
Dairy Adventure Tour
The dairy adventure tour and exhibits educate visitors on the care of dairy cows, the milking process, as well as the process of making real dairy products.
With 80 calves born per day, the most popular attraction at Fair Oaks Dairy Farm is the birthing barn. The first-hand experience of watching a calf being born, legs tied, mother pushing while the workers gently pull, produces wide-eyed amazement amongst old and young alike.
Visually stimulating, a merry-go-round style platform holds dozens of cows that are attached to robotic milking machines, unaffected by the gasps of amazement surrounding them. The more daring soul can practice their own milking skills on a plastic cow, no gloves required.
A 3D/4D movie, The Grass to Glass Movie, educates by invigorating all the senses (imagine getting wet during a milking scene), while animated characters located around the farm come to life, offering little known facts.
Another exciting area, developed for the hands-on learner, is called Mooville. Visitors can be challenged by a string cheese maze, bounce on a huge air pillow, or climb a 25-foot milk bottle. A ride on the choo-choo train delights even the youngest of visitors.
Interactive game shows bring out the best in competition to reinforce the newly acquired lessons.
Bus tours are also available to get a greater sense of the vast area that the dairy cows call home.
Cheese Factory at Fair Oaks Dairy Farm
Produced fresh on the farm, cheese, milk and ice cream can be purchased at the cheese factory located at the main building of the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm. A quaint sit-down cafe is also a huge favorite of the dairy farm visitors. From thick, gooey Grilled Cheese sandwiches, to homemade Chili, to their famous Breakfast Burrito, any appetite can be satiated. Half-size plates are offered on many of the fares for the smaller appetites, or for those who would like to indulge in a variety of menu items.
Not to be missed out on is their fresh-made ice cream, served in cones, as a milkshake, or smothered in a variety of toppings. Pints are also available to take home.
Admission and Virtual Tour
Admission to the Dairy Adventure is $10.00 for adults, $7.00 for children ages 3-12, and free for children 2 and under. Discounts are available for seniors, groups, and annual passes. Check out the Fair Oaks Dairy Farm website for current operating hours and to take a virtual tour.
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