Continuing our series of trip ideas in Hendricks County, Indiana, we wanted to focus on an authentic experience that we like to call Farm Fresh.
But before we get to this specific trip idea, you should know that we have a quiz that allows users to answer four simple questions leading them to a list of trip ideas that meet their specific interests, with this Farm Fresh experience being one of them.
You can see all the trip ideas by clicking here
You can take the quiz by clicking here
Farm Fresh
Make sure to bring your boots and watch your step on this trip as we highlight some amazing attractions that offer plenty of interactions with animals as well as other fun and educational experiences.
Here's some of our top options:
Montrose Farms Alpaca Ranch
There are so many misconceptions out there about alpacas and Lori Lovely remains front and center in Hendricks County trying to dispel all of them.
Lovely owns Montrose Farms, which sits on 10 acres at 3750 N. County Road 950 East, Brownsburg. You can get many more details in a previous blog post I wrote highlighting the ranch.
But just know that Lovely remains passionate about alpacas and would love to share her knowledge and give you the chance to meet these beautiful animals up close with her personalized farm tours. But you must call in advance to schedule an appointment.
She also offers events, such as Alpaca Yoga, Painting With Alpacas and a couple of open houses every year, to open up her farm to more people. Anyone who loves animals would love this experience.
Hogan Farms
This farm experience in Brownsburg only opens to the public this time of year offering a traditional Midwestern fall family experience with a few elements from the farm mixed in.
They boast a huge corn maze, hay rides around the property, a small petting zoo and u-pick pumpkins.
It doesn't give you the true farm experience like some of the others on this list, but it does deliver a bit of the farm combined with a lot of fun.
Looking for a fall road trip adventure?
Answer four quick questions for your next getaway.
Beasley's Orchard
You won't find any animals on this farm, but it is no less of a multi-generational agriculture experience. Known mostly as a fall destination for years, Beasley's Orchard in Danville has turned a corner more recently adding year-round activities and options such as u-pick strawberries, a Sunflower Festival and a Barnyard Bonanza family fun area.
But don't get me wrong, this remains a destination you also must check out in the fall with its corn maze, u-pick apples, hayrides to the pumpkin patch and apple cannons added to its lineup.
Beasley's is also known for its amazing, award-winning apple cider and a line of hard cider among other products within its Civil War-era barn turned market.
Oinking Acres Farm Rescue & Sanctuary
Much like the alpacas, Olivia Head has made it her mission to debunk any negative stigma surrounding potbellied pigs while providing a safe haven and potentially forever homes for just about any farm animal.
In 2020 alone, Oinking Acres in Brownsburg accepted about 85 pigs but turned down many more.
When I was there, in addition to all the pigs, which were mostly the potbellied variety, the farm also housed goats, chickens, ducks, cats and even a donkey, horse and peacock. About 20 of the farm's residents are unadoptable for various reasons.
The farm offers tours by appointment only and has a thorough screening process before sending any of their farm animals away for adoption.
