Indiana Farm Stays Cultivate Bountiful Fun for the Whole Family

There’s something magical about an Indiana farm stay where you swap busy schedules for scenic strolls and trade text messages for a taste of farm life. From rolling pastures and reclaimed land to cuddly cows and adorable alpacas, Indiana offers bountiful opportunities to experience the state’s rural roots. Read on to learn more about five entertaining and educational ag adventures where you can unplug, unwind and unlock the peaceful feeling of being home on the farm.

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Celtic Glen

Nestled along the White River near Spencer and Bloomington, Celtic Glen raises heritage farm breeds, including Irish Dexter and Scottish Highland cattle, Soay sheep, Arapawa goats, and Champagne rabbits. For owners Lessie and Phil Lennon, a highlight of farm life is sharing it with others.

“People come because the animals and land are beautiful, but they leave here with a sense of what it’s like to be a small farmer,” Lessie says of introducing visitors to regenerative farming techniques and conservation efforts.

Phil notes the diverse 110-acre property incorporates a historic limestone quarry and features a log mini-cabin, plus multiple tent and camper sites. Guests enjoy hiking and swimming at McCormick’s Creek State Park next door, along with fishing and bird-watching on-site.

Event offerings include farm tours, homesteading classes, yoga, forest bathing, Celtic retreats, coffee with goats, donkey strolls and the “Farm Kids” series with an animal encounter tied to a storybook. For delicious dining, purchase Celtic Glen’s craft meats and prepared foods at the farm and at nearby farm stops.

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Stark Manor

Growing up in Gosport, Shelly Blankenship didn’t imagine one day owning historic Stark Manor, but after working in Indianapolis, she and her husband, Randy, wanted a change.

“We decided to bring our kids back to where I was born and raised,” Shelly explains.

Soon after establishing a Highland cattle farm just down the road, the couple purchased Stark Manor and began more than a year of renovation and restoration.

“We wanted to include modern amenities while keeping it close to the 1835 feel,” she says.

Rocking chairs welcome guests to the brick farmhouse, which includes four bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a daybed swing, outdoor soaking tubs and a nearby creek. Of course, the true stars are the Highland cows roaming the pasture.

“The No. 1 thing people love is the cows,” Shelly says with a laugh.

Located between Bloomington and Martinsville, guests have easy access to nearby restaurants, shops, golf and entertainment or can simply relax on-site.

“We have over 100 acres of farm, so you’re really surrounded by nature,” Shelly says. “It’s such a peaceful, historic getaway.

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French Lick Farm

The epitome of rustic luxury, French Lick Farm in Southern Indiana features walking trails, fishing, fresh air and fire pits perfect for socializing over s’mores. Great for individuals and small groups, The Lodge offers six bedroom configurations and a wrap-around porch with rocking chairs that beckon guests to slow down and soak in the scenery. Nearby, a charming two-story treehouse is tucked in the woods with a river view. The property also features RV sites with picnic tables, fire pits and bathhouse access. The 80-acre retreat lets guests get away from it all while still being conveniently located to West Baden and French Lick attractions, shops and restaurants that are just minutes away.

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Heavenly Acres Farm

A rural retreat designed with the whole family in mind, Heavenly Acres Farm & Learning Center in Thorntown is known for customizable tours and stays. Owners Forrest and Jennifer Bopp feature hands-on educational activities, animal petting and feeding opportunities, wagon rides, seasonal events, a stocked farm store, and a beautiful setting for bird-watching and a stroll alongside the meandering creek. Farm animals include alpacas, chickens, donkeys, horses, goats, pigs and more. Located in Central Indiana, guests choose from a charming cottage with two bedrooms and a kitchenette or camping sites suitable for tents, campers and RVs, all just 45 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.

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Heritage Farm

This small alpaca farm in North Central Indiana makes a big impression on everyone who visits. A generational farm, owner Beth Sheets and her children love sharing the land with guests. Together, they honor the legacy of her late husband, Tim, on the farm, which was started by Beth’s parents in 1956. An award-winning farm stay, Heritage Farm offers tent and RV camping, a three-bedroom guest house, a rustic 1850s log cabin and a recently renovated log home.

Begin the day with fresh eggs from the chicken coop, walk to the creek, hike a trail, enjoy hayrides and other farm experiences, try your hand at chores or simply relax in a hammock. And, of course, don’t miss out on alpaca antics or the farm store’s array of alpaca products, from yarn to clothing.

For more information on farm stays, check out farmstayus.com, harvesthosts.com or hipcamp.com.

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