Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
A charming farm in Indiana's Amish Country offering close encounters with native and exotic animals via wagon rides and a petting zoo.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming farm in Indiana's Amish Country offering close encounters with native and exotic animals via wagon rides and a petting zoo.
"This is my favorite attraction in Indiana's Amish Country!"
🎯 Bring Cash for Feed
Extra feed for petting zoo animals is $1/bowl. Cash makes it quick! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the farm and petting zoo. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wagon Safari Ride
Farm outskirts and pastures
Feed camels, buffalo, zebras, and more directly from the wagon. An unforgettable close-up animal encounter!
Petting Zoo Encounters
Walk-in petting zoo area
Interact with and pet a variety of animals, including bunnies and Scottish Highland Cows. So soft!
Scottish Highland Cows
Petting zoo area
Meet and pet these incredibly fluffy and friendly cows. A definite highlight for many visitors!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wagon Ride is a Must-Do
Bring Cash for Feed
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Cash for Feed
Extra feed for petting zoo animals is $1/bowl. Cash makes it quick! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the farm and petting zoo. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture unique shots of native and exotic animals up close. :camerawithflash:
💧 Hand Sanitizer Available
Plenty of sanitizer provided in the petting zoo area. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Cash for Feed
Extra feed for petting zoo animals is $1/bowl. Cash makes it quick! :moneybag:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be walking around the farm and petting zoo. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture unique shots of native and exotic animals up close. :camerawithflash:
💧 Hand Sanitizer Available
Plenty of sanitizer provided in the petting zoo area. :droplet:
🚗 Easy to Find
Located in Indiana's Amish Country, about 2.5 hours from Chicago. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park for its unique and interactive animal encounters, particularly the wagon safari and petting zoo. The friendly staff and well-cared-for animals contribute to a highly recommended experience, especially for families. Some visitors note the convenience of bringing cash for extra feed purchases.
"Over the past 4 or 5 years, we've had the pleasure of visiting Shipshewana multiple times. As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for unique, picturesque scenes, whether it’s sprawling farms, adorable animals, or the hard-working people that make it all come to life. During one of my visits, I stopped photographing a group of horses and struck up a conversation with the farmer. He enthusiastically recommended Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park as a must-see spot for someone like me who loves capturing the charm of farm life.
Curious and excited, we decided to check it out—and boy, are we glad we did! Dutch Creek Farm is an absolute hidden gem. Beautiful and some unusual animals of course all around you’ll see beautiful farms, great opportunity to capture excellent photos. I’ve included a bunch of photos from our visit to give you a glimpse of this wonderful place. If you’re ever in the area, don’t miss it, 2.5 hours from Chicago on northern Indiana, it’s definitely worth the trip and I highly recommend it!
Did I mentioned that this is a Amish country?"
Ignacio Alvarez
"My adult kids and I absolutely loved visiting here this weekend! The staff we interacted with were all very friendly and helpful when we had a couple of questions. The set up on the farm is nice. Many more animals in the walk-in petting zoo than initially expected. The animals all seem to be well cared for. We took the wagon ride, which I highly recommend doing. Again, many more animals than I thought. They came up to us on the wagon when we stopped. Some even followed as we were moving. They really like the bowls of feed that we were provided with for the ride. There are small bowls of fruit loops and carrots available for $1 each for the petting zoo animals. Also, a very small store and a couple of port a potties. There’s an outdoor sink as well as numerous bottles of hand sanitizer on the picnic table, and in that area of the petting zoo."
Rachel Buell
"My daughter and I had the best time! It was such a unique experience getting to see and interact with the animals. My daughter especially loved the bunnies. Great value for the wagon ride and feed. Everyone was warm and welcoming and the animals were well cared for. We will definitely be returning!"
Danielle Paulette
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park is located in Shipshewana, Indiana, a popular destination in Northern Indiana's Amish Country. It's approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Chicago. The park is well-marked and easy to find once you're in the Shipshewana area. Consider using GPS for precise directions. :car:
Yes, ample parking is available at the park for visitors. You should have no trouble finding a spot, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. :parking:
Absolutely! Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're coming from nearby cities like Chicago or other parts of Northern Indiana. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the animals and activities. :day_trip:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The initial entry fee is around $56 for a family, which includes a wagon ride and a large bowl of feed. Additional feed for the petting zoo animals can be purchased for $1 per small bowl. It's recommended to bring cash for these purchases.
:ticket:
While advance booking isn't typically required, it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any updates on operating hours or special events, especially during peak season.
The park is open seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media pages for the most current operating hours, as they can vary depending on the time of year and day of the week.
Searching for 'dutch creek farm animal park coupon' online might yield some results, though availability can vary. Checking local tourism sites or social media might also reveal special offers. :discount:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see and feed a wide variety of animals, including camels, buffalo, zebras, longhorns, elk, llamas, deer, and Scottish Highland Cows. The petting zoo also features bunnies and other small animals.
Yes, the wagon ride is highly recommended by visitors! You get to feed many animals directly from the wagon, and some even follow it as it moves. It's a unique and interactive experience.
Besides petting and feeding animals, kids can enjoy slides that go into goat pens, a giant box of corn kernels to play in, and holding baby ducklings and bunnies. There might also be pony rides and a train ride available.
Multiple reviews indicate that the animals appear well-cared for and healthy. +1 The staff are friendly and informative, contributing to a positive environment for both animals and visitors.
The park has a small store, a couple of port-a-potties, and an outdoor sink with hand sanitizer readily available in the petting zoo area.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small store on-site where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Additionally, you can buy small bowls of carrots and fruit loops for $1 each to feed the petting zoo animals. +1
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated areas. However, focus on purchasing their feed for the animals to support the park. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
The wagon ride offers fantastic opportunities to photograph animals up close in their natural-looking environment. The petting zoo area also provides great shots, especially with the Scottish Highland Cows and bunnies.
Yes, the animals are often very approachable, especially during feeding times on the wagon ride and in the petting zoo. This makes it easier to capture clear and engaging photos.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is ideal for capturing a range of shots. A smartphone with a good camera will also work well for casual photos. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The petting zoo provides a safe and engaging space for little ones to interact with gentle animals like bunnies and the famous fluffy Scottish Highland Cows. Beyond animal encounters, the park offers additional fun like slides into goat pens and a corn kernel pit for kids to play in.
📸 Photographers
The petting zoo area is equally photogenic, with the fluffy Scottish Highland Cows and adorable bunnies providing endless charm.
Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and animal activity. 💰 Budget Travelers
While there's a small store for snacks, packing your own picnic or snacks can further reduce costs. The overall experience provides hours of entertainment and unique animal encounters, making it a budget-friendly option for a fun day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wagon Safari Experience
Each person on the wagon receives a complimentary bucket of feed, making the interaction personal and memorable. Many visitors rave about how the animals follow the wagon, creating fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of genuine connection.
Pro-tip: Arrive a bit early to ensure you get a good spot on the wagon, especially during busy periods. The staff are usually on hand to answer questions and ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
Interacting with the Animals
Visitors consistently praise how well-cared-for the animals seem, noting their calm demeanor and willingness to interact.
Remember to supervise children closely in the petting zoo area and follow any instructions from the park staff to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and your family.
Photography Opportunities
The petting zoo area also provides excellent photographic moments, especially with the charming Scottish Highland Cows and the delicate bunnies.
Visitors often share stunning images of the diverse wildlife, highlighting the park's photogenic appeal. Tips for photographers: Bring a versatile lens that can handle both close-ups and wider shots. Consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon for softer light and potentially more active animals.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit