Written by Stephanie Greenwald
Nurture yourself in nature at the Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery. Central Indiana’s newest animal encounter/playground/winery/field-trip destination is here, and it is beautiful! Located north of Indianapolis in the town of Arcadia, The Woolly Yak is worth the short drive out of the city. Visitors of all ages could spend anywhere from an hour to an entire afternoon soaking in all this ranch has to offer.
The Stars of the Show: Yaks
The star of the show is of course, the yak! This long-haired (where did their eyes go? How do they even see?) herd at the farm are known to respond to their own names and love being scratched behind the ears. They adore treats provided by the ranch and playing together in the pasture. They are docile creatures and their wool is so soft.
A close runner-up, and maybe slightly cuter, is the Babydoll sheep. Often referred to as the smiling sheep, you’ll find these adorable, small creatures roaming the grounds or snuggling during storytime with the kiddos. The Woolly Yak Ranch and Winery also has a couple of Kunekune pigs that like attention and belly scratches when they are not helping manage the weedy pastures.
If guests want the full, interactive experience with the animals, a farm animal tour is recommended. On the tour, you can interact with all the animals, including the chickens, while learning fun facts about them. This experience is perfect for homeschool groups or lifelong learners.
The Birds
You can’t miss the bird calls. As soon as you exit your vehicle, you are greeted with the lovely tweets of Purple Martins. The ranch welcomes around 100 of these migratory birds annually, and there are 72 birdhouses around the little lake that they call home. Watch closely and you’ll see a Purple Martin dip in the pond for a quick splash or skim the surface while eating the flying insects. Notice the lack of mosquitoes at the ranch? You can thank the Purple Martin for that!
Normally, the birdhouses are pretty high up off the ground, but when the staff does egg checks, they need to lower them. Checking a nest with eggs or baby chicks inside is quite a sight to see. If you are visiting, and see them doing a nest check, they encourage guests to walk over and take a peek!
Especially For the Kids
Unstructured, spontaneous nature-play is a healthy way for children to learn and play. The Woolly Yak offers a great space to help kids build physical, social, and emotional skills through free play. The haystacks, tire climb, walking beams, and more are set up for kiddos to enjoy and provide countless hours of outdoor fun. Play a game of H-O-R-S-E basketball or just plop yourself on a grassy spot to watch the clouds float by. Let their imagination take over.
Food and Drink
Charcuterie Cups, hot dogs, gourmet grilled cheese, and more will fill your bellies and guests can wash it down with craft sodas or bottled water. Seasonally they will offer shaved ice and coffee options as well.
Plant Life
Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery is home to hundreds of lavender plants. Peak season is late spring and early summer. Take in the aromas, the colors, and the different varieties. Attend the lavender harvest event in the summer and gather some blossoms for your own sachets, essential oils, and more.
In the fall visitors will enjoy the Woolly Yak’s annual pawpaw harvest and the annual persimmon harvest. In the first part of November, guests can expect an unforgettable experience during their Pecan Harvest.
For the Adults
The Woolly Yak isn’t just about the animals! It is also a winery and offers an extensive list of vino for the 21+ visitor. Enjoy a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon while relaxing on a bench next to the pond. Brunch with the ladies and indulge in mimosas, or stroll through the pecan orchard whilst sipping a Blueberry Lemonade wine on a hot summer day.
Guests can also take classes at the Woolly Yak. Register for Vineyard & Verjus and learn how to grow your own grapes, harvest them, and make verjus from your homegrown crop. More than just a grape juice, verjus makes a tasty sauce and salad dressing among other delicious uses.
For EVERYONE
The owners of the Woolly Yak say their greatest motivation for opening the ranch was their kids, Jacob and Zachary. Jacob, who is on the Autism spectrum, has a work opportunity, contributing to something meaningful, and providing a sense of independence. The owners, Cathy & Chris, have plans to host events for the autism and special needs community.
Woolly Yak Ranch Fast Facts
- General admission and parking are free.
- Snuggles with the Olde English Babydoll Southdown lambs, feeding the yaks, and storytime with the babydolls have a registration and fee associated with them.
- There are two port-a-let restrooms on site. No “real” bathrooms are available.
- There is a stand-alone sink for handwashing next to the port-a-lets.
- Guests are invited to bring picnic blankets or tablecloths but no outside food or drink is permitted.
- Guests are not allowed to bring food from home for the animals.
Hours
*Hours and other details for the Woolly Yak are accurate at the time of publishing but subject to change. As always, we recommend verifying directly with the venue that they will be open when you plan to visit.
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Sunday: 9 am-8 pm
Come for a casual stroll through the pecan orchard, bring the kids to storytime and snuggle with the babydoll sheep, or attend a special event with your loved ones. Whatever your schedule permits and your heart desires, The Woolly Yak can accommodate. Check the Woolly Yak Ranch and Winery website for details on Friday night concerts, special events, booking information on field trips, and various experiences guests can schedule. Be nurtured by nature at the Woolly Yak Ranch and Winery.
These breweries in Indianapolis offer top-notch adult beverages and family-friendly spaces.
Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield makes a great detour on your way to Woolly Yak Ranch and Winery!
Address
3124 E 266th St
Arcadia
IN
46030
Visit The Woolly Yak Ranch & Winery | Family-Friendly Venue with Adorable Animals in Arcadia