Frequently Asked scheduling questions:
Why are your hours so limited?
Our hours are severely limited because the goal of our farm is to provide a safe and happy refuge for reindeer, which are now extinct (wild herds) in the lower 48 states. Their welfare is our TOP priority. The animals are like toddlers and have a limited attention span. Once they have interacted for a couple of hours, they are ready to lay down and take a nap. We only have the farm open during their feeding times so they can enjoy two things they love at once: food and people! The limited schedule also allows our employees to have minimal exposure to the cooler temperatures throughout November and December. Happy animals and staff = happy visitors.
Why do I need a reservation?
Our farm has become very popular for visitors throughout Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa. We are a VERY small family-owned farm with limited parking. We must tightly control the number of people on property at one time to avoid two things: over-crowding and long lines. If you were an early visitor to our farm, you know it was sometimes a 3 hour wait just to get into the barn. That has all been corrected with online reservations and staggered entry times. It is a certainty that you will have no excessively long wait times or parking issues
What does my admission cover?
Your admission covers entry to all stations at the farm, food to feed the animals, pictures with Santa and throughout the property. Staff is available to take photos for you or you can take yourself. This includes Farmer Scott's Antler Shanty, The Sugar Plum Game Pavilion, The Bachelor Barn, Visitor Center, Main Reindeer Barn, Jingle & Jangles Donkey Barn, The Alaskan Pavilion, Mrs. Claus Chicken Coop, The Fluffy Butt Hutt, The Photo Courtyard and the SANTA Barn. Other activities that you can choose while visiting (extra cost): The Flying Reindeer Snack Bar, The Little Reindeer Railway (kiddie train), The Jolly Old Elf Shoppe (gift shop)
Why do the prices go up as it gets closer to Christmas?
Our pricing structure is designed to offer an incentive for early visiting. Most farms who do what we do charge a much higher flat rate throughout the entire season. We offer discounted rates for early visits to try and assist people in planning and funding their visit. As with almost any tourism venue, there are "PREMIUM DATES" that everyone wants. Some common examples of this are in the hotel industry. You can book the same condo on the beach in Florida for $1,200 a month in January or pay $2,000 a WEEK in July. It all depends on what date.