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Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana Breeds Happy Cows

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 14:00:40 +0000

Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana

They say that happy cows come from California, but after little Indiana and family toured the family-owned and run Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana, we’ve got to disagree!

Happy cows actually live in Star City at the Jones’ unique robotic dairy.

Jones Robotic Dairy: Star City, Indiana

As I said before, this is a family owned dairy. But I’m sure what caught your attention is the whole robotics part! The first robotic dairy in Indiana, 8 years later it is now one of only three in the state (though it’ll be one of four at the end of the month).

Rather than people having to hook up cows to the milking machine, it’s all done automatically. Amazing? Absolutely!

With a receiver tag worn on the cows collar, the robot can tell whether that cow is ready for a milking or not. Some cows, like number 29 (otherwise known as Betty) really enjoy it and try to go through more frequently.

But the robot knows better and doesn’t kick on–so the cow continues on its merry way.

But that’s not all that the robot can track. Weigh gain or loss, how much milk they are producing, and even different parts of the milk–like if it’s for a baby cow or human consumption.

An Indiana Dairy is Dairy Fun

Milking Time at Jones Robotic Dairy in Star City, Indiana

It’s incredible how much time and energy is saved just with the simple addition of a computer.

Much like the iPads, iPods, and cellphones, even this small Indiana town robotics dairy program undergoes upgrades to let it stay on the cutting edge of technology.

That’s not to say that the people behind this Indiana dairy farm sit around all day and do nothing!

Robotics or not, there are still plenty of farm chores like cleaning out the stalls, tracking down cows that have decided not to show up and get milked, and helping birth the babies when needed, to name a few.

It’s truly amazing to watch. The cows actually get to enjoy a little sunshine and aren’t all pent up in large covered barns. The robots are easier on the cow parts, too. These? Are happy cows!

Where Robots and Dairy Collide

Betty at Jones Robotic Dairy Star City, Indiana

Just like the usual milking, the cow steps up onto the matted platform. Who doesn’t appreciate a comfy place to stand?

The robot gets to work, prepping the udder and spraying it down to clean it off. Just like a human worker–but in less time and without the worry of getting kicked!

The cow listens to the sound of a baby calf in its ear to help it “let down” and enable milk production to begin a bit more quickly.

Thanks to this awesome technology, the computer then gets to work and milks the cow in six minutes.

Domo Arigato Mr. Dairy Roboto

What an incredible look at Indiana agriculture. From petting baby cows, to the robotics section of the dairy, and the many barn cats, this fantastic family owned dairy is definitely worth the trip. You’ll moo with happiness!

See more Jones Robotic Dairy images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Jones Robotic Dairy Farm
6814 E 700 S
Star City, Indiana 46985
574.595.7887

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Special thanks to Sam and Pam Jones and to their daughter for their kindness and the change of clothes for Kid #2 (someone got very carsick 8 minutes from our destination!). It’s very appreciated!

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Santa’s Candy Castle Video in Santa Claus, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:08:59 +0000

Welcome to little Indiana’s new series: Christmas in July-in June! Plenty of time left for you to plan your Indiana family vacation. Santa Claus, Indiana is the perfect place to celebrate!

Santa Claus, Indiana: Santa's Candy Castle Frozen Hot Chocolate

little Indiana was thrilled to visit Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana a second time! It’s a great hit with the kids and certainly one of the more unusual mom and pop businesses.

Santa’s Candy Castle

For starters, wolfing down the phenomenal Frozen Hot Chocolate? Doesn’t look as ridiculous when it’s 90* as compared to when it’s 10* and you are already freezing.

Let me tell you what, Winter or Summer, the Frozen Hot Chocolate at Santa’s Candy Castle is amazing and one of my favorite things. Ever.

Aside from my love of Frozen Hot Chocolate, what I really wanted to share with you is the video below featuring the owner of Santa’s Candy Castle, Kevin Klosowski.

He will tell you all about the history of his Santa Claus, Indiana building and maybe even his plans for the future. It’s amazing to learn how far the place has come–can you believe someone used it as a house for a few years?

Santa Claus, Indiana History

This is a super fun look at a phenomenal piece of Indiana history. Santa’s Candy Castle was the first themed attraction–in the nation! Santa Claus, Indiana is an incredible Indiana town–and has the history to match!

Watch my interview with Kevin Koslowski at Santa’s Candy Castle in Santa Claus, Indiana on YouTube or below.

See my Flickr photostream for more Santa’s Candy Castle images and other pictures in Indiana.

Santa’s Candy Castle
15499 North State Road 245
Santa Claus Indiana 47579
812.544.3900

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Special thanks to Paula Werne at Holiday World and to the Spencer County Visitors Bureau for making this trip possible.

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Indiana Covered Bridges: Cutler, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 04 May 2011 14:00:33 +0000

Adams Mill Covered Bridge in Cutler, Indiana

Adams Mill covered bridge? It is in an absolutely beautiful area. Believe it or not, this is still Indiana!

Indiana Covered Bridges

When I think of Indiana, I admit that cornfields and soy bean fields are the first things to pop into my head. I know that’s not all that Indiana has to offer.

However, Cutler, Indiana is a prime example of a side of Indiana that not everyone realizes even exists. Forested, hilly, and generally a lovely area to travel around, it was made for the great outdoors!

Adams Mill Covered Bridge

What is it with me and Indiana covered bridges, anyway? It could be the way the light falls between the (sometimes rather) crooked slats. It might be the sense of history behind it, or it just may very well be because it’s something you just don’t see everyday. That makes it pretty nifty in my book!

View of Wildcat Creek from Adams Mill Covered Bridge in Cutler, Indiana

As if Cutler, Indiana didn’t have enough neat stuff to see and do, they also have an awesome covered bridge in the pretty Adams Mill area.

Drive Through

The Adams Mill covered bridge has been around a few years. You know, since 1872! Like the covered bridge in Roann, Indiana that was built in 1877, you can also drive over it! In fact, you might be able to hop out of your car and take a quick pic or two before anyone else appears. Just saying.

In fact, heading across this covered bridge will take you right to scenic Adams Mill. The (many) floors of which you can poke around and admire the artifacts of long ago. We really loved that (even Kid #1 thought it was lots of fun).

Scenic Route

Adams Mill covered bridge is just another neat highlight in the ever-growing list of awesome things found in and around Indiana towns!

Find more Adams Mill images and other pictures in Cutler, Indiana images on my Flickr photostream.

Adams Mill
500 S 75 E
Cutler, Indiana 46920
765.268.2500

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Indiana Covered Bridges: Dana, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:00:28 +0000

Covered Bridge: Dana, Indiana

Who doesn’t love an Indiana covered bridge? Okay, maybe if you are scared of water, it isn’t so fun, but for the rest of us? There’s something very quaint and rather cool about these historic yet sometimes still usable relics.

Covered Bridges: One Lane Only

Dana, Indiana is home to a very old covered bridge. When I say old, I mean 1876 kind of old! While this bridge is no longer used for cars and trucks, it is still capable of handling foot traffic. Hooray!

If you head over to the rest area where Ernie Pyle’s Monument Marker Replica is located, you can’t help but notice the awesome wooden bridge spanning across a (dry) creek bed right nearby. There’s all sorts of interesting graffiti inside and I do actually mean that!

While it’s too bad that people felt the need to mark up parts of the inside of this neat covered bridge, reading the names and dates is something I find rather intriguing. Much like my fascination with a good old cemetery, I can’t help but wonder who these people are and am curious about what brought them to Dana, Indiana.

Neat Covered Bridge Inside and Out…and Under!

Covered Bridges: Dana, Indiana

There are some rather neat touches to the covered bridge in Dana, Indiana. The big arch that spans the length of the bridge, the the glimpse into the way it was constructed and made, and the history behind it. Think of all the people who once depended on this bridge when riding along in their horse and buggy!

This might be strange to some, but we also climbed under the bridge. As I said, the creek bed was completely dry and, well, we have a 5 year old. Enough said.

The covered bridge just attaches the two ends of the park together so what did little Indiana, hubs, and sons do? We carefully climbed down the rocks and looked around. You’ll never guess what we found!

Besides the many birds nests (neat), an old giant wasp nest (eek!), we discovered a marriage proposal. “Will you marry me?” Was this for real? Did these two actually tie the knot at some point? We’ll never know. But it was kind of neat to see!

See this and more Dana, Indiana images on my Flickr photostream.

Covered Bridge near Ernie Pyle Monument Marker Replica in Dana, Indiana

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Lions Club: Easter Egg Hunt

Jessica Nunemaker — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 23:04:03 +0000

Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt

The Lions Club puts on quite the Easter Egg Hunt in Rensselaer, Indiana. As a (new) Lion member myself, little Indiana went behind the scenes, stuffing candy into colorful plastic Easter eggs at the Rensselaer Republican.

Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt: Preparation

I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many eggs in my life! We’re not talking a couple hundred, we’re talking 2,000! If I remember right, there were 2,100 plastic Easter eggs chock full of candy.

Lions club members were busy little bees, stuffing the appropriate amount of candy into the sometimes really hard to close eggs. Yes, it does make you feel a little silly wrestling with a plastic egg!

The Goods

Each plastic Easter egg received three pieces of candy (2 foils and tootsie roll) or 2 pieces of candy and one of the coupons for a free small cone at the local Dairy Queen.

Lions Club Egg Hunt

While the Lions Club purchases all the candy and the plastic eggs, the Rensselaer, Indiana Dairy Queen donated 200 coupons for the Easter Egg Hunt! Some of the plastic eggs get reused each year and thrifty Lions Club members watch for the after-Easter sale to save the club a few bucks the next year.

It’s a big event and one that takes a lot of help. Lions club members have to get those eggs stuffed and get them set out for the kids! If you are interested in becoming a member, get in touch with the Lions Club in your area.

For dates, times, and locations to fun Indiana town events like the Lions Easter Egg Hunt and more, check out my Indiana Town Festivals and Events Calendar. Is your small town event not listed? Contact me and I’ll be sure to add it in!

See more fun Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt images on my Flickr photostream.

Rensselaer, Indiana in Jasper County

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Images From Jasper County Historical Society and Museum in Rensselaer, Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:00:33 +0000

The Jasper County Historical Society and Museum in Rensselaer, Indiana is a great look at the area once upon a time.

Give yourself plenty of (kid-free) time to browse through the assortment of Jasper County historical items–and beyond! It’s a neat look into Rensselaer, Indiana history and other towns in the general area, like Delphi.

Rensselaer, Indiana History

There’s a neat corner section on the old Rensselaer, Indiana doctors with a few artifacts thrown in. Let me tell you what: I am so very thankful for modern technology.

I cannot even imagine what it would have been like to have to go and see the doctor back in the day! Actually, it would probably be much like the way I behave today: You have to drag me there kicking and screaming!

As always, I’ve taken more photos than I know what to do with. I’ve decided to attach a few of my faves below.

Jasper County Historical Society and Museum Images

Jasper County Historical Society and Museum in Rensselaer, Indiana

See more Jasper County Historical Society and Museum images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr Photostream.

Jasper County Historical Society and Museum
479 N. Van Rensselaer Street (what locals call Five Points)
Rensselaer, Indiana 47978
Open the First and Third Saturday of each Month from 10 AM – 1 PM
219.866.7767
219.866.7825

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Dana, Indiana: Home of Ernie Taylor Pyle

Jessica Nunemaker — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:30:12 +0000

Dana, Indiana is smaller than small. It is so small it probably counts as one of those blink or you’ll miss it kind of towns — but no less interesting! little Indiana has repeatedly said that no matter how small a town is, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth your time.

Well, look we did and, believe it or not, the first thing you see when you enter the town is a big painted mural on the side of the building that says Ernie Pyle State Memorial with a big arrow pointing off to the right.

Yes, teeny tiny Dana, Indiana was the home of the beloved Ernie Taylor Pyle, a war correspondent killed overseas outside of Okinawa. If you haven’t read anything of his, you should — it’s superb.

His childhood home and plenty more are available to tour and would be a great spot for the war history buff. There’s two out buildings full of things!

Unfortunately we couldn’t get inside — the Ernie Pyle State Memorial has been closed. It sounds like there’s talk about the town of Dana taking possession (which I do so hope happens)! More about Mr. Pyle in a future post.

Walking around Dana didn’t take long, it was basically up one block and down another. Other than the Memorial, there is only one shop that we could see is still open in the downtown area (antiques) and a few blocks away there is a candy store.

Besides that, there was one mystery in Dana that we could not figure out: a big circle in the middle of town right in the center of the street with squares of numbers up to 100. Do you know what it is?

Luckily, someone stopped in town and we were able to ask if they knew what it was for. Would you believe that Dana, Indiana has a big cake walk and that they hold it right there in the center of the street? Small town living for sure!

I would imagine that even with such a sad downtown little Dana has a lot of community – it’s not every town that puts a cake walk right smack dab in the middle of things. The surrounding homes were in mostly good shape and I’d imagine that the Ernie Pyle State Memorial has to be a big draw for the area and probably helps keep a few of the remaining businesses surviving.

There were a few rather grand buildings – but far more empty lots of vacant buildings that I like to see. If anyone else has the back story of Dana, Indiana, I would love to hear it. You can see more of little Dana, Indiana on my Flickr photostream!

Dana, Indiana in Vermillion County

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Fire Safety Week in little Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 15:19:45 +0000

Walking down the street in little Indiana you just never know what you will find! On our after-dinner walk we passed by the Rensselaer, Indiana Fire Department and…I saw popcorn. And cotton candy. And lots of Fire Fighters and children milling around. Huh?

At this point Kid #1 stopped riding his bike past and started in with the “Can we? Can we go?” to which hubs and I responded with the intelligent answer: “We don’t even know what it is!”

First, I should mention that Kid #1 has been a fire fighter for the PAST THREE YEARS for Halloween (Aeromax costumes rock, just so you know). He’s got a ride-on fire truck, fire fighter accessories, and just really gets into it. Second, you should also know that Kid #1 is a big fan of popcorn. Put them together — and yeah, he was excited!

As we soon found it, it was to celebrate Fire Prevention Week! The fire fighters had had a busy time going from school to school and sharing fire safety tips. If I hear our 5 year old tell me one more time to check the smoke detectors…(tall ceilings + short me = ask your father)!S Ahem.

Anyway, every year they throw open the doors to the fire station and let the kids climb in the fire trucks and the police cars, and just have fun.

Kids got to play the old ball-in-a-boot game, you know, the fire fighter version of Bozo’s old Grand Prize Game (except without the prizes). There were plenty of fun (and free) things for kids to take home (besides the giant cone of cotton candy Kid #1 gobbled up): coloring pages, pencils, bracelets, and a red plastic fire fighter hat.

But, it didn’t stop there — members of Saint Joseph’s College basketball team were on-hand to sign the hats! How cute is that? Some of those young men are incredibly tall. Even hubby felt short!They were super polite and spoke to Kid #1 (which he just LOVED) and one young man gave Kid #2 (the baby) a sticker (of which he promptly ate). Kid #2 had no idea what was going on but seemed really entertained all the same.

Anyway. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I’m sure: there is always something to do in little Indiana! Walk around an Indiana small town and you just never know what you will find. Expect the unexpected.

In case you were wondering — yes, Kid #1 does still want to be a fire fighter.

Best Ever Rest Stop in little Indiana

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:30:46 +0000

I made an amazing discovery a few short weeks ago: the nicest, bestest rest stop in all of Indiana! A grand claim, I know. So, technically it was a rest park – and no, I didn’t realize there was such a thing. Now, however, I will be on constant alert or, in the words of Barney Fife, “Constant Vigilance.”

Once upon a time I was one of those people who used to hate stopping. Whenever I was behind the wheel I would drive and drive and drive until we reached our destination – or until hubs threatened divorce unless I pulled over at the next rest stop or else.

But after exploring little Indiana so much this past (not quite) year (and the addition of children doesn’t hurt either) – I’ve definitely learned to go with the flow.

It really isn’t only about the destination – it’s also about enjoying the ride. If I hadn’t finally figured out that life lesson, I might have missed this tidy little gem smack dab in the middle of nowhere (like so many other tucked away bits of little Indiana goodness).

The Hibot Thornhope Rest Park had picnic tables and would be absolutely perfect for a picnic! Not only that – it smelled amazing. I thought it was just my nose being a little oversensitive and glad to escape the smell of Cheerios that seems to have become a permanent part of our car’s upholstery — but as we were pulling away I noticed the sign that mentioned the wildflowers.

Somehow I didn’t notice the sea of wildflowers that completely surround this Indiana rest park. It was absolutely beautiful and completely unexpected. Consider this short n’ sweet post just another reason why it pays to slow down and enjoy the ride (and yes, that means to put your cell phone away already and reconnect with hubs and the kids!).

Just South of Thornhope, Indiana in Pulaski County on US-35 (map is location of Thornhope)

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Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana is a Dairy Good Time

Jessica Nunemaker — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:48:25 +0000

Fair Oaks Farms Dairy in Fair Oaks, Indiana

Pulling into Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana made me almost giddy with excitement!

Maybe it’s the tidiness of the buildings at Fair Oaks Farms, or the lovely landscaping, or perhaps just the prospect of award-winning cheese. Whatever it is, I couldn’t wait to get in.

Fair Oaks Dairy Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana

The first thing we did was check out the 4-D movie–there was just enough time to fit it in before our Fair Oaks Barn tour! The movie was super cute and made me jump a few times.

Yes, that does say 4-D: This tale of the cow includes spurts of air, splashes of water, and vibrating chairs in addition to the 3-D experience. You may want to warn any of the more timid members of your party just so they know what to expect.

Fair Oaks Dairy Adventure and Beyond

Fair Oaks Farms Dairy in Fair Oaks, Indiana: I Make This Look Good

After that we toured a super small portion of Fair Oaks Farms (they only own 19,000 acres or so!). We sat in a really nice bus for the Dairy Adventure Bus Tour .

My tip? Wait for the bus so you can be one of the first in line. Don’t be like us and play too long because if you are one of the last families to board you will not get a seat together. Everyone wants the window!

Well, the Dairy Barn Tour was pretty neat. We saw all the cows in their pens–many, many pens!

The tour guide informed us about how they clean the barns and how they keep the barns cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

We also saw where the babies were kept (which are later sold to other farms).

Cow Carousel: Fair Oaks Farms Barn Tour

Fair Oaks Farms Dairy at Fair Oaks, Indiana: Cow Carousel

The more unusual feature of the Fair Oaks Farms tour was also the most unexpected! Did you know that they milk these cows on the bovine equivalent of a carousel? I’m not even kidding.

It spins around slowly and the cows hop on and off as they please. Our tour guide informed us that the cows really like the ride and some days are poky about stepping off of it after their milking is done!

While I am not an expert in cow emotions, I would say that that did certainly seem to be the case — they actually seemed to really enjoy it!

Little ones may not get as much out of the Fair Oaks Farms Barn Bus Tour (it’s too long for short attention spans) but there is a toddler play area inside where some other member of your group could hang out and watch them if they don’t much care either way.

Mooville

Fair Oaks Farms Dairy in Fair Oaks, Indiana: Mooville

My favorite part of the whole thing was the great big outdoor playground type thing called Mooville.

Mooville isn’t a playground in the traditional sense. There were no swings or merry-go-rounds or monkey bars–but what they DO have is really cool!

There’s a ginormous milk container climbing wall for all ages (hubs and Kid #1 both climbed it–repeatedly!).

We ran through the Swiss Cheese Maze but Kid #1 and I had to cheat to get to the exit. We could NOT find our way out!

Kid #1 really liked the great big inflatable bouncy pillow and the ride-on tractors. So cute.

Fair Oaks Farms Tips

Fair Oaks Farms Dairy in Fair Oaks, Indiana: Where Do You Find Coupons?

Can you tell we had a great time? If you decide to go visit this small Indiana town (and you so totally should): Plan to spend the day.

It’s one of the biggest attractions in Northwest Indiana. There’s plenty to see and do! I didn’t even mention the Fair Oaks Farms Birthing Barn or the cafe.

Also: bring socks. If you go to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana on a sunny day, the bouncy pillow gets super hot!

If you are looking for Fair Oaks Farms Coupons and Discounts, stay on top of their Twitter or Facebook Page and join their mailing list.

See more Fair Oaks Farms images and other pictures in Indiana on my Flickr photostream.

Fair Oaks Farms
856 N 600 E
Fair Oaks, Indiana 47943
877.536.1194

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little Indiana: Where to Stay, Play, and Eat in Small Towns in Indiana. Discovering Indiana’s best small towns! Now get little Indiana on your Kindle.

New! Offering affordable online advertising for your small Indiana business! little Indiana Businesses is the online presence that you’ve been looking for.