Want to meet an actual reindeer this holiday season? Thanks to The Reindeer Farm, you can. The business just south of Bowling Green, Kentucky, is owned by Russell and Jessica Anderson, whose goal of an outdoor oasis for their own family turned into an attraction that draws curious guests from all over the world.
The Andersons welcomed two daughters and a son while living in Bowling Green’s city limits. But having grown up in rural areas, “we wanted to raise our kids outside, and we wanted to farm,” Jessica explains. The idea of adding reindeer came to Jessica during long nights while up with her babies. “It was a crazy dream in a nursery, and a skeptical husband who finally fell in love with the idea,” she says. “We sold our house, bought a soybean field 15 minutes out of town, and started building all the barns.”
The Reindeer Farm opened in 2020 with two reindeer, a petting zoo, and a few amenities, such as a bounce house. Since then, the animal allotment and entertainment options have soared like reindeer pulling Santa’s sled through the sky. The holiday season starts in mid-November and runs through late December. Open on weekends with additional holiday hours, the farm offers a day pass with access to everything, including animal encounters, mini-zip lines, holiday-themed games, and the Reindeer Express Train for kids. Activities continue after dark, under the glow of Christmas lights. Guests can fill up on food truck fare, and beer and wine are available for purchase by adults.
Although reindeer are viewable from outside a fence, a 30-minute Reindeer Encounter ticket lets guests step inside the enclosure. There may be something magical in The Reindeer Farm’s water: Three calves were born this year, and with the expected arrival of another in November, the herd will reach 14. The farm has two Scottish Highland cows that are expecting, plus alpaca and miniature donkey families, rabbits, and “very friendly” Kunekune pigs. “There should be plenty of babies at the farm this year,” Jessica says.
The Andersons have welcomed guests from throughout the U.S. and as far away as Australia. About two hours southeast of Evansville, The Reindeer Farm has become known in the River City. Among the addresses of guests, “Evansville is top 10 for sure,” Jessica says. “Maybe top five.”
WHEN YOU GO
Open Fridays-Sundays
Nov. 15-Dec. 27; closed Dec. 24-25
2541 Old Union Church Road
Bowling Green, Kentucky
