Calf Cuddling Enters the State Fair Scene
Published: Friday, September 4, 2026
Well, it's finally happened: cow love has come to a fair in Indiana. I noticed the Calf Cuddles tent while riding on the Indiana State Fair train a few weeks back. The exhibit was in the Meijer Family Fun Park, on the north side of the fairgrounds.
I wish I could have stopped to learn more, but the train was rolling and I didn't have much time before I had to cover the Supreme Drive. However, an online article from WISH-TV said, for the bargain price of $10, anyone older than 1 year of age could "step inside the pen, grab a brush and spend time with calves like Petals, Pearl and Poppy."
One of the workers, whose name is Michelle, was quoted in the story. She said state fair visitors loved the baby calves, and vice versa.
"They absolutely just love the people," she said. "You just really need to come and meet the calves. It's a great experience."
When I first wrote about cow cuddling a couple years ago, I had seen an article about it being the latest agritourism trend. I knew it was only a matter of time until a county or state fair brought it to Indiana. However, I thought it might be with a full-grown Jersey cow.
Having grown up on a farm, I was with farm animals every day. I cared for my 4-H pigs and steers, but I don't think love is the right word to describe my attitude toward them. It would be more accurate to say that I was fond of them and wanted to train them.
Anyway, the time has come when people are willing to pay good money to spend time brushing a calf. Calf Cuddles draws on the same concept as therapy dogs or cats. It has been shown that petting an animal can lower one's blood pressure and bring a sense of calmness. I'm sure a good percentage of the non-farm folks coming to the state fair could use a little therapy to reduce their anxiety and stress levels.
Don't be surprised if you see cow cuddling—or maybe something involving baby goats—come to a county fair in Michiana next year.
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