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Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination

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Donkeytown view from road
Property grounds
Property grounds
You never know who is coming to visit you.
Exterior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
8 bedrooms6 bathroomsSleeps 216000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Heltonville, IN
  • Place, Lake Monroe
  • Place, Brown County State Park
  • Place, Indiana University Bloomington
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 21)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 King Bed

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Bunkhouse

1 King Bed, 2 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Single Bed

game room

2 Single Bunk Beds

6 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 6

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination


Escape away from normal life to farm country where you have your own peaceful space and stay in newly renovated rustic barndominiums on an active 40 acre farm of Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys! Designed with large family gatherings in mind, you will have two of your own barn buildings with 7 bedrooms, 14 beds, and 6 bathrooms. You will also have your own 900 sq ft dining room in The Stable, known as Donkey Diner, to congregate with family and friends, where your group can cook their meals and enjoy camaraderie.

This location includes over 6,000 sq ft in two buildings so your family will have plenty of room to spread out. The first building, Rustic Roost, consists of 4 large king bedrooms, 3 baths, a family room with 2 sets of bunk beds and a pull out sofa. In the open concept kitchen and living room area, you will enjoy the garage door opening up to an outdoor bar overlooking the orchard with a large sectional sofa and big screen smart TV.
Building two, The Stable, is a 3 bedroom, 3 full bath barndominium with two king beds, a queen bed, full and a set of bunk beds. Also a sectional sofa in the Donkey Diner with smart tv.
In between the barndominiums you will have a large blacktop area for outdoor activities and a basketball goal and also offers an activity area where kids can play. Staying at Donkeytown also gives you a beautiful 40 acres to explore with hiking, picnics, and fishing in our two fully stocked ponds. Bring your fishing poles or just enjoy sitting on the pier while drinking a cup of coffee or watching the sunset.

We are proud to be a breeder of Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys touted as the "most lovable animals on the planet." You can have as much or as little interaction with them as you desire. Feel free to hang out in barns and pastures with them and each day we close the gates and let a few free range on the farm. They'll be glad to hang out with you, are very social and want lots of hugs and kisses. You'll be able to say you "kissed ass at Donkeytown" when you leave. In addition, we have four free range goats, Willie, Waylon, Johnny, and June, plus two lambs, Pancho and Lefty, that will greet you daily!
Come welcome a stress-free farmcation where you'll experience therapeutic donkeys and lots of love.
We can now accommodate conferences for up to 40 people with meeting space when you add the Farmhouse, a 7 bedroom and 4.5 bath in the original 1884 farmhouse (see listing #2710662).




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Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Can set up in advance rides on donkeys and wagons
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
This is perfect for family reunions'
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 30
Note from host: This is perfect for family reunions'
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Heltonville

Located in Heltonville, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Lawrence County Museum of History and Joe Palooka Statue are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Otis Park Golf Course and Two Herons Marina. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Heltonville, IN

What's nearby

  • Spring Mill State Park - 48 min drive - 47.7 km
  • Indiana University Bloomington - 49 min drive - 47.6 km
  • Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall - 50 min drive - 48.3 km
  • Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center - 50 min drive - 46.6 km
  • Memorial Stadium - 51 min drive - 49.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Krispy Krunchy Chicken - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Women's Club Of Bedford - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Barndominiums at Donkeytown - Indiana's Premier Multi-generational Destination located?

Located on a lake, this Heltonville holiday home offers ski-in/ski-out access within 12 mi (20 km) of Lake Monroe, Otis Park Golf Course and Salt Creek State Recreation Area. Allen's Creek State Recreation Area and Lawrence County Museum of History are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 70 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 70 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Ryan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The team said it was the best preseason camp they have experienced. They loved being able to interact with the animals. The set-up and environment worked out great for the purpose of our trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time at Donkeytown. Tonya was professional, kind, and responsive. We loved getting to feed, brush, and hang out with the Donkeys and goats. We also enjoyed the hiking and fishing. It is close to Lake Monroe, where we rented a pontoon and went tubing and swimming for the day. We all had a wonderful, memorable trip!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a special sanctuary Tonya has created…for the humans as well as the animals! Everything was clean and adorably decorated…but also rustic enough that the 4-legged creatures could come right in and spend time inside with you. We barely left the property—all the kids wanted to do was wander the land and commune with the creatures (and the teen fished every evening!). Tonya and her ranch hands were all incredibly welcoming and friendly—and the icing on the cake was Sparkles, the baby donkey, whose mama graciously decided we were approved “babysitters” for stretches of time while she munched nearby. This was definitely a core memory-making trip and we would jump at a chance to visit again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kayla M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Animals Lovers Paradise

We fully enjoyed our stay at donkey town. We will be back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Phyllis W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Country Experience

Lots of room, beautiful country, kids loved the animals, Host was very helpful. Fun stay with family of all ages.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rakesh j.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome farms house . Everyone from the group enjoyed lot

Simply awesome
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

WE LOVE THIS PLACE

the most fun a group of adults could have while taking it easy.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rileigh R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

Rented Tonya's farm for family and friends attending my daughter's wedding in Heltonville. It was perfect! Exceeded my expectations! Our wedding guests loved the facilities and Tanya's donkeys! Everyone was tryimg to plan their next trip here.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

We enjoyed our time here, the kids were able to run around and be fairly independent which was nice for the adults. The kids really enjoyed interacting with the donkeys!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Spring Trip

Our family ages 90 to 6 years old really enjoyed our stay at Donkeytown . Loved the donkeys, sheep ,ponies , and goats . There was so many activities on the property for us to do , lots of fun !
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

8/10 Good

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Donkey Town

Great setting for our family reunion. Plenty of beds and room to roam around, play outdoor games, and let the kids just have fun. Everyone loved the donkeys too.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

REBECCA M., ELWOOD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

It was a winner... so many more things to do and use than listed... if your children are 10 and under this is the place to be.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

kenna k.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and lots to do

19 of us enjoyed our time at DonkeyTown. There was so many things for youth, young and old to do. We did not want to leave. Great accommodations and hostess.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend Wedding

This was perfect…. Plenty of room, ample bathrooms, lots of refrigerators, place for s’mores, tv ample but no time on our busy weekend. Did not have time to properly enjoy the space, animals and amenities due to a busy weekend with a wedding but host was terrific, kind and encouraging to take full advantage of the space and character. Would like to come back with a wedding after party!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Philip H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic

We had a family reunion with ages from 7-70. The property was perfect. Plenty of space, plenty of activities and great host. Thank you Tonya!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heidi C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best family weekend ever

The sleeping arrangements were perfect and everything was decorated so cute. Kitchens were fully stocked with everything we needed. Thank you
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Judy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Fun

If you want to experience real country living this is the place to go! Super fun for the kids and adults; lots of donkey’s, few goats, ponds to fish and kayak, hiking and even bikes and tricycles for the kids to ride. Our ages ranged from 68 to 17 months and we all had a wonderful time! We would love to go back!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terri H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for large family

Three generations, 17 people and unanimously everyone wants to come back next year! Donkeys, goats, chickens, sheep!! Fishing, trails, fire pit. Just a really great long weekend for our family making memories. Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved the farm

Our weekend was wonderful. There were 20 of us (ages 10 - 92!) Tonya and Amy were so attentive and helpful. Donkeys , sheep, goats and chickens were fun. We had everything we needed plus. You don’t want to miss this place…it is absolutely terrific!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lynn R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

90th Birthday family weekend

Donkeytown was awesome! The rentals had everything you would need. Tonya and her staff were very accommodating. My 4 year old grandsons loved riding the donkeys Angus and JD. Everyone enjoyed petting and feeding the donkeys! As well as seeing the goats, sheep,dogs and cats. Lots of room for everyone. Great place to get away from it all!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joan E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Brothers and Sisters Gathering 2022

We enjoyed the fire pit any time of day or night. A few of us were compelled to feed the sweet furry donkeys. Evening meals were great as we all gathered in the big dining hall. Some hiked in Hoosier National Forest, some shopped in Nashville and we all gathered geodes from the hill. Tanya is a wonderful hostess.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Peggy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful time at Donkeytown!

Donkeytown was the perfect spot for our family fall trip. We had a group of 18 and there was plenty of room for all of us. The donkeys, goats, chickens provided great entertainment! We found everything we needed in the kitchens and we happily surprised at all the toys for the kids. Tonya and Amy were great at communicating and so nice and accomodating! Already talking about coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jack R., Chapel Hill, Tennessee

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our family vacation at Donkeytown

We had a wonderful week! There were 19 in our family with 11 adults and 8 grandkids. Tonya was so nice - one day she saddled up a couple of the Mediterranean miniature donkeys for our grandkids to ride and they loved it. We enjoyed the Kubota all week, and the guys enjoyed fishing in the ponds. Plenty of room for everyone - we were very comfortable. Highly recommend Donkeytown!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah K., Robinson Illinois

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hidden treasure

This place is a hidden treasure for sure! We had 19 people in our family and everyone had the best time! The owner has it stocked up just perfectly! From wood and lighters for the firepit to every kitchen item you possibly need and bicycles for the kids to ride and fishing poles to use! It was a time we will talk about for years to come! Thanks so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ann B., Shelby, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect for quality family time in an unique location

Seventeen of us, one set of grandparents and three of our children with spouses and 9 grandkids 11 and under, had a ball playing with the donkeys and goats, playing board games, having snowball fights, grilling and making s’mores, cooking meals, finding geodes(!!!), and playing air hockey. Perfect place to “meet in the middle “ and enjoy time together. Tonia has made this a place where your job to make memories is really easy!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tonya Figg

Host profile image
Tonya has lived in southern Indiana for most of her life and is a wealth of information on best places to eat, backroad studio tours, art galleries featuring local and heritage artists, kayaking spots, hiking, caves, mountain biking, shopping or just enjoying locally craft-made libations in southern Indiana.
Tonya was the Founder/Publisher of Travel Indiana Magazine in 2008 and retired in 2020 to start Donkeytown at Turner Farms and has traveled all of Indiana finding unique gems and out-of-the way places.
Tonya's has wanted miniature donkeys since she was 18 when she fell in love with a donkey named Libby while house sitting and has wanted them her whole life. In 2017, she finally realized her dream and was able to start her donkey farm in Brown County where she specialized in vacation homes. She quickly outgrew her small 5 acre farm and found this wonderful 40 acre farm, formerly the famous Turner Doll Factory for over 34 years. The farm has been owned by 3 generations of Turners and had been a working cattle farm for many years. Virginia Turner shipped her handmade dolls all over the world and frequently had bus tours come in to view the factory afterwards and she made them lunch in the Tea Room. Some of the original buildings were built in the 1800's and are currently under renovation. The barns used by the Turner Doll Factory were built about 25-30 years ago and have been converted into the newly renovated barndominiums your family will be staying in.

Why they chose this property

Attractions
Hoosier National Forest – 12 minutes, we are located at the foothills of 200,000 acres and 266 miles of hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking trails.
Allen’s Creek Boat Ramp – 12 minutes, boat ramp for Lake Monroe, great place to fish and hang out in lawn chairs or rafts and kayak. In summer this is a busy hang out area for boaters.
Deam Wilderness – 13 minutes, my favorite hiking, Patton Cave, lots of ravines and creeks, cool to hike in summer, but easy to get lost must be prepared with compass.
Hickory Ridge Lookout Tower – one of my fav things to do each year is climb this 110 foot tall tower with 133 steps. Once at the top you can see a 360 degree view of three counties. Absolutely breathtaking.
Hardin Ridge State Rec Area – Over 260 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding or biking. My fav is the Allen’s Creek trail, 4 miles roundtrip (roughly two hours) to tip of Allen’s Creek and wonderful views of Lake Monroe. Moderate trail some hills.
Paynetown State Rec Area – 14 min, Lake Monroe boat rentals, marina, beach, Lake Monroe is Indiana’s largest lake. You can rent anything from kayaks to large double-decker pontoon boats. There is an admission fee here, $7 per car Indiana, out-of-state $10.
Pinegrove State Rec Area – 18 min, Lake Monroe, this is one of my favorite places to kayak, it is a nature preserve/bird sanctuary and many times will see an Eagle perched. Lots of unique types of wildlife here and very shallow so it is safe. Many can fish while a few go out on water.

Bluesprings Caverns – 25 minutes, features a famous boat ride through the longest river cave in the country and gemstone mining. April-October.
Spring Mill State Park – South 40 minutes, Working Pioneer Village open May-October, Twin Caves tour, Donaldson Cave, Virgil Grissom astronaut memorial, Spring Mill Inn and restaurant, endless recreation.

What makes this property unique

Antiquing and shopping – Bedford and Bloomington are filled with lots of antique stores and boutique shopping. Nashville is only 35 minutes away and features over 200 shops and artist galleries. On 37 south of Bedford in one location you can find three antique shops with over 100’s of individual booths.
Salt Creek Brewery – 10 miles away on beautiful country roads. Music on weekends.
Salt Creek Winery – One of my favorite places with a wonderful seven-mile view! 30 min drive to Freetown music in afternoons on weekends.

Farm Tour – Visit the Amish Family of Sam and Annie Hershberger where you can see the Amish children selling their wares. Buy baskets, rugs, jams, jellies, soap, syrup and farm fresh eggs. The address is 675 Buddha Road, Bedford, you will need to drive a little farther than what google says to find the driveway.
We have several maple syrup farmers including Millers and Burtons and Grounhog.
Fourwinds Marina and Resort – Lake Monroe, this is the largest inland marina in the country with two restaurants, a beach and a pool, outside bar service on weekends. Great views from the restaurant of the lake. Great breakfast buffet and music/weekends.
Eagle Pointe Golf and Tennis Resort – great place for golfing on the west side of Lake Monroe, good to pair this with lunch or dinner at Fourwinds.
Bloomington – home of Indiana University, you’ll find cultural events same caliber of a large city, Opera, Broadway shows, wonderful culinary and shopping. Drive through the beautiful limestone campus and you will see why they call this the “limestone capital of the world.”
French Lick/West Baden – 1 hour SW. Indiana’s Crown Jewel! If you are traveling from any distance at all this is a must see. Renovated resort, large historic hotel dome from the 1800’s has been fully restored. French Lick Winery has free wine tastings and is a great lunch place. My favorite restaurant in the state is 1875 Steakhouse and located inside the French Lick resort.


Languages:

English, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests