Reindeer Ridge in Dover Opens booking for holiday season visits

Winter Magic Arrives Early as Reindeer Ridge Opens Reservations in Dover

When Cheryl Reis was a little girl, she fell in love with the holiday movie Prancer, captivated by the quiet bond between a child and a reindeer. Now, families looking to swap mall lines for a farm visit can mark their calendars, because Reindeer Ridge in Dover is officially opening its booking calendar for the upcoming holiday season.

Founded in 2015 by Ron and Cheryl Reis alongside their children, Rebecca and Matt, the Dover property has quietly evolved into a fully licensed USDA facility. That federal oversight means the fencing, feed, and shelters strictly comply with government animal care standards. Visitors stopping by this year will find a cozy herd consisting of 13-year-old Cupid, 2-year-old Misfit, and a massive 400-pound bull named Nova. Getting these animals settled in Ripley County hasn’t always been straightforward. Cupid made an epic five-day journey from Alaska that involved both a cruise ship and a train ride, while Misfit flew into Indianapolis before finishing her trip by delivery truck.

Behind the festive atmosphere lies a rigorous daily routine. Cheryl spent two years training with Kevin and Alice Priessman at Whitetail Acres in Brookville to prepare for the animals’ arrival. Her dedication extends right into the calving barn, where she keeps a dedicated cot during calving season so she can welcome newborns around the clock. The farm has successfully produced 11 calves since its inception.

Field Trips and Holiday Traditions Tailored for Local Families

The inspiration to expand beyond casual visitors came from a relatable family memory. Years ago, the Reis family missed a scheduled visit with Santa because of grueling crowds and endless lines. Driving home defeated, they spotted a neighborhood light display featuring a live Santa in a front yard—an unexpected piece of magic that their grown children still talk about today. Determined to recreate that unfiltered joy, the farm now coordinates structured group outings, school field trips, and homeschool tours designed to keep kids moving without the fatigue of gridlocked crowds.

During these organized visits, children rotate through interactive stations to write and mail letters to the North Pole, mix custom batches of reindeer food, pose by a decorated tree and sleigh, and take a ride on the holiday train. A $10 per-child admission fee covers the activities, while helpful staff members guide teachers and chaperones through the property. Educational elements are woven naturally into the tour. Kids quickly learn why reindeer ankles make a distinctive clicking sound when they walk—a biological quirk that brings the classic holiday carol lyric to life right on the gravel paths.

Booking Your Carload Visit to See Santa and His Reindeer

For visitors wanting a more intimate look at the herd, self-guided carload tours will run on Black Friday, as well as Saturdays and Sundays through November and December. Due to local parking constraints and the volume of holiday traffic, reservations are strictly required. The cost is $75 per vehicle, accommodating a carload of visitors eager to see the animals’ thick winter coats and massive antlers. Reindeer are unique among deer species because both males and females grow antlers and shed them annually. The farm collects these dropped crowns to sell in the gift shop alongside handmade soaps crafted from reindeer milk.

With field trip slots and weekend carload reservations filling up quickly ahead of the winter rush, local families are encouraged to secure their dates online through the official Reindeer Ridge website before the calendar locks down for the season.

Worth a look