Big Cow

Big Cow, formally known as the "Belle of Saint Mary's," is a local landmark and the iconic face of Hameau Farm in the scenic Big Valley of Belleville, Pennsylvania. Standing thirteen feet tall, this fiberglass red-and-white Ayrshire cow serves as a welcoming beacon for one of the most unique youth experiences in the Commonwealth. While often searched for as a "campground," Big Cow is primarily the home of a specialized residential farm camp for girls, as well as a working dairy farm and retreat center. It represents a deep-rooted tradition of agricultural education and outdoor immersion that has been part of the Central Pennsylvania landscape for decades.

For families in the Pennsylvania region, this location offers more than just a roadside attraction; it is a place where young women can step away from the digital world and engage directly with nature. The "Big Cow" symbol reflects the farm’s heritage with its registered herd of Plum Bottom Ayrshire cows. The atmosphere here is defined by the slower pace of the Kishacoquillas Valley, where the clip-clop of Amish buggies is a common sound and the rolling hills provide a peaceful backdrop for learning. Visitors and campers alike are drawn to the authentic, rustic charm of the farm, which emphasizes hard work, animal husbandry, and the development of self-confidence through hands-on agricultural tasks.

Located in the heart of the "Big Valley," Big Cow at Hameau Farm is easily accessible for residents of Centre and Mifflin Counties, as well as those traveling from larger hubs like State College or Harrisburg. The site is situated along PA-655, a road known for its beautiful vistas of Pennsylvania’s farmland. However, it is important for local travelers to understand the nature of the site's accessibility to avoid any confusion during their visit.

• The farm is located at 6364 PA-655, Belleville, PA 17004, just a short drive from the Reedsville/Belleville exit of Route 322.
• While the Big Cow statue is a popular sight for passersby, there is no public parking lot specifically for viewing the statue; it is located on private property belonging to the farm.
• Entrance to the grounds is generally reserved for registered campers, retreat participants, and those attending scheduled open-house events.
• The site is designed to be kid-friendly, with pathways and barn areas that are manageable for young visitors during organized programs.
• The driveway leads to a private residential and working farm area, so visitors are encouraged to contact the owners before entering the property.

The services at Hameau Farm, under the banner of the Big Cow, are tailored toward education, personal growth, and agricultural appreciation. Rather than offering traditional overnight RV hookups or public tent sites, the "camping" here refers to a structured, sleepaway farm camp experience. The services provided are comprehensive for those enrolled in their programs, ensuring a safe and transformative environment for youth and adult retreat-goers alike.

• Residential summer camp programs for girls ages 8 to 14, featuring two-week sleepaway sessions.
• Hands-on animal care education where each camper chooses and prepares an animal—such as a cow, goat, or pig—for a 4H-style farm show.
• Nutritious, farm-fresh meals served family-style, often utilizing ingredients grown directly on the farm or sourced from the local Big Valley community.
• Adult retreat services, including "Fireflies at Hameau," which offer creative workshops and reflection time for women.
• Supervised farm chores and agricultural instruction, ranging from milking cows to gathering eggs and cleaning the historic hay barn.

The highlights of a visit to Big Cow and Hameau Farm revolve around the intersection of traditional Pennsylvania farming and modern youth development. It is a place of "firsts"—the first time a child milks a cow, the first time they see a calf being born, or the first time they navigate the responsibility of a daily farm routine. The features of the property are meticulously maintained to preserve the feel of a bygone era while providing a safe, modern learning environment.

• The "Belle of Saint Mary's" statue, a 13-foot tall landmark that is a favorite for local photography and a symbol of the farm's pride.
• The Plum Bottom Ayrshire herd, one of the few registered herds of this Scottish breed in the region, known for their distinctive red-and-white markings.
• An artist studio located in the loft of the traditional hay barn, providing a creative space flooded with natural light.
• Extensive outdoor recreation features including hiking trails, biking routes, and "stream stomps" in the nearby Kish Creek.
• A 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio, ensuring individual attention and safety for every child participating in the farm programs.
• Proximity to the Belleville Livestock Market, where campers take weekly field trips to learn about the local agricultural economy.

Because Big Cow is located on a private working farm and summer camp, it is essential to coordinate any visit or registration through the official office. The farm is owned and directed by Audrey Gay Rodgers, a ninth-generation agriculturist who oversees all operations. For more information regarding camp dates, retreat schedules, or to inquire about visiting the statue, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 6364 PA-655, Belleville, PA 17004, USA
• Phone: (717) 667-3731
• Official Website: hameaufarm.com

Big Cow at Hameau Farm is worth choosing because it offers an experience that cannot be replicated at a standard commercial campground or park. For parents in Pennsylvania, it is worth choosing as a summer destination because it fosters resilience and independence in young girls by placing them in a "magical community" of animals and mentors. The camp is famous for its music videos and the "warm fuzzies" tradition, creating a culture of kindness and self-discovery. For adults, the farm's retreats provide a rare opportunity to "downshift" and recharge in a woman-owned space that celebrates creativity. It is worth choosing for anyone who values the preservation of Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage and wants to experience a place where the connection between humans and animals is treated as something sacred. When you look up at the Big Cow on Route 655, you aren't just looking at a statue; you are looking at a gateway to a life-changing experience in the heart of the Big Valley.