Big Cow, Belleville, PA

Introduction / Overview

For many residents traveling through the beautiful Big Valley of Central Pennsylvania, the sight of the landmark known affectionately as the 'Big Cow' is a memorable experience. Officially named

The Belle of Saint Mary's

, this striking, 13-foot-tall fiberglass cow sculpture looms over the landscape, instantly capturing the attention of passersby on PA-655. Far from being a traditional public campground or park, the 'Big Cow' serves a unique and charming purpose: it is the unofficial and highly recognizable mascot and advertisement for

Hameau Farm

, a private, working dairy farm and specialized summer camp for girls.

Hameau Farm

is not a typical local attraction open to the general public for drop-in visits or overnight camping, as confirmed by customer reviews. Instead, it is a treasured and exclusive community that operates as a sleepaway camp during the summer months for girls aged 8-14, centered around the engaging daily life of a genuine dairy farm. The farm itself spans 110 acres, home to the Plum Bottom herd of registered Ayrshire cows.

The ‘Big Cow’ statue itself has earned a reputation as a must-see Pennsylvania roadside attraction and a perfect spot for a photo-op, having been featured on the state's official tourism website. It’s an emblem of the region's rich agricultural heritage and the quiet, pastoral life found in the Big Valley. It is essential for local users to understand that while the cow is a public visual landmark, the property beyond it is a private facility with a specific mission centered on education and summer recreation.

Location and Accessibility

The 'Big Cow' landmark and

Hameau Farm

are situated at 6364 PA-655, Belleville, PA 17004, USA. This address places the farm deep within the picturesque Big Valley of Mifflin County, a region famous for its scenic beauty and strong Amish cultural presence. The location is easily accessed via Pennsylvania Route 655.

Accessibility notes for local visitors focus primarily on viewing the iconic statue. As mentioned in customer feedback, the property is a private working farm and camp. There is no designated public parking area specifically for viewing the 'Big Cow.' This means local admirers should exercise caution and respect for the private property when attempting to view the statue, and should avoid disrupting the farm’s operations or inadvertently trespassing on private driveways, as one reviewer noted.

For those traveling from elsewhere in Central Pennsylvania, the farm is part of the broader Juniata River Valley. The area offers a chance to experience the timeless, slower pace of life in the Big Valley, which is an attraction in itself. While the cow is easy to spot from the road, visitors are advised to appreciate the landmark from a safe and legally accessible vantage point to maintain the privacy and operational integrity of the camp.

The farm's location captures the essence of rural Pennsylvania, encouraging visitors to "downshift, literally and figuratively," as they drive down the lane. This setting provides an ideal retreat atmosphere, which is fundamental to its operations as a summer camp and for the artist retreats it hosts during the spring and fall.

Services Offered

As a private facility, the services of

Hameau Farm

are specific and generally available only to registered participants and guests, not for public campground use. The primary services offered include:

Specialized Summer Camp: A sleepaway program for girls, typically ages 8-14, focused on hands-on involvement with the workings of a grazing dairy farm over several weeks.
Working Dairy Farm: Operation of a rotational grazing dairy farm, home to the Plum Bottom Ayrshire herd of cows, providing an authentic agricultural experience.
Educational Experience: Camp activities integrate farm chores, animal care, and creative fun, with a 4:1 camper-to-staff ratio for individual attention.
Accommodation for Retreats: Hosting artist retreats (often Plein Air experiences) during the spring and fall seasons, offering artists a unique environment on a working dairy farm.
Housing for Apprentices: Providing housing for apprentices, interns, or journey dairy graziers through its program with the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship.
Unique Content Creation: A long-standing tradition of campers and staff writing, singing, and filming original music videos, fostering creativity.
Farm-Fresh Environment: Providing a safe, happy, and supportive environment where young women can grow, make memories, and gain life experience away from external pressures.

Features / Highlights

The Belle of Saint Mary's: The highly popular, 13-foot-tall fiberglass 'Big Cow' statue serving as a recognizable, often photographed, local roadside attraction.
Authentic Farm Immersion: A genuine 110-acre working dairy farm, not just a themed site, where campers are actively involved in the real-life farm routine and shared responsibility.
Ayrshire Herd: Home to the registered Plum Bottom Ayrshire cows, known for being a hardy breed.
Exclusive Summer Program: A highly cherished, private summer camp experience dedicated to empowering young girls through farm life and community.
High Staff-to-Camper Ratio: A low ratio of 4:1 ensuring individual attention and mentorship for all campers.
Location in the Big Valley: Situated in a historically rich and culturally vibrant area of Pennsylvania, offering a retreat into a simpler way of life.
Year-Round Operation: The farm is a constant working entity, which provides a rich, evolving backdrop for the camp and retreats.
Creative Outlet: The camp encourages significant creativity through music video production, reflecting a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Contact Information

Address: 6364 PA-655, Belleville, PA 17004, USA

Phone: (717) 667-3731 (Information available via third-party listings)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

While

Hameau Farm

is not a public-access campground, it holds a significant and valuable place for Pennsylvania residents, particularly those in the local community and families seeking unique experiences for their children. Its suitability for locals lies in two distinct areas.

Firstly, the farm's 'Big Cow' landmark,

The Belle of Saint Mary's

, is a cherished, unique local roadside attraction. For those residing in or traveling through Mifflin County, it provides a fun, quirky, and memorable point of interest that breaks up the routine of a drive and serves as a proud reminder of the state’s farming tradition. It is a source of local pride and a testament to the Big Valley's character.

Secondly, and most importantly,

Hameau Farm

offers a deeply transformative summer camp experience for local and regional Pennsylvania families. It provides a rare opportunity for girls to unplug from modern pressures and immerse themselves in the responsibility, community, and joy of life on a genuine, working dairy farm. As a private, specialized facility, it serves a distinct educational and recreational need that traditional public campgrounds cannot. It acts as a retreat—a “happy retreat away from the pressures of school and family and real life”—making it a highly valuable resource for fostering growth and independence in young Pennsylvanians. For local families, it’s a nearby, trusted institution where the experience of rural life is authentic and impactful.