Looking for a fun, family-friendly outing where you can get up close with animals? Northern Michigan is home to a variety of petting farms, wildlife exhibits, and small zoos where you can feed, cuddle, and learn about fascinating creatures. Whether you’re looking to hug an alpaca, go on a yak safari, or see a herd of elk, these destinations offer unique and memorable experiences for all ages. Here’s a list of Northern Michigan’s best petting farms and zoos to visit, along with their websites so you can plan your trip!
Northern Lower Peninsula
A Yak or 2 Great Lakes Ranch
Go on a yak-safari tour and learn all about these unique animals with private and seasonal tour options.
Cotton Creek Farms
Meet and interact with Huacaya alpacas on this working farm, which also features an onsite store with USA-made alpaca goods.
Devor Dairy Farm and Creamery
Enjoy fresh dairy products and unique farm experiences like cow cuddling and bottle-feeding calves.
Gallagher’s Farm Market
Enjoy fresh farm goods while kids visit farm animals, with U-pick cherries in summer and pumpkins in fall.
Gaylord’s City Elk Park
Observe over 60 elk in a natural setting at this city-maintained wildlife park.
GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo
A small, interactive zoo where visitors can learn about and interact with insects and butterflies.
Harbor Springs Deer Park
A small park with a fenced-in whitetail deer exhibit, perfect for a peaceful picnic.
Hudson Farm
A working farm offering family-friendly events throughout the year—check their Facebook page for updates.
Hungry Ducks Farm
A family-friendly attraction featuring farm animals, a carousel, interactive petting areas, and a museum with antique toys and dolls.
Kiwindinok Farm
A hands-on experience where visitors can pet and feed yaks, alpacas, peacocks, miniature ponies, and more while learning about their behaviors.
Norwood Centennial Farms
Take a guided hayride tour of this working dairy farm and get up close with cows, calves, and the milking process.
Pahl’s Country Store
Offers seasonal activities like a pumpkin patch, hayrides, and a Santa experience.
Pond Hill Farm
A farm, café, winery, and brewery with seasonal activities, a playground, and friendly farm animals.
Prusakiewicz Farms
A working farm offering seasonal family-friendly activities—follow their Facebook page for event details.
Rainbow Valley Family Farms
Enjoy a peaceful farm experience with friendly alpacas. Open by appointment for a personalized visit where you can feed, pet, and even hug these gentle creatures.
Roscommon Zoo
A family-owned zoo featuring both exotic and domestic farm animals with interactive experiences.
Upper Peninsula
Big Goat Farm
Cuddle, feed, and even try milking friendly goats at this hands-on farm experience.
Deer Ranch
Visit the oldest live whitetail deer exhibit in North America, where you can walk among and feed native and white deer.
DeYoung Family Zoo
A rustic, natural-setting zoo offering up-close encounters with animals like otters, capybaras, and sloths.
Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park
Home to North American wildlife like wolves and bears, along with exotic animals such as kangaroos and lions.
Jo-Kay Corral
A seasonal petting farm offering hands-on farm experiences in summer and fall.
MI Dog Tours
Meet sled dogs and their musher, Laura Neese, for a unique summer or winter adventure.
Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House and Insect World
Interact with exotic insects and reptiles while learning from onsite entomologists.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch
The largest bear-only ranch in the U.S., providing rescued bears with a safe and natural habitat.
Plan Your Next Animal Adventure!
From cuddly goats to majestic elk and even a yak safari, Northern Michigan offers a variety of ways to connect with animals. Whether you’re looking for a quiet farm visit or a full-day family adventure, these farms and zoos provide fun and educational experiences for all ages. Which one will you visit first?
