I almost drove right past the little sign, and I am so glad I hit the brakes. Down a quiet country road in Oregon, a small farm hides a herd of fuzzy miniature donkeys who act like you are their long-lost best friend.
There are no crowds, no ticket lines, and no flashy billboards, just soft noses, big ears, and a host with stories worth hearing. If you love finding places most people never notice, this one belongs on your list.
A Quiet Farm Off SW Tooze Road
Tucked along SW Tooze Road in Wilsonville, Tollen Farm sits just outside the bustle of the Portland metro area. Visitors often point out that it is right next to Villebois, yet it feels a world away once you pull in.
Here is the honest truth: the sign is easy to miss. More than one guest has warned others to watch closely for the turn, because the farm does not shout for attention.
That modest entrance is part of the charm, and it keeps the place feeling like a local secret.
Once inside, you will find pastures, barns, and a herd of miniature donkeys ready to greet you. Rescue horses, ponies, and chickens round out the cast.
There is also a small shop packed with vintage finds. It is a working farm first, a visitor spot second, and that balance makes every visit feel personal instead of staged.
Decades of Farm Life Since 1979
Some places are built for tourists. Others simply grow over time, shaped by one person’s steady love for the land, and Tollen Farm is clearly the second kind.
The owner, Toni, has shared that she has seen many changes on the property since 1979. Think about that for a moment.
The area around Wilsonville has transformed, with new neighborhoods popping up nearby, yet this little patch of pasture has held on to its country spirit.
Guests often mention how impressive it is that she handles most of the work herself for much of the year. Feeding, cleaning, caring for foals, and giving tours all fall on her shoulders.
One visitor described it as essentially a one-woman show. Knowing that history adds real weight to every tour.
You are not just visiting a farm. You are stepping into a story that has been unfolding for decades.
The Miniature Donkey Herd
Picture a donkey about the size of a large dog, with a fuzzy coat and ears that seem too big for its head. Now picture a whole herd of them trotting over to say hello.
That is the heart of Tollen Farm.
Miniature donkeys, sometimes called Mediterranean miniatures, originally came from islands like Sicily and Sardinia. At this farm, the herd has grown over the years, with the owner once mentioning nine and soon eleven minis on the property.
Friendliness comes up again and again when people describe these animals. They lean in for scratches, nuzzle curious hands, and happily soak up attention.
Visitors say they are clearly well cared for and deeply loved. Even kids who feel nervous around dogs have warmed up to them quickly.
Their calm, cuddly personalities make them easy to adore within minutes of meeting.
Stories and Lessons on Every Tour
Did you know a miniature donkey can stay pregnant for around 14 months? One guest had no idea until Toni shared that fact, and it quickly became a highlight of the visit.
Tours here are warm, unhurried, and surprisingly educational. The owner explains how donkeys interact, how to approach them, and how to make the most of your time with the herd.
Families say they left having learned far more than expected, and many mention how gracious and welcoming she was throughout.
Sometimes other visitors join the same tour, which turns it into a small gathering of animal lovers. That social side adds to the fun.
You swap smiles, trade questions, and watch kids light up together. It feels less like a scheduled attraction and more like being invited over by a neighbor who happens to know everything about donkeys.
Rescue Horses, Ponies, and Chickens
Donkeys may steal the show, but the supporting cast deserves applause too. Wander past the minis and you will meet several rescued horses, including graceful Arabians that visitors describe as gorgeous.
A Shetland pony named Tessa joined the farm in recent years, and the owner was thrilled to welcome what she called the first mini and Shetland foal ever born there. Guests have also noticed dichromatic ponies with striking two-toned coats that look almost painted.
Then there are the chickens. One visitor called the whole scene a visual treat, pointing to the beautiful birds strutting around the property.
Years ago a llama named Jamocha lived here too, before moving on to guard a flock of sheep. The mix of animals gives every corner of the farm something new to discover, which keeps young explorers busy and grown-ups smiling.
Springtime Foals and Baby Donkeys
Spring in the Willamette Valley brings wildflowers, longer days, and at Tollen Farm, a wave of baby donkeys. Foals often arrive between May and July, and the owner regularly updates visitors about who is expected next.
One guest remembers feeling the round belly of a very pregnant mama, full of a baby due in July. Another heard that at least four more foals were coming by summer.
There is something magical about seeing a wobbly newborn donkey with fuzzy legs and oversized ears.
If cuteness is your goal, plan your trip for late spring or early summer. The farm buzzes with new life, and the herd feels extra lively.
Visiting during this season also lets you see the full cycle of farm care up close. Just be warned: meeting a baby mini might make you seriously consider bringing one home.
The Annual Donkey Birthday Party
Mark your calendar for the third Saturday in May. That is when Tollen Farm throws its Annual Donkey Birthday Party, running from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.
The timing is clever. By then, the owner has shared, most or all of the season’s new foals should be born, so guests get to celebrate with the youngest members of the herd.
In one past year, three mini donkey babies were expected before the big day.
Families have also chosen the farm for their own kids’ birthdays, with one parent describing a spectacular tour for a daughter turning three. The owner later noted that mini donkeys love visitors, especially children.
Whether you come for the official party or plan a small celebration of your own, the combination of sunshine, spring babies, and friendly faces makes it a birthday memory that sticks.
Vintage Treasures in the Farm Shop
Tucked beside the pastures is a little shop that surprises nearly everyone. The owner has personally gathered its antiques and vintage pieces over many years, and visitors love browsing the eclectic shelves.
Cowboy boots are a standout. One family bought a real secondhand pair for their three-year-old, then learned the boots had been picked up in Montana.
Hearing that backstory turned a simple purchase into a keepsake.
You will also find unique items for the garden and home, plus charming little treasures for kids. One young visitor simply had to rescue a tiny horse for her doll.
Several guests have said they planned return trips just to shop again. And yes, for the truly smitten, mini donkeys have been offered for sale too.
It is a fun way to support a small local farm while bringing home something with a story attached.
Meet the Minis for Every Kind of Visitor
Some farms are loud and hectic. Tollen Farm moves at a slower, softer pace, which makes it a welcoming spot for families with little ones and anyone who prefers a calmer outing.
A special program called Meet the Minis has been offered for the autism community. The owner has shared that summer sessions for autistic children run on Thursday mornings, with details posted on the Meet the Minis at Tollen Farm Facebook page.
Beyond that program, the experience suits toddlers, school-age kids, grandparents, and couples alike. Parents mention children as young as two adoring the animals.
Adults leave just as charmed. Whether you are an animal lover, a curious local, or someone needing a peaceful break, the patient donkeys and friendly host create a space where everyone can feel at ease.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Reservations, and Boots
First things first: call ahead. Visits are by appointment, and guests consistently stress reserving your spot before driving out.
The farm’s listed hours run from 11 am to 3 pm every day of the week, and you can reach them at 971-322-6931.
Tours have been described as free, but a donation jar sits on site. It is never pushed, yet visitors strongly encourage leaving something, since the owner gives her time generously and the animals need constant care.
Some guests have even suggested volunteering to help with chores.
Now, about footwear. This is Oregon, and pastures get muddy, especially during the rainy months.
One family specifically recommended rain boots for tramping through the mud. Dress for the weather, bring curious kids, and leave a little extra time.
Once the donkeys start leaning in for scratches, you will not want to rush off.
Why This Little Farm Is Worth Protecting
Plenty of attractions promise a memorable day. Few actually deliver the kind of warmth you feel after an afternoon with Toni and her herd.
Guests leave talking about the kind host, the cuddly donkeys, and how much they learned. Many say they are already planning a return trip.
One visitor summed it up simply as a true gem, and it is hard to argue.
What makes it special is the heart behind it. A single caretaker has kept this farm going for decades, sharing her animals with strangers because she loves doing it.
Visiting respectfully, making a reservation, and leaving a donation all help keep that spirit alive. So next time you are near Wilsonville, especially in spring when the foals arrive, make the call.
Just maybe keep the address between you and a few friends. Some secrets are worth sharing carefully.
Share this story
