A Michigan fruit farm has become an unexpected place to meet sloths, kangaroos, capybaras, and even camels. At Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo in New Era, visitors can explore an exotic animal zoo, book special animal encounters, and try activities that go far beyond a typical farm visit.
The property also features apple cannons, giant slides, jumping pillows, a splash pad, and a bakery selling homemade treats. Fall brings even more attractions, including pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and seasonal entertainment.
What started as a small roadside fruit market in the 1970s has grown into a major family attraction. Here’s what makes this West Michigan farm different, which experiences cost extra, and how to plan a visit without missing the best parts.
A Roadside Stand That Grew Into Something Wild
The sign on M-20 looks friendly and simple, but the gates hide a whole lot more. Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo sits at 4180 M-20, New Era, Michigan 49446, in the western part of the state near the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Its story began in the 1970s, when Winston and Alice Lewis ran a small roadside fruit market. The farm passed to Gary and Brenda, and then to Scott and Cindy Lewis.
A road closure shut the market down for a few years. Then, in 2003, Cindy started selling sweet cherries from a stand in her front yard, and people kept showing up.
That success led the family to clear part of an apple orchard for a new market building. By August 2004, the adventure farm had officially taken shape.
Today it is a fifth-generation family business, with sons Tyler and Brandon and their wives, Becca and Makenna, helping run things. I could feel that family touch everywhere.
Still, the real shock waited past the market doors, where the animals were not exactly local.
Meet the Camels Who Run the Show
Jeffrey and Quigley do not care that they live in Michigan instead of a desert. These two Arabian camels strolled around their yard with the calm attitude of retired kings.
I spent longer than I planned just watching them chew. Their long eyelashes and slow, swaying steps made me laugh more than once.
Camels are a big reason this place feels so different from a regular barnyard. You do not expect to see a hump on a farm known for apples and cherries.
Camel rides and hand-feeding chances have been part of the fun here, so check the farm website before you go to see what is offered that season. Offerings can change from year to year.
Fun fact: camel humps store fat, not water. That fat helps them go a long time without food.
My tip is to visit the camels early, before the afternoon crowds gather along the fence. You will get better photos and a closer look.
And these desert dwellers were just the opening act for a much larger crowd of world travelers.
Kangaroos, Lemurs, and a Passport-Free World Tour
Australia, Madagascar, and South America all fit inside one farm path. I did not need a plane ticket, just comfortable shoes.
Kangaroos and wallabies lounged in the grass like they were on vacation. Nearby, lemurs with bright eyes leaped across their climbing gear, showing off for anyone holding a phone.
The list kept growing as I walked. I spotted prairie dogs popping out of burrows, plus armadillos, porcupines, coatimundis, emus, alpacas, and shaggy highland cows.
Then I met the capybaras, which are the largest rodents in the world. They looked so relaxed that I wanted to take notes.
Two-toed sloths named Sid and Brooke moved at their famous slow speed. Watching them felt like a lesson in patience.
The enclosures were roomy and clean, which matters to me at any animal attraction. Signs helped explain where each critter comes from.
Bring a small cup of animal food, sold on site, because many friendly residents will gladly accept a snack. Speaking of snacks, the feeding fun gets even better.
Snack Time for Goats, Parakeets, and Friends
Buying a cup of animal food turned out to be the smartest few dollars I spent all day. It made me feel like part of the zoo crew instead of just a visitor.
The goats had the best setup, with a climbing enclosure that looked like a playground built just for them. They hopped, posed, and politely begged for pellets.
Inside the aviary, colorful parakeets landed on seed sticks held out by guests. One bird perched on my stick and nibbled away like I was its personal chef.
Animal feeding is one of the most loved parts of this farm, and I understand why. Kids squeal, adults giggle, and nobody stays grumpy.
Here is my advice. Hold the cup flat and keep your hand open, because some animals get a little eager.
Wash your hands afterward at the nearby stations before heading to lunch. Your fingers will thank you.
Feeding from a cup is fun, but the farm offers much closer meetings for anyone willing to book ahead.
Otters, Sloths, and Capybaras Up Close
Petting an otter was not on my bucket list until I learned it was possible here. Now I cannot stop talking about it.
The Otter and Friends Experience splits time between Asian small-clawed otters and black-and-white ruffed lemurs. The otters swim, wrestle, and sometimes come over to say hello, though it is always their choice.
The lemurs happily ate from our hands. Our zookeeper shared funny stories about each animal’s personality and even snapped photos for us.
Other options include sloth encounters, kangaroo time, and a capybara session where you can feed and pet these chill critters. A friendly tortoise sometimes joins the party.
The Zoo Keeper Experience lasts about 50 minutes and takes you behind the scenes with kangaroos, capybaras, and lemurs. It is great for curious kids and grown-ups.
These encounters need separate tickets and reservations, so book early, especially on weekends.
They cost extra, but they became my favorite memory. After all that cuddling, though, I was ready for something louder.
Apples That Fly and Slides That Roar
Yes, there are apple cannons, and yes, I aimed one at a target like a serious pro. I missed the first shot, but nobody needs to know that.
General admission unlocks dozens of farm fun activities, and they go way beyond hay bales. The giant slide sends riders zooming down at top speed.
Jumping pillows bounce kids sky-high, while pedal carts let families race around a track. Grown-ups join in too, and some get a bit competitive.
The paintball shooting gallery and high strikers test aim and muscle. Rubber duck races keep little ones cheering at the water troughs.
The Corny Barn holds a huge pile of corn kernels for digging and burying toes. It is calmer and surprisingly relaxing.
There is also a barrel train, roping ponies, playgrounds, a tandem swing, and washer games.
Plan at least four hours, because families often stay much longer. All this action builds an appetite, but first came a chance to cool off.
Splash Acres Saves a Sweaty Afternoon
By mid-afternoon, the summer sun had me looking for any water I could find. Splash Acres came to the rescue.
This splash pad opened in 2023 and quickly became a fan favorite. Kids dash through fountains, dodge sprays, and soak themselves silly.
Parents can relax nearby and keep an eye on the action. I may have walked through one spray on purpose, and I regret nothing.
Right across from the splash pad, a shave ice stand serves cold, colorful cups. That combo is pure summer happiness.
The same year brought a climbing wall at the high ropes course. Climbers who prefer heights over puddles get their own challenge.
Pack swimsuits, towels, and a dry change of clothes for the kids. Water shoes help too, since the ground can get slippery.
Sunscreen is a must, because shade near the water can be limited. Once everyone dried off, my nose pointed straight toward a smell I could not ignore.
Donuts, Fudge, and a Mason Jar Milkshake
Apple cinnamon donuts are the reason I almost bought a second bag before lunch. Warm, sugary, and soft, they tasted like a Michigan fall morning.
The farm market and bakery sell fresh pies, cinnamon rolls, sticky buns, cookies, and specialty breads. Homemade fudge sits in tempting rows behind the glass.
The mason jar milkshake deserves its own fan club. In fall, the apple cider sundae is a seasonal star.
Hungry for real food? I found carne asada tacos, kettle chips cooked in-house, pizza, and pretzels.
The lemonade was tangy and cold.
Coffee lovers will be happy here, too. The cups were good enough to justify a refill.
Since the family grows apples, cherries, peaches, plums, and asparagus on its 700 acres, the market also stocks seasonal produce.
Food prices can add up, so some families pack a picnic. Luckily, the farm has a handy policy that makes that easy, and I will explain it soon.
Sunflowers, Pig Races, and Pumpkin Season
Every season gives this farm a new outfit. Late summer brings Flower Mania, usually running from August into early October.
Fields of zinnias and sunflowers glow in bright colors. You can pick a bouquet and snap photos in the flower house.
Fall is when the farm truly shows off. The Fall Festival runs from mid-September into early November and is called West Michigan’s favorite.
Corn mazes twist through the fields, and pumpkin patches are filled with orange picks. U-pick apples and hayrides add classic charm.
The pig races at PorkChop Downs had me cheering for a curly-tailed underdog. The Candy Cannon blasts sweets into the air, and the Disc Dogs of Michigan pull off flying catches.
Special weekends sometimes feature princesses and superheroes walking the grounds.
Fall weekends get busy, so a weekday visit means shorter lines. Busy or calm, what impressed me most was how the farm treats every visitor, whatever the season.
Spotless Paths and Smart Little Details
Clean bathrooms can make or break a family outing. Here, I never once had to worry.
The grounds looked freshly swept everywhere I went. Staff kept trash cans emptied and paths tidy all day long.
Restrooms and food spots are placed in handy locations, so nobody has to march across the whole farm in an emergency. That kind of planning matters with little kids.
Wide paths made strollers and wheelchairs easy to push. Plenty of picnic tables sit near food areas for meal breaks.
Shaded benches are a bit limited in some spots, so older visitors may want a portable seat or an umbrella. A hat helps on hot days.
The farm sits near the Lake Michigan shoreline and not far from the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, making it easy to pair with a beach trip.
Staff members were cheerful and quick to answer questions. With the setting covered, let me share the planning tricks that saved me time and money.
Hours, Tickets, and the Nap-Break Trick
A little planning made my day smooth as farm-fresh fudge. First, buy tickets online, since it often saves money and time at the gate.
Admission is required for ages three and up. Special animal encounters are booked separately.
The farm runs seasonally. During fall, it typically opens Wednesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Sundays starting at 10 a.m.
Summer hours can differ, so check the website before you drive.
Here is my favorite trick. Same-day re-entry is allowed, so you can leave for a picnic lunch or a nap and return later.
Frequent visitors should consider an annual pass, which covers farm admission for the main season.
Getting there is easy from US-31 at Exit 140, then onto M-20. Grand Rapids is about an hour away.
For questions, call 231-861-5730. Practical details aside, the heart of this place comes from one special person.
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