A giraffe can lean toward your car window in Ohio. That is not a zoo trip across the country.
It is a working farm with hundreds of exotic animals.
I love that you can feed the animals from a wagon or your own vehicle. The feed is part of the fun, and the animals know it.
There is also a produce stand, a gift shop, and a farmhouse with cookies. I can’t imagine a better excuse for a day trip in Holmes County.
So where is this wild little farm?
A Working Farm With Hundreds of Exotic Animals
The Farm At Walnut Creek is a working farm that also shelters hundreds of exotic animals. Google lists it as a zoo, though the setting feels more like a country farm.
You’ll find a produce stand and a gift shop on the property. Animals roam in open areas, which makes the whole place feel lively from the first minute.
The Ohio location is a big part of the appeal. Holmes County is known for Amish country scenery, and this farm fits right into that landscape.
Visitors can choose from a few ways to explore. A wagon ride, a drive-through in your own vehicle, and a walk around the grounds all give a different view of the animals.
That mix keeps the day flexible for families with young kids or grandparents along for the ride. Plan to arrive with a little curiosity and plenty of patience for hungry animals.
They tend to make the first move.
The farm also gives guests a map and an animal brochure, so you can match the faces to the names as you go.
Where the Farm Sits in Holmes County
Sugarcreek sits in the rolling farmland of Holmes County. The farm’s address is 4147 Co Rd 114, Sugarcreek, OH 44681.
That puts it in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country. The drive in is part of the trip, with country roads and open fields along the way.
One visitor made a two-hour drive for the day and called it worth it. Another named it a favorite place in the county.
The farm is easy to turn into a day trip from many parts of Ohio. Pack snacks for the road, but save room for the cookies later.
Parking is a short walk from where the wagons board. Older guests should know that the walk can feel a bit long, so pace yourself.
Bring a few things for the day. Sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes help on gravel paths.
Cash matters too, which we’ll cover soon.
All Aboard the Wagon Ride
The wagon ride gets the most attention here, with hundreds of mentions from visitors. It’s the signature way to meet the animals up close.
Feed comes with the ride, so you don’t need to buy extra. One visitor said each pair of riders gets a bucket.
Drivers stop along the way so animals can come to the wagon. Several visitors praised their drivers for sharing facts about each species.
Wagons aren’t packed, so riders have room to shift around. That helps when a curious animal wants a closer look.
Some guests prefer the horse-drawn option. They say animals seem more likely to approach it, and you get a guide along the way.
It’s a slower pace than driving. That gives kids time to feed, giggle, and ask questions without rushing.
If you’re deciding between wagon and car, many families lean toward the wagon.
Rolling Down the Windows for a Drive-Through Safari
Prefer to stay in your own vehicle? The drive-through option lets you feed animals from the car window.
Visitors say animals come right up to the car for treats. One family used the air conditioning on a hot day and still had a great time.
A vehicle with an opening rooftop was suggested by one guest. It gives you a better angle for the taller animals, giraffes included.
Shaking a feed bucket can pull the herd in. A few visitors suggest buying at least one bucket for the drive.
Expect some mess. One guest joked about vacuuming animal feed out of the car afterward, so maybe skip the fancy upholstery day.
Some animals may be wary of larger vehicles, according to one visitor. If that sounds like your crew, the wagon may be easier.
Save a little feed for later. After the drive, more animals wait on the walking portion.
Meet the Giraffes, Llamas, and Other Hungry Locals
Giraffes are one of the biggest stars here, with repeated mentions from visitors. One longtime visitor says they have been a family favorite for years.
Llamas, cows, ostriches, and plenty of deer also appear in visitor stories. Several guests say there are many hungry mouths, so plan feed accordingly.
Llamas get a funny mention. One visitor said they seemed to stalk the car, which is exactly the kind of story kids repeat all week.
Visitors describe the animals as healthy and cared for. The grounds also come across as clean and well kept.
The farm’s description notes hundreds of exotic animals, so the lineup is bigger than you might expect. A brochure helps you identify species as you go.
Walking areas let you linger longer with certain animals. Some guests were surprised how much time they spent there.
Bring patience and a camera. Animals rarely pose on cue.
The Farmhouse Cookie Stop
Cookies deserve their own stop. After the ride, guests can visit the farmhouse and try an Amish chocolate chip cookie.
One visitor said the cookies were free. Another mentioned a tiny family member going back for thirds, which sounds like a fair review from a toddler.
The big Amish house on the property adds a cultural touch. One family described it as a deeper look at local life.
The shop is also worth a browse. It gives you a way to take a small piece of the day home.
The farm also has a produce stand. That fits the working-farm side of the place.
Walk slowly and look around the house. It gives the animals a break from you and gives you a break from the sun.
It’s also a pleasant place to regroup before the next stretch of walking.
Strolling the Grounds After the Ride
After the ride, the walking portion begins. Visitors describe gravel paths with some hills and stairs, but nothing too strenuous.
Many families pushed strollers with ease, according to one guest. A map at the start helps with navigation.
The brochure lists the animals and gives plenty of background on the property. It’s a nice keepsake for kids who like to check off species.
Barns and animal areas appear throughout the grounds. Some visitors also complimented the landscaping, which adds to the calm mood.
The slower pace lets you pet certain animals and visit the shop. Several people stayed longer than planned.
Wear shoes with grip. Gravel and hills are easy with the right footwear and a little care.
If the heat rises, take breaks in the shade and keep water handy.
A Day Out for Every Kind of Crew
Few farms suit so many groups. Visitors have come with toddlers, grandkids, dates, and even a group of sixty from an RV event.
One longtime guest has been going since their kids were babies. They are grown now, and the family still enjoys it.
Another couple called it a peaceful date idea. They liked the calm mood and the chance to enjoy the animals together.
Staff are described as friendly and helpful. That matters when little ones need extra support.
The mood feels relaxed rather than rushed. Wagons are not overloaded, and the pace gives everyone time to enjoy the animals.
It’s a fine pick for multigenerational trips. Grandparents can ride, kids can feed, and everyone can share cookies.
Even solo visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting.
Hours, Cash, and Other Planning Tips
The farm is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Sunday is closed, so plan around that.
Cash is the big one. Visitors mention it often, and 30 mentions in the data point to cash only.
Stop at an ATM on the way, since you don’t want to turn around. That tip appears in several visitor stories.
Early morning is a smart time to go, according to one visitor, before the heat builds. Animals may also be more active then.
One guest felt the price was a bit high but still had a good time. Check current pricing before you go.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring sun protection. The paths are mostly gravel.
The Farm At Walnut Creek is easy to plan once cash and hours are sorted. A little prep saves a lot of stress.
Worth the Drive for Ohio Families
Wrapping up, The Farm At Walnut Creek feels like a well-run family outing with plenty of surprises. It combines animals, cookies, scenery, and a simple farm setting.
Visitors gave it very high marks for the animals and the staff. Cleanliness also came up repeatedly.
If you have kids, grandkids, or just a love of animals, it’s an easy pick in Ohio. Choose a wagon for guided stories or a car for comfort.
Bring cash, save some feed, and pace yourself. The walking area adds more to see after the main ride.
One visitor plans to return in another season, which says a lot. The farm may look different with each visit.
So the next time someone says Ohio has no giraffes, you know better. Holmes County has a few hungry ones waiting.
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