A former golf course near Gaylord has turned into a family farm where visitors can meet real reindeer, hand-feed Tibetan yaks, and get close to Texas Longhorn cattle. Wilderness Valley Farm offers animal encounters that go well beyond the typical petting zoo.
The farm also has miniature donkeys, peacocks, calf encounters, hay wagon rides, pedal karts, and a giant corn pit. Most activities are included with general admission, making it easy for families to spend several hours exploring without paying for every attraction separately.
What makes this place especially interesting is its history. The property was once an 18-hole golf course, but today it is home to unusual animals, seasonal festivals, and hands-on activities for kids.
The farm operates on select seasonal dates, so checking its schedule before visiting is essential.
Where Reindeer Live Near the Golf Courses
Wilderness Valley Farm sits at 6500 Nicklaus Dr in Gaylord, Michigan, in the wooded northern part of the state. The street name might ring a bell for golf fans, since this area is known for its courses and resorts.
The farm is a family attraction built around animals, outdoor play, and seasonal fun. It sits within easy reach of both Gaylord and Mancelona, so it works well as a day trip for families already exploring the region.
People drive in from farther away too. Some families make the trip from places like Alpena, which shows how far word has spread about this spot.
I find the setting part of the appeal. Fields, woods, and open sky give the farm room to breathe, and that space matters when you have dozens of activities spread across one property.
Parking is described as easy and plentiful, which helps when you are unloading strollers and snacks. The grounds are kept clean and tidy, a nice detail for a working animal farm.
Once you are parked and through the gate, the first question most kids ask is simple. Where are the reindeer?
Reindeer You Can See Up Close
Santa’s favorite animals are not just a December story here. Reindeer live on the farm, and they are a big reason families make the drive.
Seeing a reindeer in person is different from seeing one in a picture book. Their antlers, thick coats, and calm faces make them easy to study for a long time.
Kids especially seem drawn to them. The reindeer get frequent mention as one of the farm’s top attractions, right alongside the other unusual animals.
Reindeer come from cold northern places, so Michigan winters suit them fairly well. Fun fact for young visitors: both male and female reindeer can grow antlers, which is rare among deer.
I would plan a little extra time at their pen. Watching them move, graze, and rest can turn into a mini science lesson without anyone noticing.
Ask the staff questions if you get the chance. The team is known for knowing their animals well, and they can share details about how the reindeer are cared for.
Reindeer are only one part of the herd. A shaggy animal from the mountains of Asia lives here too.
Meet the Tibetan Yaks
Not many kids in Michigan can say they learned about yaks on a Saturday afternoon. At this farm, that is a real possibility.
Tibetan yaks have long, shaggy hair that hangs almost to the ground. They come from high mountain areas in Asia, where the air is thin and the weather is cold.
Families have mentioned learning about the yaks during their visit. That small lesson can make the animal feel more like a new friend and less like a strange sight behind a fence.
Here is a fun bit of trivia to share in the car. Yaks grunt instead of moo, which is why their scientific name hints at grunting.
I like that the farm mixes these rare animals with more familiar ones. It gives kids a chance to compare and ask why a yak looks so different from a dairy cow.
Bring a camera, because yaks photograph well with fall trees behind them. Their dark coats stand out against orange and gold leaves.
Speaking of cattle relatives, the farm keeps another breed with horns that are hard to miss.
Longhorns and Bulls With Serious Headgear
Wide horns stretching out like a ruler can stop anyone in their tracks. Longhorn cattle on this farm give visitors a taste of ranch life far from Texas.
Longhorns are famous for their horns, which can spread several feet from tip to tip. Their coats also come in many colors and patterns, so no two look exactly alike.
Bulls live on the property too. Seeing them has been compared favorably to the well known elk viewing area in Gaylord, which is high praise in this part of the state.
Kids should stay calm and respectful around these big animals. Follow fence rules and staff directions, since cattle can be startled by loud noises.
I find longhorns a good way to talk with children about history. These cattle played a big role in the old cattle drives of the American West.
Count horn colors, compare sizes, or guess which animal is the boss of the group. Simple games like that keep younger kids interested longer.
Of course, looking is only half the fun. Some cows here can be fed from a moving wagon.
Feeding Cows From a Hayride
A five year old and a three year old picked this as their favorite moment of the day. They got to feed cows during a hayride, and that tells you plenty.
The hayride rolls through the property, giving riders a look at pastures and animals from a new angle. Cows come close to the wagon, which makes feeding time exciting for little hands.
Hayrides also give tired legs a break. After running between playgrounds and animal pens, sitting on hay for a while feels pretty good.
Fall is a great time for this ride. The trees around Gaylord turn bright colors, and riders have described the views as full autumn color on display.
My advice is to hold kids steady when the cows lean in. Excited animals and excited children can both get wiggly.
Wear clothes you do not mind getting a bit dusty. Hay has a way of sticking to everything, so a quick shake after the ride helps.
After meeting the big animals from the wagon, many kids want something smaller to hold. The petting area has that covered.
Baby Chicks, Mini Donkeys, and a Calf
Tiny chicks in small hands make for some of the sweetest moments on the farm. Holding baby chicks has been named a kid favorite here.
The petting area also includes a baby cow, sometimes called a calf, that children can pet. Mini donkeys live on the farm too, and they are known for being friendly.
Some families even helped the donkeys snack on weeds. It is a small task, but it lets kids feel useful instead of just watching.
Teach children to use two hands with chicks and to move slowly. Gentle touches keep both the birds and the kids happy.
Peacocks also roam the property, adding a pop of color. Their bright feathers make them easy to spot.
I like how this area works for toddlers. Even a one year old can enjoy watching animals at eye level without needing to climb or run.
Bring hand wipes, though the farm has several hand sanitizer stations. Washing up after animal time is smart before snacks.
And snack time will come, because the next stop is a giant pit of corn.
A Corn Pit That Kids Refuse to Leave
Sand is fine, but corn is better. The farm’s corn pit works like a giant sandbox filled with dried kernels instead of sand.
Kids dig, bury their feet, and scoop corn with their hands. The pit has been expanded over time, so there is more room for little diggers.
Even a one year old has been described as loving it. That makes it one of the rare attractions that works for babies and big kids alike.
Here is a practical tip. Check pockets, shoes, and hoods before getting back in the car, because corn kernels travel home easily.
The tire jungle gym nearby has also grown. Kids can climb, balance, and crawl through a structure built from old tires.
I appreciate play areas like these because they spark imagination. There are no screens, no buttons, and no rules about one right way to play.
Parents can usually stand close and watch while kids burn off energy. It is a nice spot for a quick breather.
When the corn loses its charm, wheels are waiting. Pedal power is next on the list.
Pedal Karts, Zip Line, and Farm Olympics
Hold on tight. That is the advice one visitor gave about the zip line here, and it sounds like good advice.
The farm packs in plenty of action. Kids can ride pedal karts around a track, zip across the line, and climb on more than one playground.
Barrel races, bike races, and farm Olympic style games add friendly competition. Basketball is also an option for kids who want to shoot hoops.
Grown ups are not left out either. Golf clubs have been available for chipping balls toward a floating dock, which fits nicely in golf country.
What I like most is that admission covers so much of this. Families do not have to pay extra for each ride or game, which takes stress out of the day.
Plan to bounce between activities. If one line is busy, kids can run to the next thing and come back later.
Many families end up staying three, four, or even five hours. Some still leave without trying everything.
All that racing builds big appetites. Luckily, food is close by.
Waffles, Tots, and a Lunch Break
Chicken tenders and tater tots fed one adult and three small kids in a single order. That kind of portion size makes the food stand a handy stop.
The farm keeps the menu simple. Cheeseburgers, tenders, and tots show up as family favorites for a quick lunch.
A waffle barn adds a sweet option. Kids enjoy a treat there, then burn off the sugar on the pedal kart track.
Hot chocolate has been offered in colder months too. A warm cup feels right on a chilly Michigan afternoon.
I would plan lunch in the middle of the visit. Eating halfway through gives everyone a recharge before tackling the rest of the activities.
Food prices are described as fair, which helps families stretch their budget. Paying for admission and lunch still feels reasonable for a full day out.
There are only two bathrooms on site, so plan restroom trips wisely. Going before lines form is a smart move with little kids.
Once everyone is fed, it is a good time to slow down. The farm has quieter corners that smell wonderful.
Lavender Fields and Apple Picking
Purple rows of lavender give the farm a softer side. Visitors have even said they could smell the lavender in the air.
Guests have been able to cut their own lavender to take home. A small bundle makes a nice keepsake from the trip.
Apples are part of the experience too. Families have picked apples during fall visits, which pairs well with the changing leaves.
I like that these activities slow the pace. After the corn pit and karts, cutting flowers feels calm and relaxing.
Here is a quick lavender fact for kids. People have used it for a long time in soaps and sachets because of its calming scent.
Bring a small bag for your stems or apples. It keeps the car neater and protects your harvest.
Availability depends on the season, so lavender and apples may not be ready every weekend. Checking the farm’s updates before going helps set expectations.
The gift shop is another good stop before heading home. Visitors have called it a fun place to browse.
Timing matters a lot here, and the farm’s seasons shape what you will find.
Planning Around the Farm Seasons
Fall weekends are when the farm really comes alive. Opening weekend has even featured a live band.
The farm does not keep the same hours all year. Its schedule changes with the seasons, so checking the official website or social pages before you go is a must.
Families who return year after year notice improvements. The corn pit and tire jungle gym have both grown, and more animals have been added over time.
Winter visits have included hot chocolate and time with reindeer. A snowy trip could feel very different from a sunny fall day.
Dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. You will walk a lot, kneel in corn, and maybe step in a muddy spot or two.
I would arrive early to make the most of the day. Kids often run out of energy before they run out of activities.
Staff are known for being kind and helpful. Do not hesitate to ask about animal feeding times or which areas are open.
Bring patience and curiosity, and the reindeer will handle the rest.
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