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Florida is not the first place most people picture when they think of shaggy Scottish cattle with long bangs and curved horns. Yet small family farms from the Panhandle to the Treasure Coast are raising Highland cows, and many of them open their gates to visitors on weekends.
Some let you feed the herd, some let you brush or cuddle a cow, and a few throw in goats, donkeys, alpacas, and farm stores. If you want a cheap, close-to-home outing that kids and grown-ups will both talk about for weeks, these eight farms are a great place to start.
1. Cow Creek Farm, Plant City, FL
Plant City is famous for strawberries, but one weekend farm here is quietly building a reputation for fluff. Cow Creek Farm got its start in late 2015 and specializes in Scottish Highland cattle.
The family behind it works with the herd on everything from breeding to brushing, plus halter training and plenty of head rubs. Their stated goal is simple: the happiest and fluffiest Highlands around.
Visitors book a tour to see the work up close, and there is generous time set aside to feed the animals. Sticking around for a photo or two is openly encouraged, which is good news if you have been waiting for a new profile picture.
The farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and closed on weekdays. Parking is free in an on-site lot, and there is a gender-neutral restroom on the property.
I would save this one for an early Saturday morning, before the Florida heat settles in. Call 813-545-7362 or check the farm website to book your tour.
2. The Rustic Ranch, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Small animals, big personalities. The Rustic Ranch focuses on mini and dwarf farm animals, including goats, sheep, mini cows, mini donkeys, and mini horses.
Among the herd are miniature Highland cows, which are easily the scene stealers. Chickens and baby goats round out the crowd, and the animals here are known for being friendly and easy to approach.
Hands-on interaction is the whole point. Beyond the animals, there is a general store to browse, plus games and activities designed for both kids and adults.
The ranch is open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Weekday visits are available by appointment, which can be handy if you prefer a quieter trip.
One fun twist: the property offers RV stays, so you could wake up next to a pasture of tiny cows. Find it on State Road 415, an easy drive inland from the beach.
3. Mayhem Ranch, Morriston, FL
Over 50 animal species live on this 170-acre spread in Marion County horse country. Mayhem Ranch is family owned and specializes in raising miniature cattle and exotic hoof stock.
Several cow varieties share the property, including Highland cows, and visitors can stop to feed them along with goats and donkeys. Private tours teach you about the animals that call the ranch home.
The calendar is what sets this farm apart. Spring is prime time to see babies being born, often daily.
Fall brings a pumpkin crop and an annual Fall Festival. In winter, the ranch hosts Santa’s reindeer for thousands of children.
Weekend hours run Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Picking your season ahead of time makes a real difference here, so check the ranch website before you head out.
4. Eastside Acres Ranch, Port St. Lucie, FL
Treasure Coast families do not have to drive to Central Florida for a Highland fix. Eastside Acres Ranch describes itself as a family-run Highland cow farm, right in Port St. Lucie.
The cows share space with alpacas, llamas, goats, and sheep. Feeding is part of the experience, so expect plenty of eager faces at the fence.
The ranch also runs a petting zoo and hosts kids’ birthday parties. There is an event venue on the property, too, for anyone planning a bigger celebration with a very fuzzy guest list.
On-site parking makes the stop easy. Hours are not posted in a fixed weekly schedule, so call 772-405-7165 or check the website before you go.
5. Space Coast Critters, Mims, FL
Every visit here helps animals beyond the fence line. Space Coast Critters calls itself a petting farm with a purpose, and its profit funds Florida Animal Rescue Mission.
The lineup is wonderfully mixed. Goats, Highland cows, rabbits, and ducks share the farm with a couple of large tortoises.
It sits right on US-1 in Mims, north of Titusville, so it pairs easily with a Space Coast day trip. The farm is also more flexible than most on this list, open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Can’t get there? The mobile zoo travels to public events and private parties.
6. Cypress Creek Ranch, Bonifay, FL
Panhandle readers, this one is yours. Cypress Creek Ranch in Bonifay is a full working farm and cattle ranch, not a petting zoo dressed up in overalls.
The ranch sells horses, cattle, and pigs, and visitors get the chance to interact with Highland cows, goats, horses, and other animals. That mix gives you a real look at daily ranch life in rural Holmes County.
Every so often, the ranch holds Farm and Ranch holiday festivals. Those dates are worth watching if you want a bigger outing.
Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sundays. Weekday access is rare on this list, so it suits anyone with a free Tuesday.
7. Feral Ranch, Lake Helen, FL
Five miniature cattle breeds live at one small Volusia County farm. Feral Ranch raises Scottish Highland, Whitepark, Panda, Belted Galloway, and Dexter calves, which makes it a fun spot to compare the looks of each breed.
Goats and donkeys roam here too. Petting and feeding the critters is part of the visit.
Save some time for Feral Ranch Finds, the rustic country store on site. Shelves carry handcrafted items from local artists, farm-fresh eggs, baked goods, jams, and ranch merchandise.
The farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is free on site, and there is a gender-neutral restroom.
Lake Helen is a quiet little town near DeLand, so a stop here fits nicely into a slow weekend drive.
8. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary, Melrose, FL
Cow cuddling is an actual bookable activity here. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in Melrose has been around since 2004, and a cuddle session with its Highland cow is a standout experience.
Visitors can also pet the cows, feed friendly farm animals, and wander a butterfly garden. A gift shop sells unique items, and gift certificates are available.
Overnight options make this sanctuary different from the rest of the list. You can stay in a covered wagon or farmhouse, or bring an RV or tent.
The grounds host birthday parties, weddings, and date outings as well. Hours are short, Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., so plan ahead.
Melrose sits in the lake country between Gainesville and Palatka. Call 352-262-7313 to book a session.
