Farm Field Trips Near Gaylord, Michigan
Hands-on learning and a day they will be talking about all year. Wilderness Valley Farm sits twenty minutes west of Gaylord in Otsego County, an easy bus ride from Petoskey, Traverse City, Grayling and across Northern Michigan. Students meet reindeer, Texas Longhorns, Tibetan yaks and mini donkeys, then ride the wagon, climb the tire park and race the pedal kart track.
Call To Reserve A DateWhat Is Included
Every Visit Comes With All Of This
Every student gets the full farm, a group photo, a Wilderness Valley Farm sticker to take home, and a stop at the gift shop before they go.
Animal Encounters
Reindeer, Texas Longhorns, Tibetan yaks, mini donkeys and peacocks.
Wagon Rides
Tractor-pulled rides out to each pasture between stops.
Play Time
The playground, the tire park and the pedal kart track.
Photo & Souvenirs
A group photo, a farm sticker for every student, and a gift shop visit.
A Day Of Fun, Learning & Adventure
The Field Trip Itinerary
Here is what a three hour visit looks like from the moment the bus pulls in. Every stop is guided, and the wagon carries the group between pastures.
Arrival & Welcome
Staff meet and greet, overview of the day's adventure and safety.
Wagon Ride To The Longhorns
A scenic wagon ride out to our Longhorn habitat.
Texas Longhorn Experience
Learn all about our iconic Texas Longhorns.
Reindeer Experience
Meet our friendly reindeer and learn about these amazing animals.
Wagon Ride To The Yaks
Hop back on the wagon for a ride out to see the yaks.
Yak Experience
Learn fun facts and get up close with our gentle Tibetan yaks.
Wagon Ride To The Mini Donkeys
A short wagon ride over to our mini donkey friends.
Mini Donkey Experience
Feed, learn about and interact with our mini donkeys.
Peacock Encounter
Marvel at our peacocks and their dazzling feathers.
Tire Park Play Time
Climb, crawl and play in the tractor tire park.
Pedal Kart Track
Race your friends around the paved pedal kart track.
Gift Shop Visit
Browse souvenirs and take home a special memory.
Lunch
Hot dog, chips and a drink, included with the three hour visit.
Playground Time
Burn off the last of the energy with free play on the playground.
Every stop on the route is a different animal, and a guide walks the group through each one.
The two hour visit runs a shorter version of the same day. Call 989-858-6859 and we will build the schedule around your group and your bus times.
Who Comes Out Here
Perfect For Schools And Groups
We host groups of every kind, from a single classroom to a whole grade level. If your group works with kids, the farm works for you.
Schools
Classroom trips and grade-level outings across Northern Michigan.
Homeschool Groups
Co-ops and homeschool families looking for a hands-on day.
Daycares
Preschool and daycare groups, with plenty of space to spread out.
Youth Organizations
Scout troops, church groups, summer programs and clubs.
Before You Book
Planning Your Field Trip
The Details
Getting Your Group Here
Wilderness Valley Farm
6500 Nicklaus Drive
Gaylord, MI 49735
About twenty minutes west of downtown Gaylord in Otsego County, and an easy drive from Petoskey, Traverse City, Boyne City, Grayling and Alpena. Parking is on site and free, with room for a bus. Driving directions from twelve nearby towns.
If your GPS still calls this the Wilderness Valley Golf Course, you are in the right place. The eighteen hole course closed years ago and the property is the farm now, which is why there is so much room for a group to spread out.
Ready to pick a date, or have questions about group size and scheduling? Call 989-858-6859 or send us a message.
Good To Know
Field Trip Questions
How much is a farm field trip?
Fifteen dollars per student for a two hour visit, or twenty dollars per student for a three hour visit that includes lunch. Both are guided from start to finish.
How long is a field trip?
Two hours or three hours. The three hour visit covers the full itinerary and adds lunch on the farm, so most school groups take that one. The two hour visit runs a shorter version of the same day.
What is included in the price?
Guided animal experiences, wagon rides between pastures, the playground, the tire park and the pedal kart track, plus a group photo, a farm sticker for every student and a gift shop visit. The three hour visit also includes a hot dog, chips and a drink.
Can students feed the animals?
Yes. Feeding and interacting with the mini donkeys is a scheduled stop, and the reindeer, Texas Longhorn and Tibetan yak experiences all get students up close with a guide.
What ages is a farm field trip good for?
We host everyone from daycare and preschool groups through school classes, homeschool co-ops and youth organizations. The day is guided, so we set the pace to match the group that shows up.
How big can a group be?
Give us a call with your numbers and we will tell you what works. The property is a former eighteen hole golf course, so there is room for a large group, and we schedule around each visit so nobody is standing in line.
How do we book a field trip?
Call 989-858-6859 or send us a message with your group size and the dates you are considering. Field trip dates are limited, so the earlier you reach out the better.
Where is the farm, and is there bus parking?
Wilderness Valley Farm is at 6500 Nicklaus Drive, Gaylord MI 49735, about twenty minutes west of downtown Gaylord. Parking is free and on site with room for a bus. Our directions page has routes from twelve nearby towns.
Limited Dates Available
Reserve Your Field Trip
Tell us your group size and the dates you are looking at, and we will get your class on the calendar. A day they will be talking about all year.
Call 989-858-6859