A few weeks ago we drove up to Cedar Springs to Deer Tracks Junction with only one piece of information about the place: my boss Melody had simply said, “Don’t tell my kids you’re going or they will beg me to take them, too.”
I can’t keep this secret any longer.
Petting Farms and Animal Farms for Kids to Visit »
Deer Tracks Junction is the Hands-On Animal Experience You Can’t Get Anywhere Else
What started as a whitetail deer farm has grown into a full-fledged animal interaction bonanza.
Elk, deer, reindeer, yaks, goats, bunnies, camels, pigs … I can’t even remember them all, we saw so many! And we got to pet or feed most of them!
**Deer Tracks Junction provided admission for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
Ride the Stagecoach Through Elk and Deer Territory
The Wildlife Safari Tour was our first adventure. We boarded an air conditioned stage coach and learned all sorts of fun facts about the deer, elk and yaks living on this sprawling farm. There were several stops along the way where we were encouraged to feed and pet the animals.
Deer Tracks Junction can’t guarantee that an animal will wander over to say hello, but they plan their tours for evening when the animals are more active. The day we went, dozens of animals said hi.
The elk were the most amazing to me. Their racks are incredible, and so velvety soft when they have the fur coating on them. You even get feel how heavy their full racks are, and try them on for size!
Tours often sell out, so it is a good idea to get your tickets in advance online.
Hands on Farm and Deer
After the stagecoach ride we ventured into the Hands-On Deer section. Here we were greeted by several adorable fawns. They came right up for a pet. My kids spent a lot of time here.
We eventually convinced them to head to the Hands on Farm side and boy, was that place loaded with excitement!
Baby goats wandered among us while pigs, goats and camels came over for attention. (And food! You can buy special cups of food to share with the animals.)
I think my kids’ ultimate delight was the bunny barn.
Fun fact: Deer Tracks Junction even sells bunnies! (No kids, we are still NOT getting a bunny!)
These guys all live in a Wild West setting, with the barns fashioned after buildings you’d expect to see in 1800s Montana. You’ll even find pretend jail cells and an outhouse (pretend), for authenticity.
You Won’t Believe the Play Structures at the Hands On Farm
Owner Kelly Powell designed the crazy cool play structures at Deer Tracks Junction and built them with his son, Tyler. They’re something to behold. I’m jealous that I’m a little too old to play on these.
And Last, but not Least, Ice Cream
As with everything else at Deer Tracks Junction, even the ice cream is homemade! They’ve come up with some clever flavors, like Super Buck and clever sundaes like snappy turtle and pig in a tub.
The shop is open 10 am to 9 pm, 7 days a week, all summer long and you don’t have to buy admission to get these tasty treats.
Details About Visiting Deer Tracks Junction
| Deer Tracks Junction 7850 14 Mile Road Cedar Springs, MI 49319 616-863-DEER (3337) |
Plan on spending at least 2 hours at the farm, and a bit more to allow time for the play structures and ice cream.
They’re open daily from 10 AM – 9 PM, with safari tours in evenings Wed-Sunday. Book your tour ahead to guarantee tickets.
Cost for admission
- Hands-On Farm | $7 per person, 2 and under FREE
- DO-IT-ALL COMBO | $23.00 per person, 2 and under FREE (admission only)
- includes the WILDLIFE SAFARI TOUR, admission to BOTH Hands-on Areas, 1 bottle to feed 1 animal of choice, and 1 Souvenir Cup of pellets
- Tour & Hands-on Combo | $18.50 per person, 2 and under FREE
- includes the WILDLIFE SAFARI TOUR and admission to BOTH Hands-on Areas
- Wildlife Safari Tour ONLY | $11 per person, 2 and under FREE
Have you been to Deer Tracks Junction? What was your favorite part?
This looks amazing! We will definitely be checking this out.
Casey AndAmber, it’s right in cedar springs!! We should do it!!
My grandkids had the time of their lives at DTJ! They are still talking about it. A great family experience.
This looks awesome! My kids would love it!
Andrea Bogart
My grandson loves going to Deer Tracks Junction! We usually take him there two times a year. Once during the summer and then at Christmas time. He especially loves feeding the deer!