3 Highland Cow Experiences in Kentucky — Get Up Close and Personal!
Charming, photogenic, and surprisingly friendly, Highland cows have won over animal lovers across the country. Here’s where to go in the Bluegrass State if you want to get up close and personal with these shaggy bovine beauties! Image: Facebook / TC Highlands Farm
Originally from the rugged Highlands and western isles of Scotland, Highland cows have “mooved” into the mainstream. Distinguished by their famously furry coats, these gentle giants are a favorite for their calm, curious personalities. Fortunately, you don’t need a passport to see one for yourself. The South is home to an impressive number of farm experiences where you can get up close and personal!
Today, we’re focusing on a few favorites in Kentucky — all located about an hour outside of Louisville. But because we’re smitten with these shaggy Scottish natives, there will be more roundups to come! More than reason enough for a road trip, if you ask us.
Brackett Family Farm
Location: Elizabethtown, KY (about an hour from Louisville)
More Info: brackettfamilyfarmsky.com
This charming, family-run farm offers hands-on visits where, for $100, up to four people* can spend an hour petting, brushing, and feeding the Highland cattle. Openings are typically announced seasonally on Facebook, so check their page early and often to secure your date. While you wait for your big day, visit their website to purchase Adventures with Nacho: Friends on the Farm, the first in a series of children’s books inspired by the Brackett family’s favorite calf, Nacho.
*Parties larger than four should contact the farm for pricing and availability.
Hilltop Highlands Cattle Farm
Location: Demossville, KY (about an hour from Louisville)
More Info: hilltophighlands.net
Located in Northern Kentucky, this family-run operation offers private, hour-long animal encounters where you can feed and interact with the farm’s furry friends. The fold includes eight Highland cows, along with Jeny and Trooper, the two donkeys who keep the field and the herd safe. The cost is $75 for two people and $20 per additional guest. Available time slots are typically posted to the website about a month in advance, so check back frequently to snag your spot.
TC Highlands Farm
Location: Pleasureville, KY (about an hour from Louisville)
More Info: tchighlandsfarm.com
This Shelby County spot offers $150 farm visits (for up to five people), where you can feed, brush, and snap a selfie with the tamer members of the herd. Treats are provided, but you can bring your own apples, carrots, fig bars, white bread, or horse treats to share. Schedule availability is usually posted to the website several months in advance, making it easy to plan ahead. If you find yourself falling in love with one of the long-haired beauties, TC Highlands Farm also sells cows to good homes (after some serious screening of your cow credentials, of course).
Know Before You Go
Follow these tips to make the most of your Highland cow farm experience!
- Wear comfy, closed-toe shoes that you aren’t afraid to get dirty. You’ll likely be walking on uneven ground through mud, gravel, grass, and the occasional cow patty.
- Dress for the weather. Kentucky weather can shift rapidly, so come prepared for rain or shine.
- Keep your expectations realistic and respect the cows. Just like people, each one has its own personality. Some might want snuggles, while others want some space.
- Always be cautious with the calves. Babies can be a bit more skittish than adults — plus, mom might not want you getting too close!
- Leave your own babies (both two and four-footed) at home. Most farms don’t allow dogs or outside furry friends on visits, and there are usually age limits for the experiences.
- Speaking of other furry friends, be prepared to meet goats, chickens, horses, donkeys, and more, as some farms are home to animals other than just Highland cows.
- It may look like a stuffed animal, but don’t expect a Highland cow to feel like one. The signature shaggy coat is quite coarse, helping the animal withstand all weather conditions.
- Take some time to enjoy the scenery. Every farm experience is as much about visiting with the cows as it is about slowing down and spending a little time out in nature.
Enjoy your Highland cow encounter!
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Lennie Omalza
Originally from Hawaii, Lennie Omalza is a Louisville-based freelance writer of over 18 years. Lennie is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can and enjoys writing about food, homes, and weddings. You can find more of Lennie's work at Eater, Hawaii Home & Remodeling, and The Louisville Courier-Journal.