You will get to meet the St. Louis Six (watch video of their rescue). These cows escaped a slaughterhouse and ran through the streets of St. Louis on March 30, 2017, trying to find their way home. They now have a forever home at The Gentle Barn - Missouri along with dozens of other animals. Animals like Petunia the pig who was found running on the side of the road; Baron Von Goat who lived in neglect at a place that didn’t want him chained to a post.
Come out to visit them on a Sunday along with many other pigs, cows, chickens, turkeys, donkeys, goats, sheep and a duck are forever safe and learning to love again.
If you would like more information about volunteering, click here.
We have passes for individuals, families and their guests, starting at just $75. A donation towards a Annual Sunday Passes can be placed online or you may upgrade your already reserved ticket when visiting on Sunday.
Will you be open? With the current weather what is the current status of your event this Sunday?
Gift Certificates Available Here
Donation: Adults $20, Kids (2-12y) $10, Under 2y Free
Timed Entry: 10:00a-12:00p, 11:00a-1:00p, 12:00p-2:00p
Please note that tickets are non-refundable.
The barn is located in Dittmer, Missouri. Additional information about barn location will be provided with your reservation.
Out of respect for the animals, we kindly ask that you do not bring any dairy, egg, meat, poultry, or seafood onto the property. The Gentle Barn is an outdoor farm environment, therefore we strongly recommend all visiting guests wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your group!
If you are unable to afford the requested donation amount, please contact us.
Hosted during the week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday
(Not available during public open Sunday)
In this tour you’ll have the barnyard to yourself and with the help of your tour guide, you’ll brush cows, meet the horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.
Intended to be in intimate experience for a small group of close friends/family.
This tour follows the same format and description of the Family Tour but is intended for a larger group of adults only from mixed households as part of an organized group activity. This tour is perfect for a company team building activity.
Intended to be in intimate experience for a small group of organized adults only. Ideal for company team building.
Try something new and different, have your next party at The Gentle Barn. Not just for kids, our parties are great for ages 6 to adult! Listen to an engaging presentation about the animals, then hug the cows, meet the horses and donkeys, give the pigs tummy rubs, hold the chickens, cuddle the turkeys, pat the goats and sheep, and so much more. Once you and your party have worked up an appetite loving animals, have a meal and cake on our picnic tables. Out of respect for the animals, we ask that your meal and cake be vegan. Our staff are happy to give you recommendations if needed.
The Gentle Barn teaches children about animals in a way that will change their perspective about themselves and the world around them. We want to show children that even though we all look different, we are all the same inside. Every living being has language and needs food, water, shelter, and love. Our programs follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to make sure that we support teachers' curricula.
We teach the children a wide variety of things including what animals eat, where they sleep, how they have families, why roosters crow, why pigs love mud, why goats chew, and how each species communicates through body language. Here at The Gentle Barn, kids gain an understanding of animals, see how much we all have in common, and get to expand their empathy for all living beings.
After a presentation that is geared to age and grade level, the children get to brush the horses, hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, talk to the turkeys, play with the goats and the sheep, and so much more. It is an educational, hands-on experience that they will never forget. Our school program is appropriate for kids K-12.
You’ll have the barnyard to yourself as your guide you will get insight and stories of the barnyard that can only be told the best by them. You’ll brush cows, meet the horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.
You'll have the barnyard to yourself as the founder of The Gentle Barn, Ellie Laks gives insight and stories of the barnyard that can only be told the best by them. You’ll brush cows, meet horses and donkeys, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, pet goats, and sheep, give pigs tummy rubs, and so much more. Being at The Gentle Barn is like walking through a giant storybook where you’ll hear the animals’ stories of resilience and learn what they teach us about forgiveness, unconditional love, and living in the moment. You are sure to fall in love with animals more deeply than ever before.
Reservation for our Founder's Tour is handled offline.
Live too far away from The Gentle Barn to visit in person? No worries, we have virtual tours where you can meet the animals, hear their stories, and get to know them. Perfect for any animal lover, family, or classroom where you can ask questions and learn about animals in a deeper way than ever before. Meet our rescued horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, llamas, and emu. Learn their names, witness their larger-than-life personalities, fall in love, and feel like you are here with us.
Looking to have a group of 50 or more people? We’d love to have you no matter what event you have in mind. We host weddings, bar and bat mitzvas, and corporate functions. Our wide-open spaces dotted with trees, barns, and loving animals make our location the perfect outdoor, peaceful experience for any event to be remembered.
Reservation for a Special Event is handled offline.