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.
Tickets must be reserved in advance
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact us to communicate your interest and reserve a timeAnimals have so much to teach, and nature is a perfect classroom to educate children about themselves and the world around them. While brushing cows, meeting horses and donkeys, cuddling turkeys, holding chickens, petting goats and sheep, giving pigs tummy rubs, and hearing the animals’ stories of resilience, children in grades k-12 will learn about body language, compassion, confidence, tolerance, and find themselves in the barnyard. We will explore what animals eat, how they play, where they sleep, and the many different ways animals use to communicate. All field trips start with a short presentation about the animals, ending with making wishes at our wishing well, and are geared to empower kids to be heroes in their own neighborhoods for animals, nature, and other people.
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.
Special Event Currently Being Booked By email. Please contact us directly with questions.