BY ANN CHRISTENSON AND CHARLIE SKRADE
Gentle, curious and blanketed in soft fleece, alpacas are often confused with their llama cousins. But alpacas are smaller, with shorter ears and adorable faces covered in fluff.
Their looks and docility are “a huge part of why people fall in love with them,” says Kerri Harting, whose Eagle Eye Farm is home to 67 of these creatures, plus llamas, sheep, pigs, bunnies, donkeys, even porcupines (also very cute!).
Located in River Falls (an hour west of Eau Claire), Eagle Eye is open year-round offering activities ranging from tours to alpaca/goat yoga to “walks with an alpaca.” That’s exactly as it sounds – you walk in a field with an alpaca that’s hooked up to halter. “Sometimes they’re a little naughty and don’t always follow – it kind of depends on the day,” says Harting.
Looking for other alpaca-petting opportunities? Here are four more Wisconsin farms with the fluffy animals.
Greenbriar Farm Alpaca
W237 S4344 BIG BEND RD., WAUKESHA
Visitors can “walk with the alpacas” and learn about their care for $5 per person. Guests can also browse a selection of alpaca fiber products made on-site. Call to schedule a visit: 262-970-9633.
Magic Willows Alpacas
6340 ARTHUR RD., HARTFORD
This farm offers guided tours and opportunities to interact with a herd. Open Wed-Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
London Dairy Alpacas
6827 STATE HWY 147, TWO RIVERS
Tours are offered daily. Visitors can also shop for handmade alpaca goods crafted from the farm’s fiber. Book a tour at londondairyalpacas.com.
Sabamba Alpaca Ranch
2338 HICKORY RD., DE PERE
Self-guided tours are available Fri-Sat, 9 a.m.-5 pm. Guided tours can be booked May-November at sabambaalpaca.com and 920-371-0003.
