Girl brushing a Scottish Highland cow at Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, Iowa

Highland Cow & Alpaca Encounters in Iowa

Connect with our gentlest farm residents and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether you're leading a peaceful alpaca through our pasture or getting up close with our majestic Highland Cows, our animal encounters offer something special for families and adventurers of all ages. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to teach respect, build confidence, and capture moments of pure joy. Both experiences happen right here on our family farm in Cambridge, Iowa, about 35 minutes from Des Moines and 20 from Ames. Make a day of it: after your session, wander the pumpkin patch, find your way through the corn maze, and fill a bag in the apple orchard.

Alpaca Trekking in Central Iowa

Step into a moment of pure magic with our Alpaca Trek. These gentle, curious companions make for unforgettable guides—leading one by halter through our rolling pasture south of the Discovery Barn is the kind of peaceful, personal experience that feels like a retreat. The best part? Every alpaca is an individual, with their own personality and charm. Complete your trek with a photo op that's Instagram gold (or just a treasure for your family album).

What to Expect:

20-minute guided walk
Up to 2 guests per alpaca
Weekend times: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. & 2 p.m.–3 p.m.

Pricing:

Ages 6–13: $10 + tax (must be accompanied by a paying adult)
Ages 14+: $20 + tax

All participants must sign a waiver.

Scottish Highland Cow Experience in Iowa

Meet our Scottish Highland Cows—magnificent, gentle giants with the most soulful eyes and fluffy coats you've ever felt. This intimate hands-on experience puts you in the pasture with these stunning animals, learning the skills that build trust: proper haltering, walking with confidence, grooming, and yes—those legendary Highland hugs.

It's more than a photo op (though the pictures are stunning). You'll learn what it takes to care for and handle these beautiful creatures, leaving with a deeper appreciation for farm life and maybe a little Highland heart forever changed.

What's Included:

Feed cup for each participant
Hands-on haltering and walking
Grooming & cuddles
Photo Opportunities
A moment of pure connection

Experience Details:

30 minutes, by request (let us know your preferred time)
$40 per person + tax
Ages 6+ (ages 6–13 must be accompanied by an adult throughout)
2–6 people per session (minimum 2, maximum 2 children per adult)
Close-toed shoes required; dress for a little mess and a lot of fun

All participants must sign a waiver.

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Come Meet Them

A fluffy Highland coat under your hand, or an alpaca walking beside you through the pasture. Pick your kind of afternoon and we'll save you a spot.

Alpaca Trekking

A 20-minute guided walk, up to 2 guests per alpaca. Sign up online.

Highland Cow Experience

30 hands-on minutes with our Scottish Highland Cows, by request. Tell us your preferred time.

Inquire Now

Animal Encounter Questions

Where can I meet Highland cows near Des Moines?

Right here at Center Grove Orchard in Cambridge, Iowa, about 35 minutes from Des Moines and 20 from Ames. Our Highland Cow Experience puts you in the pasture with our Scottish Highland Cows for a hands-on session.

Can you pet a Highland cow at the farm?

You can do a whole lot more than pet one. During the Highland Cow Experience you'll do the haltering and the walking, brush that famous fluffy coat, hand out a feed cup, and yes, get a Highland hug. Photo opportunities are part of the session.

How much does the Highland Cow Experience cost?

$40 per person plus tax for a 30-minute session. Sessions run by request, so let us know the time that works for you.

How much is alpaca trekking?

Ages 6 to 13 are $10 plus tax and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Ages 14 and up are $20 plus tax. That covers a 20-minute guided walk with up to 2 guests per alpaca.

When can we do the alpaca trek?

Weekends this fall, at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. You'll lead your alpaca through the pasture south of the Discovery Barn, with a photo op along the trail.

What ages can join?

The Highland Cow Experience is for ages 6 and up, and kids ages 6 to 13 need an adult with them the whole time. For alpaca trekking, ages 6 to 13 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

How many people can come at once?

Highland Cow sessions run 2 to 6 people, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 2 children per adult. Alpaca treks are up to 2 guests per alpaca.

What should we wear?

Close-toed shoes are required for the Highland Cow Experience, and it's worth dressing for a little mess and a lot of fun. Everyone signs a waiver before either experience.

How do we book?

Sign up for the alpaca trek online on our booking page. For the Highland Cow Experience, email eventcoordinator@centergroveorchard.com with your preferred time and we'll set it up.

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