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Who says you need to travel to the Scottish Highlands to meet one of the world’s most loveable cattle breeds?
With their long, shaggy coats, sweeping horns, and those irresistible fringed forelocks that fall right over their eyes, Highland cows have become one of the most sought-after farm animal experiences in the US.
And Florida, believe it or not, is a surprisingly great state to find them.
Whether you’re looking for a private cuddle session with a fluffy Highlander, a wagon ride through a herd, or a simple, laid-back farm visit with the family, there’s something on this list for everyone.
💡 PRO TIP: Most of these farms require reservations in advance, and weekend spots especially tend to sell out quickly. Always book ahead and check the farm’s official website or social media for the most current availability and pricing before you go.
1. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
- 📍 1208 County Rd 315, Melrose, FL 32666
- 🚗 About 1 hour from Jacksonville
- 🌐 rooterville.org
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary sits on 20 acres of peaceful farmland between Gainesville and Jacksonville in north-central Florida, and it’s home to one of the most intimate Highland cow experiences in the state.
The sanctuary’s herd — Jett, Penny, Phoebe, and Zoe — are at the heart of everything here.
Jett is the star: a breathtaking Highland steer who loves hugs, cheek scratches, and being the center of attention.
Penny is known for her enthusiastic kisses (watch your hair!), Phoebe loves resting her fluffy head right in your lap, and little Zoe is quickly becoming a snuggle pro.
Every session is private, meaning it’s just you and your group with the cows — no strangers, no crowds.
💡 PRO TIP: Rooterville also offers covered wagon glamping and RV camping on site — a wonderful way to extend your visit into a full overnight farm escape.
2. Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch
- 📍 8100 Jameson Farm Rd, Clermont, FL 34711
- 🚗 About 40 minutes from Walt Disney World, about 45–50 minutes from Downtown Orlando
- 🌐 whisperingoaksminiatureranch.com
If you’ve ever dreamed of being surrounded by dozens of fluffy Highland cows all at once, Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch near Orlando is the place to make that dream come true.
This working ranch in Clermont is home to more than 60 Miniature Highland cows, plus several other cow breeds and lovable mini donkeys.
The signature experience is the Mini Cow Safari: a 30-minute Conestoga Wagon ride through the ranch, with pasture stops where the cows come right up to the wagon for petting and photos.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the Highland breed, the differences between miniature cow varieties, and the cattle operation itself.
For an even more hands-on encounter, you can add on the Pet, Brush & Cuddle experience, which gives you dedicated one-on-one time with the fluffy calves and friendly Highland cows. Feed buckets are also available as an add-on.
3. Cow Creek Farm
- 📍 6802 Five Acre Rd, Plant City, FL 33565
- 🚗 About 30 minutes from Tampa and 1 hour from Disney World
- 🌐 cowcreekfarm.com
Cow Creek Farm in Plant City puts Scottish Highland cattle at the very center of the experience.
This family farm specializes in the breed and offers guided tours specifically focused on these distinctive, long-haired cattle — a rarity in itself.
Group sizes are kept intentionally small to ensure every visitor gets a personal, quality experience with the animals.
You’ll get to feed the Highland cattle directly and take a tractor ride across the working farm. Because spots are limited, advance booking is strongly recommended.
4. Feral Ranch
- 📍 840 Pineda Rd, Lake Helen, FL 32744
- 🚗 About 45 min to 1 hour from Orlando, about 40 minutes from Daytona Beach
- 🌐 feralranch.org
Feral Ranch in Lake Helen is one of the most accessible Highland cow experiences in central Florida — admission is free, with donations welcomed to support the animals and the ranch.
The ranch is open on Saturdays and Sundays.
During your visit, you can see the Highland cows and other resident animals such as goats and emus.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it an especially lovely option for families, first-time farm visitors, and anyone who just wants to spend a slow, happy morning with some very fluffy cows.
After your visit, there’s an on-site country store with more than 40 local vendors to browse.
5. Eastside Acres Ranch
- 📍 6740 Ideal Holding Rd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
- 🚗 About 1 hour from West Palm Beach
- 🌐 eastsideacres.com
Eastside Acres Ranch is a family-run farm spread across 21 picturesque acres in Port St. Lucie.
Scottish Highland cows are among the farm’s featured animals, and Cow Cuddles are listed as one of the signature experiences here.
During a farm visit tour, you’ll have the chance to feed, play with, and snuggle the Highland cows alongside an impressive lineup of other animals: alpacas, miniature horses, miniature donkeys and more.
The farm welcomes guests by reservation only, with public Farm Visit tours running on select days each month.
Private tours on both weekdays and weekends are also available for a more exclusive visit.
6. Dim Jandy Ranch
- 📍 13151 Pinto Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912
- 🚗 In Fort Myers — about 2 hours from Tampa
- 🌐 dimjandy.com
Dim Jandy Ranch in Fort Myers is best known for its goat yoga classes, but Highland cow fans will be happy to know the ranch is also home to Highland cattle.
Highland calf snuggling is offered as part of the ranch’s animal experience programs, with a minimum age requirement of 4 years old for participants.
It’s a smaller and more casual Highland encounter compared to some of the other farms on this list, but it’s a sweet experience — particularly for families already planning to enjoy the ranch’s other offerings.
7. Tiny Hiney Farm
- 📍 6251 Longhorn Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33905
- 🚗 In Fort Myers — about 2 hours from Tampa
- 🌐 tinyhineyfarm.com
Tiny Hiney Farm is a family-owned farm in Fort Myers, open since 2021 and home to Otis and LC — two miniature Highland cows standing just 31 and 32 inches tall.
Small in stature but enormous in personality, these fluffy Scottish beauties are the undisputed stars of the farm.
The farm offers 1-hour guided tours where you’ll get to meet and feed all the animals, including Otis and LC alongside miniature donkeys, pygmy goats, Bantam chickens, Bourbon Red turkeys, Pekin ducks, and more.
Tours are by reservation only — the farm recommends calling or texting ahead to schedule. With its miniature-sized animals and warm, family-run atmosphere, Tiny Hiney Farm is a particularly wonderful pick for young children.
8. J&S Legacy Ranch
- 📍 690 Pierce Arrow Rd, Pierson, FL 32180
- 🚗 About 1 hour 20 minutes from Orlando, about 45 minutes from Daytona Beach
- 🌐 jslegacyranch.squarespace.com
Set in the small town of Pierson, J&S Legacy Ranch is home to two Highland cows Boone and Weston.
Visits here are designed to be unhurried and immersive — no crowds, no rush, just genuine time spent with these big, gentle personalities.
For those who want to take their experience a step further, Ranch Photo Sessions are available — perfect for capturing portraits with these naturally photogenic Highlanders. Group experiences are also available.
Because this is a small, family-run ranch with limited capacity, following their Facebook page is the best way to stay up to date on open dates and availability.
9. Two Old Goats Farm & Playtime
- 📍 245 Lynne Drive, Hollister, FL 32147
- 🚗 About 45 minutes from Gainesville, about 1.5 hours from Jacksonville
- 🌐 twooldgoatsplaytime.com
Two Old Goats Farm & Playtime is a family farm tucked away in Hollister, in Putnam County.
The farm offers petting zoo experiences, pony rides, hay rides, and guided farm tours, and welcomes visitors for Farm Days, birthday parties, field trips, family reunions, and private events.
They have many animals including a couple of highland cows.
Map of the places where you can see Highland cows in Florida
