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Florida is not exactly known for shaggy cattle built for cold Scottish hills, yet a surprising number of farms here raise them. Highland cows, with their long bangs and curved horns, have become some of the most loved farm animals in the state.
The best part is that many small family farms let you feed, brush, and even cuddle them. Here are ten spots from Jacksonville to Pine Island where you can meet these fluffy celebrities in person.
1. Cow Creek Farm, Plant City, FL
Plant City may be famous for strawberries, but one farm off Five Acre Road has made shaggy cattle its specialty. Cow Creek Farm got its start in late 2015 and focuses on Scottish Highland cattle, from breeding to brushing.
The family behind it works on halter training and plenty of head rubs, aiming for the happiest and fluffiest Highlands around. Visitors book a tour to see that work up close, and sticking around for a photo is encouraged.
Tours are both entertaining and educational. After learning about the breed, guests ride back to the adult cows for feeding time, with plenty of time to hand out snacks.
The farm is kept clean, and the herd looks healthy and well cared for. Other animals live here too, and baby goats sometimes join the lineup.
Plan for a weekend trip, since the farm is open Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Parking is free on site, and a gender-neutral restroom is available.
2. Eastside Acres Ranch, Port St. Lucie, FL
Treasure Coast families looking for a break from the beach have a fuzzy alternative on Ideal Holding Road. Eastside Acres Ranch is a family-run Highland cow farm with a hands-on, interactive setup.
Along with the Highlands, you can meet alpacas, llamas, goats, sheep, a donkey, and a horse. Staff share facts about the animals as you go and hand out treats for feeding.
Here is the budget-friendly part. Admission is reasonably priced and includes the cost of feeding the cows, sheep, alpacas, and goats.
Small cuddle experiences are also offered, letting you hold a young calf, piglets, or a goat for a few extra dollars. It is the kind of add-on kids talk about for weeks.
The ranch also hosts birthday parties and events at its venue. On-site parking makes the visit easy.
3. Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch, Clermont, FL
Think Highland cow, then shrink it down. Whispering Oaks Miniature Ranch in Clermont breeds mini Highland and HighPark cattle, including HiBelts and Panda-marked crosses.
The goal is pet-level temperaments paired with registered or registrable genetics. That makes these small cows especially easygoing around people.
Miniature donkeys are the other stars of the ranch. The owners call them the most loving mini donkeys in Florida, which is a bold and delightful claim.
A Mini Cow Safari experience is in the works, and newsletter subscribers get first access to dates. Keep an eye on the website if you want an early spot.
Hours are short, so plan ahead. The ranch is open Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to noon, with a restroom and on-site parking.
4. The Fluffy Cow Café, St. Augustine, FL
Slow down is basically the motto on State Road 16. The Fluffy Cow Café describes itself as a place to unplug and connect with animals in a relaxed setting.
Gentle encounters with baby Highland cows are the main draw. Lambs, goats, pigs, sheep, a donkey, and a pair of turkeys round out the crew.
Sessions are informative, so you leave knowing more about the animals than when you arrived. The café also supports community, conservation, and local jobs.
Timing matters here. It is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, and Saturday plus Sunday afternoons get busy, while Friday evening tends to be the quietest.
Friday hours stretch to 6 PM and Saturday to 7 PM. A free parking lot sits on site.
5. The Rustic Ranch, New Smyrna Beach, FL
Beach town by day, barnyard on Saturdays. The Rustic Ranch on State Road 415 opens to the public Saturday from 9 AM to 3 PM, with weekday visits available by appointment.
Mini and dwarf animals fill the property. You will find miniature Highland cows, goats, sheep, mini donkeys, mini horses, and chickens.
Feeding is a big part of the fun, and a feed option covering all the animals has run around 15 dollars. The staff are friendly and keep interactions safe for both kids and animals.
A general store, plus games and activities for children and adults, gives you more to do between pets. RV stays are even offered for anyone wanting a true ranch getaway.
6. Cada Farms – Farm Stand, Brooksville, FL
A self-serve farm stand is the first thing that sets this Brooksville stop apart. Cada Farms is a small private farm in Hernando County built around a sustainable lifestyle.
The Highland cows appear on scheduled farm tours, where feeding and petting are part of the plan. Cow cuddles are a popular option, and other farm animals often join in.
Tours are private, so the pace stays relaxed. The farm also hosts birthdays and parties.
Book ahead, since the animal side is set up around scheduled visits. The stand lists daily hours of 10 AM to 6 PM.
7. Tiny Hiney Farm, Fort Myers, FL
The name alone earns a spot on this list. Tiny Hiney Farm sits on the rural edge of Fort Myers and runs private guided tours and educational visits.
A Highland cow lives among a big variety of residents. Mini horses, zebu cattle, donkeys, tiny goats, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, turkeys, and chickens all call the farm home.
Tours go beyond petting. Guests hear the history of the property and how each animal came to live there, then help with feeding.
Homeschool groups, birthday parties, and even date nights are welcome. There is on-site parking and a gender-neutral restroom.
8. Green Thumb Ranch, Bokeelia, FL
Pine Island is quiet, green, and a little off the usual tourist path. At its northern tip in Bokeelia, Green Thumb Ranch offers a laid-back animal visit.
Highland cows often steal the show. Babydoll sheep, affectionate donkeys, and chickens share the property.
Coffee is part of the experience, and farm fresh eggs are available to buy before you head home. The ranch also hosts special gatherings, such as mom and kids meetups.
Note the unusual schedule. It opens Sunday through Friday from 9 AM to 7 PM and closes on Saturdays.
9. Dim Jandy Ranch, Fort Myers, FL
Goat yoga gets most of the attention here, but two Highland cows quietly win people over. Dim Jandy Ranch is a small Fort Myers property focused on connection and wellness.
Snuggling sessions let families get close to goats and the Highlands. Donkeys, chickens, and very friendly barn cats add to the welcome.
G.O.A.T. Yoga with instructors, an overnight Airbnb stay, and ranch merchandise are also on offer.
The ranch serves visitors from Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Naples.
Every experience is by reservation only. Book before you drive over.
10. Hodges Hidden Highlands Farm, Jacksonville, FL
Few farms pack in this many activities. Hodges Hidden Highlands Farm in western Jacksonville runs farm tours, Story Time on the Farm, Farm Fridays, crafts, and bottle feedings.
Highland cattle headline a crowd that includes llamas, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, ducks, a tortoise, dogs, and a peacock. Bottle feeding a few of them is a favorite moment.
Want to stay longer? Glamping in yurts with animals on site is available through Airbnb.
The farm is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 7 PM and closed Sunday. Parking is free.
From Jacksonville to Pine Island, these farms prove Florida has plenty of room for fluffy cows. Pick the one closest to you and bring snacks for the herd.
