Rolling Ridge Ranch

Rolling Ridge Ranch pamphlet
Originally uploaded by monkbuddy.

Yesterday, we visited one of my favorite places, Rolling Ridge Ranch, near Berlin, Ohio, here in Amish country. Our group had about 21 people and a few babies, as well. Other than one of our people originally being charged for her babies (under 3 are free), it was a wonderful field trip! She did get a refund for the 2 little ones.

The weather forecast said rain and thunderstorms, but we daringly ventured out anyway. Our courage was rewarded with even a few moments of sunshine forcing its way through the clouds. Except for a few drops, the rain and storms held off until later in the afternoon. We fit the entire group on one wagon, drawn by 2 very large horses.

Although there were school groups ahead of us, most of the animals were still quite hungry and happily approached the wagon to eat from our buckets. There were quite a few unusual, exotic animals to feed: a female watusi, ostriches and emus, water buffalo, zebra, a zedonk (half-donkey, half-zebra), a huge donkey, a number of different cattle-type animals with extremely large horns, pot-bellied pigs, more that I don't recall, along with the many varieties of deer, ducks, geese, etc. Most of them stick their heads right into the buckets the kids hold to get the food, and some of them force their giant heads underneath the benches to lick the food from the floor under our feet. It was great! Such close encounters you won't find many places.

Rolling Ridge also has a petting zoo with African pygmy goats, sheep, chickens and other farm animals to pet and feed. There were ducklings and bunnies for the children to hold, and quite a few animals in cages to be viewed, such as exotic birds from China, marmosets, monkeys, an alligator and more.

The small gift shop has a few animal-themed souvenirs and the like, no real food products. You definitely have to bring your own lunch to eat in the picnic area. A small playground sits right in the middle of the action and was generally full of schoolchildren while we were there. The staff there have always been quite friendly as well.

Because it is run by the Amish, you'll need to bring cash or check to pay, and, as one person in our group found, there is no place to plug in your videocamera, so be sure it's charged already.
The group rate for 15 or more is $6.50 each. Be sure you have that number or they will charge you the regular rate of $12.75/adults, $7.75/children and seniors. You can also drive your own car through for $8.00/adults and $5.00/children and seniors.
Open Mon-Sat, 9-5, mid-April to mid-October

Their phone number is 330-893-3777