Natural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg is a gem. The 78-acre ranch that runs along White Lick Creek is the biggest ranch in Hendricks County for horseback riding. It is also known for events like Bountiful Babies (a spring event celebrating the baby animals born on the farm), a Candy Cane Hunt, and Cookies and Cocoa with Santa during the holidays.
But there’s much more to Natural Valley Ranch than horses and seasonal activities. Families could spend several hours or a full day out at the ranch, learning about animals and enjoying each other’s company.
Visit with Animals
The petting zoo includes a variety of farm and domestic animals, such as miniature goats, chickens, miniature horses, rabbits, sheep, pigs, cats and dogs. The ranch welcomes snacks for the animals: stale bread, stale cookies, fruits and vegetables that are a few days ripe are favorites. They only ask for donations at the interaction areas, and families are able to go inside the pens and hold their favorite animal. The animals’ personalities shine when children interact with them.
Go on a Horseback Ride at Natural Valley Ranch
Trail rides are available with a reservation. Natural Valley Ranch offers 30-minute and 60-minute guided trail rides for groups of six or fewer. Children 5 years of age and older can participate in a trail ride, but for younger kids, there are pony rides for $5 per person.
Natural Valley Ranch also offers horseback riding lessons for kids ages 5 and older. During the lessons, students learn about horse safety, how to groom and saddle horses, horse behaviors and how to ride on the trail and in the arena. More advanced classes include teaching students how to be comfortable and confident on a horse. And eventually, working toward owning a horse, and learning how to show their horse in the competition.
Pony Rides at Natural Valley Ranch
Natural Valley Ranch also offers pony rides for younger kids. Each pony ride is $5. Make sure to call in advance to reserve your time.
Try a Day Camp
The ranch also offers spring break, summer break and fall break camps for horse enthusiasts who want to spend the day learning how to care for and ride horses. Camps fill up fast, so check back often to see about availability.
Spend the Night at the Natural Valley Ranch
Unique to the ranch is their special facilities. Natural Valley Ranch has a cottage and cabin available for rent, as well as space for birthday parties, family reunions and getaway retreats. When you stay for a few days or a week, guests are able to spend time with the animals, fish down at the three-acre stocked lake or hike among the trails throughout the property. They also have options to cook indoors, outdoors or over an open fire near the lake. Related Article: 5 Indiana Farm Stays – Spend the Night on a Working Farm
More Information
Natural Valley Ranch is located at 6310 County Rd 350 N. in Brownsburg. Daily activities at Natural Valley Ranch are often dependent upon weather and schedules. Call to verify what will be available during your trip and to reserve a trail ride or longer stay. To learn more about Natural Valley Ranch, visit hendrickscountytrailrides.com.
[…] purposes.Address: 6310 County Rd 350, Brownsburg Distance from Indianapolis: 30 minutesNatural Valley Ranch in Brownsburg is a gem. The 78-acre ranch that runs along White Lick Creek is the biggest ranch in Hendricks […]