Rusty Bucket Acres

So glad I visited here! It was amazing feeding and learning about the animals. And the best part was petting and sitting with the animals. It really is therapy. The goats snuggle right up next to you, sometimes on you! There was even a snuggly cow named Dave! Definitely worth a visit. The animals here are truly well cared for and loved.

If you have not had a chance to visit Rusty Bucket Acres, you MUST put it on your Bucket list (pun intended. LOL). Whether you live in Stillwater, MN, or live in Seattle, Washington - a visit to RBA is a must. The moment you drive up to RBA, you know that you are in for an experience to remember. Lorna and Shelly greet you with big smiles, positive energy and true joy in sharing the amazing animal sanctuary they have worked hard to build, grow, and maintain. The animals are the true stars on this farm. Each one of them has a gift just waiting to be shared. Maybe it is a hug from Zeke (one of the mini donkeys), or for you to kick back and lay on Dave (the mini cow) or let Kenny (one of the goats) snuggle up against you - you will be loved. These animals can pick up on how you are feeling, and they offer the healing capabilities they have to offer. Pull up a mat in the pasture and just let yourself relax. I have had the honor of volunteering AND visiting the farm multiple times and every time is a new experience. I'm so thankful to live close enough to visit as often as I would like. Make sure RBA is on your list too!

Tips for when you visit:
1. Dress for a visit to a farm with LIVE ANIMALS: Know you will be licked, rubbed up against, sat on and loved on by animals. You will get dirty, and it is fantastic!
2. Don't be afraid of the animals: These animals are worked with every day, and they know you are there to learn and love. Let yourself love on them - let them love on you.
3. Help keep the farm up and running: It is not mandatory to donate, but I strongly encourage to do so. Whether it is $10 or $100, every dollar is spent to keep this sanctuary available for others to experience. If you can't give money, they also love when people want to come and volunteer.
4. Most importantly - have fun! It is an experience you will always remember!

We had a great time hugging and petting all these fun and plucky animals, truly heart warming! But the most important take away is that there are generous loving people like Lorna and Shelly who have taken these animals under their care and made this a labor of love. There is real soul in what they do and I hope they get the support they need to continue to give these animals good lives.

If you happen to come across this place and you're considering it, trust me, you'll be glad you went. I can't say enough good things. Our family had such a great time. They are so welcoming and fun, the animals are all very social and comfortable with people. Make sure to wear appropriate shoes!

UNBELIVEABLE! What an absolute dream! We played with donkeys, a horse, a mini horse, cows, goats, ducks, chickens and puppies!! It was a place I didn't want to leave, I think I had more fun then my kids did! If you are looking for an educational, fun, and unique farm experience look no further. The love and compassion these ladies have for their animals is so obvious and the animals share it right back! We (especially me!) cannot WAIT to return!
These animals deserve all the visits and love!! And the owners are so unbelievably kind and invested in educating their visitors. I wish we would have found them sooner.
Tips: Make sure to wear closed toes shoes/boots and long pants. This is a TRUE farm experience and hands on!

My son is obsessed with animals so we decided to visit Rusty Bucket for his birthday and I know it is one none of us will forget. We all had such an incredible time. Not only did my kids have “the best day of their life” but all the adults enjoyed it just as much. The staff was so sweet (and very funny) and the animals were all so gentle and friendly. Truly a unique experience-can’t wait to go back!

My wife and stumbled across RBA and it was one of the best experiences we have had together. Lorna and Shelly were so amazingly kind, funny and informative. They have a very special heart for these amazing creatures. It's heaven on earth!!

Best Animal Farm Hands Down! We are so glad we found RBA. My kids and I had a wonderful time. The animals are friendly as well as the owners!

What a great experience! Our family had so much fun and learned a lot. If you want a personalized experience, an opp to get up close with a variety of different animals from people who love their animals beyond measure this is the place!!

This is a one of a kind experience with farm animals you will never forget. Reservations Required. Smaller Groups Preferred.

This farm was a great experience for our family. The owners were really great to talk with and welcoming