While Cleveland itself may be rather disconnected from its agricultural past, the surrounding area is still very much in touch with its roots. An astonishing one half of Ohio is farmland, and there are some surprising farms here. In addition to traditional staples like corn and soybeans, you may spot goat farms, lavender farms, and even an elk farm near Cleveland. The latter can be toured, and it’s an incredible experience for visitors of all ages.

These may look like your average, run-of-the-mill deer, but these guys are actually some of the largest members of the deer family.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Elk was once a common name in Europe to describe the moose. As is true with the American Robin (which is named after the European Robin but is not closely related to it), the name early European explorers bestowed upon this large species of deer permanently stuck.

Elk venison is a meat many Americans have come to prefer, and its found in abundance at Bonnie Brae Farm.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Bonnie Brae Farm is located in Wellington and has been under the loving operation of the same family for over 120 years.

The animals raised at this local farm are humanely treated and healthy, and as a result, some two dozen elk calves are born at the farm each year.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook What makes “factory farm” style meat bad for you? Well, excess consumption of grains causes health and weight problems, which leads to an increased dose of antibiotics in sick and diseased animals. When you eat meat, you’re actually consuming traces of those drugs that you, as a healthy human, do not need. You won’t have to worry about that here! The elk at Bonnie Brae Farm are grass-fed, with no grains or hormones.

While nothing quite compares to seeing photos of happy, healthy animals enjoying their environment, there’s much to be said for experiencing this in person!

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook This enchanting farm actually opens to the public for tours, allowing you to get closer to these gorgeous critters than ever before.

You’ll adore the charm of a working farm, and you’ll be blown away by how big these guys are in real life.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Elk typically weigh several hundred pounds and stand at around 4.5 to 5 feet in height, but this varies depending on the individual. Only the males have antlers, which they shed each winter and grow again in the spring.

2019 tours will be offered in October, which is an absolutely magical time to visit the farm.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Mark your calendars for October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. The farm will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Private group tours can also be accommodated, and these run at $10 per person for a minimum of 15 people.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Looking for the perfect place to host this year’s team-building event with your coworkers? Planning a school field trip? Wagon rides can accommodate up to 35 people, and tours are wheelchair accessible. Click here to plan your tour!

Bring some spending money during your visit, because you’ll find elk-themed goodies at their gift shop.

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook In addition to goodies, you can also stock up on the farm’s produce. Venison meat can be ordered for humans to enjoy, and you can even treat your furry friend to an antler chew. These last for months and won’t splinter, so they’re perfect for super-chewer dogs.

You’ll love taking a tour at Greater Cleveland’s most unexpected farm!

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook Address: 27717 Quarry Road, Wellington, OH, 44090

There’s much to do at this elk farm near Cleveland, from feeding the elk to unwinding on a wagon ride. Have you ever visited Bonnie Brae Elk Farm?

Bonnie Brae Farm Tours/Facebook

Elk was once a common name in Europe to describe the moose. As is true with the American Robin (which is named after the European Robin but is not closely related to it), the name early European explorers bestowed upon this large species of deer permanently stuck.

Bonnie Brae Farm is located in Wellington and has been under the loving operation of the same family for over 120 years.

What makes “factory farm” style meat bad for you? Well, excess consumption of grains causes health and weight problems, which leads to an increased dose of antibiotics in sick and diseased animals. When you eat meat, you’re actually consuming traces of those drugs that you, as a healthy human, do not need. You won’t have to worry about that here! The elk at Bonnie Brae Farm are grass-fed, with no grains or hormones.

This enchanting farm actually opens to the public for tours, allowing you to get closer to these gorgeous critters than ever before.

Elk typically weigh several hundred pounds and stand at around 4.5 to 5 feet in height, but this varies depending on the individual. Only the males have antlers, which they shed each winter and grow again in the spring.

Mark your calendars for October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27. The farm will be open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for the perfect place to host this year’s team-building event with your coworkers? Planning a school field trip? Wagon rides can accommodate up to 35 people, and tours are wheelchair accessible. Click here to plan your tour!

In addition to goodies, you can also stock up on the farm’s produce. Venison meat can be ordered for humans to enjoy, and you can even treat your furry friend to an antler chew. These last for months and won’t splinter, so they’re perfect for super-chewer dogs.

Address: 27717 Quarry Road, Wellington, OH, 44090

Love farm life? You will definitely want to get lost in these Cleveland corn mazes.

Do you love to explore Cleveland’s tourist attractions? Check them out!

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