While searching for things to keep a five-year-old entertained, I came across the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch in Coeur d’Alene. According to TripAdvisor, the alpaca farm tour is the number one thing to do in CDA. The 90-minute tour is $10/adult and $5/child and very informative. The owner, Sonia, started with a brief lecture about alpacas (there are 22 different colors of alpacas), and then her husband Andy took us on a tour of the 40-acre ranch.
Sonia giving her talk in the lecture hall (converted garage)
Malcolm got to see a variety of farm animals. We started with miniature donkeys. They are about the same size as Malcolm and he was a bit skeptical about petting them.
Oliver & Olivia, miniature donkeys
While everyone was oohing and ahhing over the cute mini donkeys, Andy called to the horses and they came galloping over the hill. They have standard and miniature horses.
Next, it was off to see the headliners: the alpacas. We were cautioned not to hug them or get in a stare down because they will spit.
Watering the lawn
Heading out to pasture for a day of grazing
We also got to see chickens, goats, sheep and a couple of llamas.
One old sheep pretending to be an alpaca
Andy and Sonia lived in Alaska for 30 years before relocating to CDA. Out in the pasture, they built a small replica Alaskan cache. They don’t store food in it, but their grandchildren enjoy using it as a playhouse.
After all that livestock petting, we had a trip through the handwashing station and were then invited to visit the gift shop.
It was a fun and informative tour and exposed Malcolm to some other animals not found on Papa & Grandma’s farm.
Gratuitous cute grandson photo