This Hidden Farm Near Jacksonville Lets You Spend the Night With Highland Cows

Tucked away on Long Horn Road in the Jacksonville area, Hodges Hidden Highlands Farm is a small farm with a big personality. Fuzzy Highland cattle, a hug-happy llama, and a whole crew of barnyard buddies are waiting for you. You can stop by for an hour or stay the night in a cozy glamping tent.

Here are eight things that make this place feel like a secret worth sharing.

1. Highland Cattle Steal the Spotlight

Shaggy bangs, curved horns, and a coat that looks like a rusty-orange mop. Highland cattle are the stars here, and they know it.

Picture a breed built for chilly Scottish hills, now living under the Florida sun. It is a funny sight, and it makes for photos you will want to post right away.

Visitors say the animals are easy to be around, and families with toddlers felt comfortable letting little ones wander. Staff members stay close and show you how to greet each animal politely. Stand still, let them sniff your hand, and wait for the friendly nudge.

Here is a fun fact: those long, wavy locks are a double coat. The outer layer sheds rain, while the soft under layer keeps warmth in. In Florida, the herd gets shade and care to stay comfortable.

One guest described a morning getting up close with the Highland cattle as unlike any experience her family had ever had. That kind of reaction is common at this farm.

Bring a camera with a good zoom and a phone with lots of storage. You will take more pictures than you expect. Wear shoes you do not mind getting a little dusty, because the pasture is real farmland and not a polished petting zoo.

Go early in the day if you can. Mornings are cooler, the light is gorgeous, and the cattle tend to be calm and curious.

2. Ollie the Llama Has Zero Personal Space

Ask around about this farm and one name keeps popping up: Ollie. This llama has never met a stranger, and he proves it with hugs, nudges, and curious sniffs.

The owners joke that Ollie has no concept of personal space. Guests agree. One family said he welcomed them with a hug the moment they walked in.

Another visitor spent time relaxing in the backyard pool while Ollie tried to nibble her hair. That is the kind of silly moment you will not find at a regular attraction.

A quick tip: llamas read body language well. Move slowly, keep your hands low, and let him come to you. If he leans in, you are officially part of his circle.

Ollie is also a great icebreaker for shy kids. A tall, fluffy animal with big eyes and a goofy face can turn nerves into giggles in about ten seconds.

Do not wear dangling jewelry or long loose strings, since curious llama lips love to investigate. Tie back long hair if you want to keep it dry and tidy.

Plan on spending extra time with him. Many guests say he was the highlight of the whole trip, and you may end up agreeing.

3. Glamping Tents Under the Florida Stars

Imagine zipping open a tent flap and finding a rooster as your alarm clock. That is the overnight magic at this farm, and it is easier than roughing it in the woods.

One guest celebrated her 56th birthday glamping here alone with the animals. She called the tent very cozy and said it gave her the best relaxation she had enjoyed in a very long time.

Glamping means you get the outdoor feel without hauling gear. Beds, comfort, and a setting that smells like hay and fresh air are part of the package.

Evenings are all about slowing down. Listen for frogs, watch the pasture settle, and let the day wind down at a pace city life rarely allows.

Pack a few smart extras. Bug spray, a flashlight, a light jacket for cooler months, and a portable fan for summer nights will make your stay smoother.

Remember that this is a working farm. Animals make noise, roosters crow early, and that is part of the charm.

Call ahead at 904-226-7378 or check the farm website to ask about booking details, since overnight spots are limited and popular with families and friends.

4. Bottle Feeding Baby Animals

Few things beat the tug of a hungry baby animal on a bottle. At this farm, you can actually do it, and the grins on guests’ faces say everything.

One visitor, who described herself as a hard critic of how animals are treated, said the love for the animals here clearly shows. She and her husband loved bottle feeding a couple of them.

Bottle time is a calm, hands-on moment. You hold on, the little one gets its meal, and for a minute the rest of the world fades out.

A birthday party host mentioned that bottle feeding several animals was a big hit with the kids. It gives everyone a job, which keeps the group engaged.

Listen closely to the staff before you start. They will show you how to hold the bottle at the right angle and how firm to be, because eager eaters can be surprisingly strong.

Wash or sanitize your hands afterward, since you will have been around lots of animals. Bringing wipes is a smart move.

Try to book a visit when feeding is offered, and ask about timing when you call. It is the kind of memory kids bring up for months.

5. A Whole Barnyard of Friends

Highland cattle and a llama are only the beginning. One family counted goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, roosters, a tortoise, ducks, dogs, and even a peacock during a single morning.

That variety keeps the visit lively. If one animal gets bored of your attention, another one is ready to step in.

Kids tend to find a favorite fast. Some bond with the soft rabbits, while others chase after the ducks or study the slow, steady tortoise.

Reviewers noted the animals were remarkably friendly. A couple with a two-year-old and a four-year-old said both children were fully engaged and felt safe walking freely around the animals.

Still, keep an eye on little ones. Gentle hands, quiet voices, and slow steps help every animal stay relaxed.

Here is a small trick: carry a notebook or use your phone to jot down names. Many animals have big personalities and funny nicknames, and kids love remembering them.

Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can handle a bit of dirt. You might get a nuzzle, a feather, or a smudge of hay, and that is exactly how a farm day should go.

6. Short Visits Still Feel Like a Win

Not ready for a whole night? A one hour experience might be your sweet spot. One family said it was worth every minute, and their daughter was already asking to go back.

This option works well for busy schedules, toddlers with short attention spans, or anyone testing the waters before committing to more.

Within that hour, you can meet animals, snap photos, and enjoy the farm’s cheerful setting. Staff members guide the flow, so you are not left guessing what to do next.

One review praised the friendly owners and called the whole family experience a great time. Another visitor mentioned the staff were attentive and offered drinks for kids on a hot day.

Heat matters in Florida, so plan around it. Morning slots are often the most comfortable, and a refillable water bottle and sun hat go a long way.

Arrive a few minutes early so you do not eat into your animal time. Put phones on silent and enjoy being present.

If the hour flies by, and it probably will, you can always book a longer stay next time. Many guests do exactly that.

7. Birthday Parties and Cabana Days

Forget the bounce house. One parent hosted her daughters’ birthday here and said it was the best time, with the animals as the main attraction.

The party included rented cabanas, bottle feeding, and pizza for lunch. Very little decoration was needed because the farm is already adorable.

Heat was a factor on an unusually hot October day, but the team supplied fans for the cabanas. That small touch gave everyone a comfortable break.

The same guest praised the host and helpers for handling last minute needs. That kind of flexibility can make a party feel smooth instead of stressful.

If you are planning one, think about timing. Early gatherings dodge the worst heat, and a clear schedule keeps energetic kids happy.

Bring a simple cake, napkins, and extra sunscreen. Let the farm supply the wow factor.

Groups of friends also enjoy this setup. One visitor spent an amazing day with friends and said she was already planning to return with even more people.

Call 904-226-7378 to ask about availability and what is included before you lock in a date.

8. Staff Who Feel Like Family

Plenty of places have cute animals. Fewer have people who make you feel like you belong, and that is what keeps guests coming back here.

Visitors mention staff by name and call them sweet, welcoming, and attentive. One guest said Mallory made her group feel so welcome, and the owners replied that they absolutely love her.

Another family said what began as a birthday surprise grew into a lifetime of visits. They described the owners as people who teach you and let you be part of the farm.

That teaching style matters. You will learn how to approach animals, how they behave, and why each one has its own quirks.

The farm also hosts events, and one family called them some of the most fun things they had done since moving to Florida. Crime night even got a mention from a returning guest.

With a perfect five star rating across 15 reviews, the praise is consistent. Folks keep describing the place as a hidden gem.

Head over to 1683 Long Horn Rd and bring your curiosity. Ask questions, listen to the stories, and you will likely leave with new friends, both human and fuzzy.