Since moving to Iowa last summer, one of the most fun things we have done is visiting Rusty Stars Alpaca. It's more than a half-hour from Ankeny but well worth the drive. Led by owners Kari and Aron, this place has such a good vibe. Their availability on the property makes the whole visit memorable, regardless of your age, your awareness of alpacas, or your experience with farm life. They have 42 alpacas and a llama on the property, and it is a unique experience to wander among them. Each of the alpacas has a name, looks different, and is interactive. As Kari described, they are "food-centric. " Being able to feed them from your hand was fun for this city boy. The alpacas have their own personalities, too. They have walking trips, too, but we refrained due to the snow and ice on a February day. We loved their gift shop, which was loaded with fun items and alpaca-themed apparel. I'm glad I bought a warm pair of valuable socks, which came in handy just a few days later! There is no paid admission to the property, just a suggested donation. The owners accept Venmo and cash. We were happy to contribute at the end. Aside from the obvious fun to mingle with alpacas, the owners elevate the entire experience, adding kindness, knowledge, and a great tone throughout. I wish everyone were as nice as Kari and Aron! Check out their social sites for fun photos and videos. read more

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I have visited Rusty Stars Alpacas 6-7 times now and had a wonderful experience each and every time. The owners of this small farm are so friendly, welcoming and passionate about their animals. They have 40+ alpacas and know each one by name, age and temperament. They patiently answer all visitors questions, which certainly are repeats. The alpacas are adorable and gentle, the owners will even help you get a selfie with them! Don't let the wether stop you from visiting, we were the only visitors on a cold January day and were able to hang out in the barn. It didn't occur to me until after we left how clean the barn, certainly these animals poop but I didn't see any. Did I mention the super cute gift shop with quality alpaca wool items? Love my new hat! read more

Rusty Stars Alpaca - Tractor - Attraction Farms Near Me - Winterset, Iowa

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This was such a fun experience! First timers & we loved it. The alpaca are well cared for. The oldest one being 19! So friendly, the alpaca & their owners. We got to learn about them, feed them, pet them, take pics with them. All & all it was a fun afternoon! The farm is very clean. 30 mins from Des Moines. Owners offered their house for the bathroom. Had a hand cleaning station outside for visitors. I definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a slow weekend event! Thanks Jenny for inviting me! read more

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More fun than I imagined. The owner was super friendly and gave us the rules upon entry. And then we hung out with the alpaca. They come to you so there isn't much work involved. I found a chair to sit in and was a little surprised when a nursing baby separated from mama and wondered up behind me. Very sweet moment. There isn't an entry fee, donation based. But please make a donation!! Also includes a small gift shop with alpaca made items. Good way to spend an hour. read more

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Such a sweet place. This was a truly lovely experience. The babies were adorable. I even picked up a cute toy for a special munchkin. Can't wait to give it to them. read more

It was very fun; the grandson had a ball going around feeding them as so did Grandma. I enjoyed talking with the owners about their Alpaca farm. I learned a lot. If you didn't want to feed them, you could sit down, and they would come to you wanting to be fed HA HA oh yeah don't forget their gift shop really neat stuff. read more

This is a peaceful place to spend part of a day not far from the metro. The owners are wonderful people and welcome you and your family with open arms to socialize with their alpacas. They educate you on the industry as well as each of their animals background and personality. It's a unique and heartwarming experience. Donations are accepted and a small gift shop is available. Watch their Facebook page or call to inquire about weekend hours. read more

Rusty Stars Alpaca - Attraction Farms Near Me - Winterset, Iowa

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This was a fun afternoon! You can tell the owners love and care for their alpacas! The animals were very friendly, and we even got to meet some babies! The owners were very happy to give fun facts, and extremely generous. The little shop had alpaca fiber hats, gloves, and socks. Plus all the cutest stuffy llamas and alpacas. It's the perfect afternoon activity for the whole family! read more

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I've been reading about this place for some time and looked forward to taking our five year old granddaughter there on a Saturday morning. So much fun! You are encouraged to feed the alpacas (food is available for free but there is a donation box) as long as you don't do so to the babies or the few wearing "necklaces" as they tend to be antisocial. The family that owns the property is welcoming and gracious and they are happy to educate you on their herd. There is also a small gift shop that has everything from inexpensive stickers to handcrafted items made from alpaca fiber. They have antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer and there is an indoor restroom (part of their house). We've been at many alpaca farms throughout the country and Rusty Stars is definitely on par with the best ones we've visited! read more

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Skip the pumpkin patches and goat yoga and take an alpaca on a hike to remember. Then when you are done with your hike stick around and feed the other alpacas and then just sit down and enjoy them in their area. read more

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We had a great afternoon visiting the alpaca farm. The owners are very friendly and knowledgeable. The alpacas were fun to watch and pet. They are extremely soft! It was very fun and informative. read more

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