easy
2 hours
Light walking on gentle terrain; suitable for most ages and fitness levels
Discover the Barn Sanctuary Private Tour in Chelsea, Michigan—a two-hour immersive experience connecting visitors with rescued farm animals in a peaceful rural setting. Learn why this compassionate animal rescue stands out as a unique addition to Michigan’s outdoor recreation scene.
All Ages • 2 Hours
2 Hours
Consider a private tour with founder Tom McKernan for a personalized visit at Barn Sanctuary. Gain insights on the residents, hear rescue stories, and get an exclusive experience.
Each tour is 2 hours long. If you don't see a time that works for your group, please reach out to Tom at tom@barnsanctuary.org.
A: You will be taken from species to species and enter some of the pastures. We'll tell you their stories, including from where they came, how they were rescued, and whom they have become since.
A: Yes, the tour is around one mile long on rough terrain and includes walking on uneven ground and up and down hills. We encourage individuals with disabilities who may have special accommodation requests to contact us prior to booking. We want all of our visitors to have a safe and positive experience and will do our best to provide a reasonable accommodation.
A visit to the sanctuary is appropriate for children age 6 and above. They should be able to walk on their own for significant distances. They will see all sorts of animals and be able to interact with our goats. The sanctuary is an environment of respect and compassion, and there are no graphic pictures.
A: You will not go into the living spaces of our cow or pig residents, but you may be able to greet them over the fence. You will not go into the chicken or turkey coops at this time, (because of the ongoing Avian Flu threat throughout the United States) but you will likely get to see them in their outdoor spaces.
A: Many of our animals are on special diets, so please do not feed any food to the animals at the sanctuary.
A: For the safety and comfort of our rescued animals, staff, volunteers, and visitors, dogs and other animals are not allowed on any part of the sanctuary grounds. Registered service animals are the only exception to this rule and must be kept on-leash at all times. Contacting us in advance is strongly encouraged to assist us in preparing appropriate accommodations for the service animal upon arrival.
A: Yes, but please do not include meat, eggs, dairy, or animal by-products out of respect for the animals. You may be asked to put your food back in the car for consumption elsewhere if it does not meet these criteria.
Tours are private and limited, so reserving ahead ensures you get the full personalized experience.
The sanctuary grounds include pastures and trails that can be uneven; sturdy shoes help you explore with ease.
Michigan weather can shift; dress in layers to stay comfortable during your two-hour tour.
Though curious and friendly, always follow staff guidance for interacting with animals to ensure safety for all.
The Barn Sanctuary was founded in 2010 with a mission to rescue and provide a safe haven for farm animals in Michigan.
The sanctuary practices sustainable farming and educates visitors on ethical animal care and environmental responsibility.
Necessary for navigating pasture trails and varied terrain comfortably.
Weather in Michigan can change quickly; layers keep you comfortable throughout your visit.
Stay hydrated during warmer months while touring outdoors.
summer specific
Capture memorable moments interacting with animals and the scenic sanctuary grounds.