Bozeman: Alpaca & Llama Farm Tour with Hands-On Animal Time

Summary

Bozeman farm animals up close alpacas llamas dogs chickens and more

You’ll walk right onto a working Bozeman alpaca & llama farm: feed treats by hand, halter gentle animals (with some trial and error), maybe even meet newborn crias or spot eagles overhead. Kids can get muddy; adults might laugh at themselves trying to say “cria.” You’ll leave with a simple souvenir—and probably some hay on your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped right out of the car and I could already hear this odd mix of gentle humming (that’s the alpacas, apparently) and the low woofing from Chili, Hazel, and Finn — three enormous Anatolian dogs who turned out to be total sweethearts. Our guide, Sarah, waved us in with a smile and handed out little buckets of feed. The smell was a mix of hay, dust, and something I can only describe as “wooly.” It’s not a petting zoo — everything felt lived-in, real. There were chickens darting between our feet, and Jill the cat made this dramatic entrance like she owned the place.

I’d never haltered an alpaca before (it’s trickier than it looks). Sarah showed us how to do it without spooking them — she said you have to move slow so they trust you. One of the babies (a cria — learned that word today) nuzzled my hand when I crouched down. My nephew tried to pronounce “cria” but gave up halfway and just giggled. We even got to give one a quick bath since it was warm out — their fur is softer than I expected, almost like holding a cloud if clouds were slightly damp and snorted sometimes.

There’s no paved path here; it’s gravel and dirt under your shoes, which I actually liked. Made me feel part of the whole thing instead of just watching from behind a fence. At one point Sarah pointed out deer in the field beyond the barn, and someone spotted a bald eagle overhead — Montana showing off again. They warned us about watching our step (“alpacas don’t care where they go,” Sarah joked), which made sense after I nearly stepped in something best left undescribed.

Before we left, everyone picked out a little keychain or sticker from this old wooden box by the barn door — nothing fancy but somehow perfect for remembering the day. On the drive back through Bozeman I kept thinking about that baby alpaca’s nose pressed into my palm. If you’re looking for something polished or predictable, this isn’t it. But honestly? That’s what made it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hands-on alpaca and llama farm visit

• Meet alpacas and llamas
• Feed treats to animals
• Learn to halter and handle alpacas
• Give alpacas baths if warm
• Meet baby alpacas and moms
• See guard dogs and other farm animals
• Take photos with alpacas
• Pick souvenir keychain or sticker

Top questions

Is this Bozeman alpaca & llama farm tour suitable for young children?

Yes, kids are welcome but must be supervised at all times for safety around animals.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on the tour?

Yes, though terrain is gravel/dirt; all-terrain options are recommended for easier access.

How long does the farm tour last?

The experience lasts about one hour or slightly longer depending on group pace.

Are there restrooms available at the farm?

No public restroom is available on site; plan accordingly before arrival.

What animals will we see besides alpacas and llamas?

You may meet Turkish Anatolian guard dogs, chickens, horses (seasonal), deer, squirrels, eagles, and Jill the cat.

Do we get to touch or feed the alpacas during this tour?

Yes! You’ll feed treats by hand and can help halter or bathe alpacas with guidance from your host.

Is there any souvenir included in this Bozeman farm tour?

Yes—a keychain or sticker is included as a keepsake at the end of your visit.

Can infants join this Bozeman alpaca & llama experience?

Infants are welcome; prams/strollers can be used but terrain is uneven in places.

What’s included

Your visit includes hands-on time with alpacas and llamas—feeding them treats by hand—plus meeting other resident animals like Anatolian guard dogs and chickens (and maybe horses if it’s their season). You’ll get guidance from your local host throughout, plenty of photo ops across the working farm grounds, and finish up with your choice of keychain or sticker as a small souvenir before heading back into Bozeman.