Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

A real working rescue farm just minutes from downtown Bryson City. Meet goats, sheep, lambs, rabbits, and more, most of them rescues with stories behind them. $10 per person covers the whole day with unlimited come-and-go access. One of the best deals in town for families.

About Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

Just a short drive from downtown Bryson City, Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo is exactly what it sounds like, a genuine, family-run farm (130 years and counting) where rescued animals get a second chance and visitors of all ages get to be a part of their story. Founded by a local family with a deep love of animals, the farm was built around the belief that sharing that love with the community is just as important as the rescue work itself.

Most of the animals at Tuckasegee Farm arrived as rescues from homes where they could no longer be cared for. Goats, sheep, lambs, rabbits, chickens, and a resident rooster are among the animals you’ll meet on a typical visit, each with its own personality and its own history. The farm continues to accept animals on a case-by-case basis, which means the roster shifts over time , and every visit has the potential to introduce you to someone new.

Beyond the animal encounters, the farm offers gem mining where guests can dig, sift, and discover their own Smoky Mountain treasures. Mobile farm rentals are also available for birthday parties, community events, and private gatherings. The farm recently added a nightly rental in an on-site apartment, making it possible to stay the night and wake up with the animals just steps away.

Getting to Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

Tuckasegee Farm is located at 2280 Hwy 19 S, just a few minutes from downtown Bryson City. The farm sits along the highway with parking on site. It’s a straightforward drive from town, head south on Hwy 19 and watch for the farm on your right.

Why Visit Tuckasegee Farm Animal Rescue & Petting Zoo

There’s no shortage of things to do around Bryson City, but few experiences give younger visitors the kind of genuine, unhurried interaction with animals that this farm does. This isn’t a theme park petting zoo, it’s a working rescue farm where the animals are well cared for, socialized, and genuinely happy to engage with visitors. That difference is something guests notice and consistently mention in their reviews.

A few more reasons it belongs on your Bryson City itinerary:

• At $10 per person with children age 2 and under free, it’s one of the most affordable paid attractions in the area, and your admission covers the entire day with unlimited come-and-go access.
• Most of the animals are rescues with real stories behind them. The owner, Josh Anthony, is knowledgeable, genuinely passionate, and happy to share those stories with visitors who want to know more.
• The farm is clean, well-maintained, and the animals are calm and socialized, making it comfortable for younger children, nervous first-timers, and everyone in between.
• Gem mining adds a second activity to the visit, giving kids another hands-on experience to look forward to beyond the animal encounters.
• The farm is actively growing. The animal roster changes over time as new rescues arrive, which makes repeat visits genuinely different each time.
• Mobile farm rentals make it possible to bring the experience to your own event, a distinctive option for birthday parties and private gatherings in the Bryson City area.

Must Do

The farm is compact and easy to enjoy in a single visit, but here’s what to make sure you don’t miss:

• Meet the Animals. Goats, sheep, lambs, rabbits, chickens, and a resident rooster are among the regulars at the farm, but the roster shifts as new rescues arrive. Take your time, these animals are socialized and genuinely enjoy the interaction. The baby animals, when present, are a particular highlight for younger visitors. Ask the owner about the backstory of any animal that catches your eye.
• Feed the Goats. If feed is available during your visit, don’t skip it. Goats are naturally curious and entertaining to feed, and the up-close interaction is a highlight for kids and adults alike. Check with the farm on arrival about feed availability.
• Gem Mining. A fun add-on that gives the visit a second dimension. Dig and sift through mining rough to find Smoky Mountain gems and minerals, an activity that keeps kids engaged and lets everyone take something home from the experience.
• Talk to the Owner. One of the most consistent things visitors mention is how much the owner’s knowledge and enthusiasm added to their visit. Josh is passionate about the animals, knowledgeable about the region, and happy to share both. If you have questions about the animals, the rescue operation, or what it takes to run a farm like this, ask.

What to Expect

Plan for one hour at the farm, though families with young children who are particularly engaged with the animals often stay longer. The all-day admission gives you the flexibility to leave and come back, which is a useful option if you’re combining the farm with other stops in the area.

A few things worth knowing before you go:

• Admission is $10 per person, with children age 2 and under free. One price covers the full day, leave and come back as many times as you like within operating hours.
• Check hours before you go. The farm is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but hours can shift seasonally. Check their Facebook page for the most current schedule before your visit.
• Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a working farm. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially for younger children.
• Bring hand sanitizer or plan to wash up. Some visitors have noted limited handwashing facilities on site. Coming prepared with sanitizer is a simple fix.
• The animals are rescues, not exhibits. The farm’s approach is grounded in genuine animal care, not performance. The experience is relaxed and unhurried, come with that expectation and you’ll leave genuinely impressed.
• The farm is actively expanding. New animals and new features are added over time, so the experience continues to grow. Supporting the farm with your admission and donations helps keep that momentum going.

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