A camel picked up from a Burger King parking lot in Hudsonville is now one of the star attractions on a 700-acre farm outside New Era, and honestly, that origin story tells you everything about how wonderfully unplanned this place turned out to be. What started as a roadside fruit stand has grown into one of Oceana County’s biggest family day trips, packed with animals, rides, and enough corn to bury a barn.
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo sits along M-20 not far from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and it draws carloads of families all summer and fall looking for a low-key, hands-on day outdoors. Between the petting zoo, the water play area, and the sheer number of things to climb, ride, and dig through, it’s built for burning off a full day of kid energy.
Animals, Rides, and Farm Fun
The petting zoo is the heart of the place, home to more than 100 animals ranging from familiar barnyard faces like goats and ponies to genuine surprises like camels, wallabies, alpacas, fallow deer, and lemurs. Feed cups are available throughout, and the animals here are notably approachable, happy to eat right out of your hand rather than shy away from the crowds.
The Corny Barn is one of the farm’s signature quirks: a massive barn filled with roughly 2,000 bushels of loose corn kernels for kids to dive into, bury themselves in, and dig through like a giant sandbox. It’s the kind of simple, slightly absurd idea that ends up being a highlight for most families who visit.
Beyond the corn pit, the farm counts more than 46 activities under general admission, including a barrel train ride looping around the property, rubber duck races, a carousel, a giant slide, a giant swing, roping ponies, a low ropes course, a hay bale hoist, and tandem swings. Splash Acres adds a water play area for warmer days, which is a welcome cooldown given how much ground there is to cover.
The farm market rounds things out with fudge made in house and fresh produce depending on the season, including apples, peaches, and cherries, a nod back to the property’s fruit-stand roots.
Atmosphere & Setting
This is entirely an outdoor experience, spread across sprawling farmland with barns, pens, and open fields connecting each activity area. The setting feels genuinely rural rather than manufactured, which fits given that it’s still a working fifth-generation family farm rather than a built-from-scratch amusement park.
Shade is limited in spots, so summer visits can run warm, and comfortable walking shoes are a good idea since the grounds are large and mostly grass and gravel paths. The layout keeps things loose and wandering rather than a fixed route, so families tend to bounce between animal pens, rides, and the corn barn at their own pace.
Other Considerations
How much does it cost? General admission runs $29.95 at the gate or $25.95 if purchased online, and it covers unlimited access to the rides, petting zoo, water play, and most activities on the property for the day.
Can I bring outside food? No, outside food isn’t permitted, and on-site dining leans toward casual fare like burgers and fries, so plan to eat there or budget for it.
Is it good for young kids? Yes, the mix of gentle animals, low-key rides, and open play space makes it especially well suited to toddlers and elementary-age kids, though there’s enough variety to keep older kids engaged too.
When is it open? The farm operates seasonally, generally spring through fall, with an annual pass option available for unlimited visits during the season. Checking the website before heading out is worthwhile since hours and season dates shift year to year.
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
📍 4180 M-20, New Era, MI 49446
Website: https://www.lewisadventurefarm.com/
