Barn Hill Preserve is an animal sanctuary over in the tiny town of Ethel, and it might just be one of the best-kept secrets in the state. Home to some of the most exotic animals you’ll ever run into, Barn Hill Preserve offers some of the most memorable animal encounters in Louisiana, and no matter how old you are, this is one place that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.

If you've never visited Barn Hill Preserve, you're in for a real treat.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Barn Hill Preserve is an animal sanctuary with locations in Louisiana and Delaware. The Louisiana location is tucked away in the tiny town of Ethel, which is near St. Francisville.
This place is home to some of the most rare and beautiful creatures you've ever seen.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Bearded dragons, sugar gliders, kangaroos, and countless other animal ambassadors will be waiting for you when you arrive.
They even have an otter encounter, where you get to swim with these adorable creatures!
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
We don't know who is happier in this photo, the otter or the man.
Barn Hill Preserve always has something going on. In addition to swimming with otters, you can also have a picnic with a giraffe, or hang out with a sloth.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Sip wine with sloths is one of their special events offered multiple times a year. Check the calendar on their website for a full schedule of events and find out when the next sloth encounter is scheduled.
While sloths are certainly the star of the show, you'll see all sorts of beautiful and rare animals during your visit.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
From the tiniest turtle to majestic camels, the preserve is home to several different types of animals, and you'll learn all about them while sipping delicious wine.

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You'll feel like a kid again interacting with these cute and cuddly little fellas.
Siena Thomas/Google
Just remember this particular event is 21+, so you'll have to come back with the kids another time.
You’ll be sampling wines from all across the globe during your self-guided walk around the nature preserve, getting a chance to check out all of their adorable furry residents, including the sloths!
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
You might just find your new favorite wine. You'll definitely find your new favorite sloth.
It's not ever day that you get to share a moment like this with a sloth, so be sure to book your tickets as soon as they go online.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
They sell out quickly!
Oh! And one more thing.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
You might just find a pop of color soaring through the sky during your visit. No, your eyes aren't playing tricks on you...
Barn Hill Preserve is home to one of the largest free-flying macaw rescue missions in the country.
Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook
Macaws live an exceptionally long time (50+ years) and they are often abandoned by their owners. Barn Hill Preserve takes these beautiful birds in, letting them fly freely around the preserve. Just one more reason to visit this incredible animal oasis!

For more information, be sure to check out their website and give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on their upcoming events.

If you’ve ever visited Barn Hill Preserve, let us know in the comments below!

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animal encounters in Louisiana

Jackie Ann | June 06, 2022

What are the most unique things to do in Louisiana?

One of the most underrated day trips in Louisiana will take you up to the northern part of the state where you’ll find Landry Vineyards, a winery in Louisiana that offers tours, tastings, concerts, and more. You can even rent one of their cottages for an idyllic weekend of sampling wines and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

What can I do with kids in Louisiana?

If you thought Barn Hill Preserve was a slam dunk, take a road trip up to Gators & Friends, an exotic animal petting zoo and adventure park near Shreveport. The petting zoo is a great option to introduce the little ones to their first animal encounter in Louisiana, and for the thrill-seekers, you can take part in the epic 7-part zip line where you’ll be soaring over their live alligator pond, home to more than 100 American alligators.

Are there any dinosaur-related things to do in Louisiana?

Prehistoric Park is one of the most memorable day trips in Louisiana, and it's a wonderful outdoor adventure the entire family can enjoy. Tucked away in the heart of Cajun Country, visitors to this awesome 12-acre park will certainly have one of the most unique animal encounters in Louisiana, although these animals aren’t real; they’re life-sized replicas of all your favorite dinosaurs that used to roam the earth. There are more than 20 larger-than-life prehistoric beasts that pepper the walkways as you walk through the park, including everyone’s favorite dinosaur: the T-Rex. There’s even a fossil pit for the youngest paleontologists to test their skills and find ancient artifacts.

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Featured Addresses
Barn Hill Preserve, 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730, USA