Animal Lover's Guide to Dutchess County

Date Published: June 4, 2020

Whether you’re looking for family fun or a unique encounter, this Animal Lover’s Guide to Dutchess County has a little bit of everything! Here are some of our top picks. 

Trevor Zoo

Visit the only accredited zoo in the county that is located on a high school campus - Trevor Zoo in Millbrook. With over 180 exotic and indigenous animals, Trevor Zoo is home to 8 endangered species including Red Pandas, Golden Lion Tamarin, and White-naped Crane. Millbrook School is a coeducational independent high school that incorporates Trevor Zoo in classes that challenge students to understand a variety of environmental problems. Plan a future visit here.

Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue

Dedicated to providing a sanctuary for neglected horses, Lucky Orphans strives to improve the relationship between horses and people. They offer education programs, Equestrian Assisted Therapies and corporate development programs. You can also join a guided farm tour of the property and interact with their horses. Tiny horse enthusiasts ages 5 and younger can enjoy the hands-on experience of their Pony Pals program. Learn more about Lucky Orphans here.

Lilymoore Alpaca Farm

When in Dutchess, be sure to take a tour of Lilymoore Alpaca Farm in Pleasant Valley. Experience how diverse the personalities are of the charming alpacas! You’ll get to feed and take a photo with the alpacas and meet other rescue animals from their Dreaming Of A Chance Farm Animal Sanctuary. After your tour check out their farm store and see all of the products made from alpaca fiber, like alpaca socks, baskets and much more! Plan your future visit here.  

Butterfly Festival on Stony Kill Farm

Don’t miss the Butterfly Festival on Stony Kill Farm in Wappingers Falls for a day of learning and family fun. See monarch and swallowtail butterflies from all different stages at the Monarch Education Table and in the Butterfly Tent. You’ll also have a chance to talk to master gardeners about Stony Kill Foundation’s Verplanck Memorial Garden! For more information on this event click here. 

Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary

Stroll through the trails of the diverse habitat of the Buttercup Farm Audubon Sanctuary in northern Dutchess, home to over 80 species of birds. In the rolling, open grasslands you might catch a glimpse of nesting Great Blue Herons,  American Kestrels, Bobolinks and other birds of the field. The sanctuary is relatively undeveloped and is open from dawn until dusk. For more information click here. 

Dutchess County Fair

Join in the family fun at the Dutchess County Fair! With 12 acres of fairground dedicated to showcasing livestock, Livestock Hill features dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, rabbits and more! Catch a show in one of the 3 arenas and demonstrations in milking, wool working, and sheep shearing. Plus, witness the live birth of a calf in the Dairy Birthing Center. For more information click here.