Reindeer Ranch Operation Santa Claus

I love that my friend Jen was the only other reviewer for this place. I came and I saw, and I marveled that such a thing was even in existence! About 10 – 20 of them, ranging from all kinds of ages (look for gnarliness of antlers for clue)
It was indeedy the very same Jen K. that I hooked up with last Thurs. and enjoyed the reindeer farm. Just about 1 mile away from where I was staying in Central OR. Such a complete and total novelty. Interesting and puzzling all at the same time!

Reindeer are real. Don’t let the haters tell you different.
We’ve been driving by this place for years, but finally took the time to go on a self-​guided (aka free) tour. The first reindeer were brought to the ranch from the North Pole (OK, Alaska) back in the 1950s. The herd has over 100 reindeer and it was an interesting time of year to visit. Christmas in July!
The reindeer calves, born in the spring, were adorable. The herd’s antlers were still covered in ‘velvet’ which hardens and falls off later in the summer, when the hard, bony antlers are revealed. This is also when mating season begins.
They are a motley crew this time of year, since they shed their winter coats and look like they are in need of a good shave. I’m sure the neighboring sheep just shake their heads at this shaggy group. Not all of reindeer are a traditional brown color, so it is funny to see a few that look like cows with antlers.
This qualifies as one of those fun and free family activities in Central Oregon. You are left to wander on your own, although they ask that you don’t climb the fences or open any gates. While we were there, none of the reindeer approached the fence, so plan on seeing them from a distance.
I really appreciate a place where you don’t have to pay an admission fee, so you can spend as little or as much time as you like. The younger your children, the longer (and more interesting) your visit will be.
A couple fun facts from the ranch:
– Both male and female reindeer have antlers, which they shed every year.
– Reindeer love company and make a noise that is a cross between a pig’s grunt and dog’s bark if they are separated from the herd.