Mill Creek Farm - The Retirement Home for Horses

I had the opportunity to visit Mill Creek Farm the retirement home for horses in Alachua, Florida with my daughter and her hubby and friends from California who took a break from blitzing all the Disney parks to enjoy a leisurely day in the country. 

What a pleasant way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  The farm is just a short drive off US I-75 at exit 414 at highway 441.   It took us about 2 hours and 20 minuted to make the trip from Champions Gate just off I-4.  We arrived around 1:00 PM.  

The Mill Creek Farm is a 501-C-3 non-profit.  The farm is 100% funded by donations and volunteer help.  It was established in 1983 and was started with 140 acres.  Today the farm is composed of 335 acres and is the home for more than 135 horses.  There is no charge for admission but you can make a donations at the main entrance point when you arrive or leave.  All donations, no matter how small or large, are greatly appreciated.

The highlight  of our visit to the farm was to walk around the 335 acres along the well groomed paths to meet and feed the horses.  The horses can eat raw carrots, bananas and sliced apples.  If you do not being your own carrots, you can purchase a bag at the main entrance point stand where donations can be made.  If you walk the entire path to meet all the horses, you will need a big bunch of carrots.  I saw a family with children pulling a wagon with a huge bag of carrots.  Looked like 25 pound or more.  

Because you can easily spend more than the two hours we spent there, you need to get there when it opens at 11:00 AM.  The farm is only open on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  They close the front gate at 2:45 PM and want you out of the farm by 3:00 PM.  In fact we were the last visitors on the path.  We were followed by a volunteer riding a golf cart the last stretch of the main path back to the main entrance point.  

We had a great day.  Check out my video of our visit  posted to Outdoor Recreation In Orlando.  Until next time, be safe in the sun  and  have a great day in the great outdoors.