Bonnie Brae Elk Farm Is The Farm Everyone Near Cleveland Should Visit At Least Once
By Nikki Rhoades|Published September 16, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
While Cleveland itself may be rather disconnected from its agricultural past, the surrounding area is still very much in touch with its roots. An astonishing one half of Ohio is farmland, and there are some surprising farms here. In addition to traditional staples like corn and soybeans, you may spot goat farms, lavender farms, and even an elk farm near Cleveland. The latter can be toured, and it’s an incredible experience for visitors of all ages.
These may look like your average, run-of-the-mill deer, but these guys are actually some of the largest members of the deer family.
Elk was once a common name in Europe to describe the moose. As is true with the American Robin (which is named after the European Robin but is not closely related to it), the name early European explorers bestowed upon this large species of deer permanently stuck.
Elk venison is a meat many Americans have come to prefer, and its found in abundance at Bonnie Brae Farm.
What makes "factory farm" style meat bad for you? Well, excess consumption of grains causes health and weight problems, which leads to an increased dose of antibiotics in sick and diseased animals. When you eat meat, you're actually consuming traces of those drugs that you, as a healthy human, do not need. You won't have to worry about that here! The elk at Bonnie Brae Farm are grass-fed, with no grains or hormones.
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While nothing quite compares to seeing photos of happy, healthy animals enjoying their environment, there's much to be said for experiencing this in person!
Elk typically weigh several hundred pounds and stand at around 4.5 to 5 feet in height, but this varies depending on the individual. Only the males have antlers, which they shed each winter and grow again in the spring.
2019 tours will be offered in October, which is an absolutely magical time to visit the farm.
Looking for the perfect place to host this year's team-building event with your coworkers? Planning a school field trip? Wagon rides can accommodate up to 35 people, and tours are wheelchair accessible. Click here to plan your tour!
Bring some spending money during your visit, because you'll find elk-themed goodies at their gift shop.
In addition to goodies, you can also stock up on the farm's produce. Venison meat can be ordered for humans to enjoy, and you can even treat your furry friend to an antler chew. These last for months and won't splinter, so they're perfect for super-chewer dogs.
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You'll love taking a tour at Greater Cleveland's most unexpected farm!
