Idle-Hour Ranch - Troy, Oh
 Located off I-75 exit #73 just 3 miles west of Troy, OhClick here for specific directions

Ranch Report

Thanks to all who visited the Ranch last year!  Hope to see you in June to start our 2012 season.  We will be opening June 1st!

 Want to see a video a Ranch visitor submitted?

The winner of the 2011 photo contest is Cheryl Trainer!  She receives a free 2012 season family pass! - check out the photo contest page to see top five entries.

   For even more information, see the My Miami County Blog Spot

 It's our latest, greatest activity- Introducing the Idle-Hour Ranch Mining Company! The kids love this fun and educational experience as they "pan" for real gems and minerals.  The mining sluice is up and fully operational, you have got to see it!

 Be sure to Like us on Facebook  to keep up to date on all Ranch activities- Click on link above.

  Remember, there is no reason to drive to a big city zoo- you can interact with the animals right here- without the big city hassles.

Troy’s latest attraction in Agricultural Entertainment is now open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays 12n - 6pm, June through October. This family owned and operated agricultural facility is dedicated to providing a fun and educational atmosphere for guests of all ages. 

Be sure to inquire about IHR’s newest addition of a Mini Farm Market featuring commodities such as home-grown/mill-spun yarn collected from the Ranch’s own sheep, llamas, alpaca, camels, yak and Scottish highlander cow, plus other great Agri-tainment products and activities.  For further information please check our Current Events link.

IHR’s Mini Farm Market and Agricultural Tourism activities will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12n to 6:00pm.  For directions and a map view click here.

Agricultural Tourism activities for private groups are also available throughout the week.   Please call for more information concerning scheduling.

Please remember that IHR specializes in providing animal exhibits and educational programs for offsite functions as well.  If you are looking to employ IHR for offsite events such as church functions/Nativity or Easter programs, corporate or private parties, anniversaries, birthday parties, parades, school functions/field trips, etc., then please click on IHR’s Animal Exhibits/Offsite Petting Zoos & Church Programs link to learn more.

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at (937) 339-9731

  Come visit us at Idle-Hour Ranch where you can get up close and personal with the animals.  Our animals are very special, well-mannered and loving- perfect for young and young-at-heart to interact with.  Most of our animals have been bottle fed, which makes them "user-friendly" so that they want to see you as much as you want to see them.  They crave attention, and love for visitors to give it to them.  When you step up to their habitat, they come over to greet you, especially when you offer them their favorite food treats that we provide.  You can even give our Giraffe "Sam" a great big 'ole kiss at his level- he loves it, and will stay with you as long as you are there.

Highlights of Idle-Hour Ranch

• Open to the Public- Wkends Jun-Oct
• Weekday Group Tours- by appt.
• Mining Sluice
• Pony Rides
• Camel Rides
• Petting Zoos
• Farm Market
• Gift Shop with Souvenirs
• Animal Interactions
• Feed the Animals
• Take Photos with Animals
• 200 animals- 40 species
• Live Nativity Scenes
• Parades
• Easter Programs
• Offsite petting zoos
• Group Parties, Reunions, Corporate Picnics
• Online Donations
  

 Sam wants to see you as much as you want to see him!

Still have questions?  Try our FAQs page,  they may have already been answered.

 Need Directions?   

Peshewa

New Pony Ride Ring!

  937-339-9731.

Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.  For directions click here

Our Hours:      12 noon-6 pm*

     every Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 

                     June through October

Weekday Group Tours- by appt only!

 * admission to IHR stops at 6pm, there is no real closing time, so feel free to take as much time as you like to visit, we have nowhere to go, so don't feel rushed to leave if you arrive near 6pm

And here is what you really want to know- The admission prices: 

  Toddlers-  (2 and under)   ----- >   Free

  Children-  (3-12 years old) ------>   $7 

  Adults-  (13 years and older) ---->  $10

 Native Americans, Military (including veterans), Firefighters, EMTs, Police/Sheriff are admitted FREE!   Please show ID. Sr Citizens receive $1 off admissionMasterCard and Visa are welcomedNote:  Food to hand feed the animals is available for purchase at our feed table.  The animals will love you for it!

 Weather concerns?

We will use this section to let you know if we ever have to shut down for severe weather or any other emergency- just be sure to check here for news on our status before you drive out- especially if the weather is questionable.  We will make every effort to be open every weekend.

A special note to Grandparents:

Make this your "special thing" to do with the grandkids- A lot of Grandparents have found this is a great activity to do with their grandchildren, when they get tired of McDonald's Playland.

Don't forget to bring your camera- we encourage photo taking!

As a matter of fact- Enter our 2012 photo contest!  Best photos will be displayed and author will get a free family pass to the Ranch.  Just e-mail your favorite photo to brian@idle-hourranch.com.  Only two photos per author please. Of course all photo entries become the property of IHR and can be used in any advertising.

We have received lots of good comments about our Goatwalk- the children really love watching the goats run up the ramps to eat.  Come see it for yourself- there is nothing like it anywhere else! 

Want to read about a Grandmother's visit to the Ranch with her granddaughter?  Here is a very sweet lady's impression of her visit in Summer of 2007.  Check out the rest of her website as well...

 Located just three miles off of I-75 west of Troy, Ohio , the latest attraction in Agricultural Entertainment, Idle-Hour Ranch  (IHR),  is now open to the public.  This family owned and operated agricultural facility is dedicated to providing a fun, relaxed, family oriented atmosphere where guests of all ages can be educated about agriculture, entertained and given the opportunity to create life-long memories together.

      Idle-Hour Ranch is proud to introduce to the community the age-old concept of Onsite Agricultural Direct Marketing, now commonly known as Agricultural Tourism. The North American Farmer’s Direct Marketing Association defines Agricultural Tourism as “the act of visiting a working farm or any agricultural, horticultural or agribusiness operation for the purpose of enjoyment, education, or active involvement in the activities of the farm or operation.

Did You Know?

 Native Americans, Military (including veterans), Firefighters, EMTs, and police force personnel are all admitted FREE to the Ranch, in honor of the services they provide.  Just show your ID at the entrance. 

 Did You Know?

IHR has free wireless internet access- so feel free to bring your laptops and relax in the shade on your next visit!