Barn Hill Preserve

Christina Dzindzio

2024-02

During New Year's weekend, we took our family of 12 (ranging in age from 2 years old to 30-something) and we all enjoyed the Encounter Tour. I look forward to going again when its NOT a holiday weekend. I rated a 4star because there were too many people going through at the same time - we couldn't always hear the tour guide and often had to be split up in 2 bunches. The sloth were amazing!

Sandra Sweet

2024-04

SANDRA SWEET7 reviews·31 photosTook my granddaughters here for our Easter break, and we had so much fun! The encounter tour was interesting and informative, and our guide (Alana, not sure of the spelling) was wonderful! We also enjoyed the capybara experience--feeding and petting them. This place is a gem!

Faye “Red” S.

2024-01

I had a great time! Large variety of animals and interactive experiences! Valerie was our amazing tour guide, knew answers to all questions about animals. Very friendly and amazing time.

Tabitha Fritz

2024-01

I have been here multiple times. The workers are wonderful. You can tell they care about the animals. The enclosures are large. And the animals are so very memorable.They have lots of animal encounter options and tours. The ones I have been on were worth the money and more. They do also offer Birthday parties.The bathroom facilities when I have needed to use them have been clean.

Heather Cooksey

2023-11

We went to slothtoberfest and had an amazing time. We enjoyed the animal experiences and getting close contact with them. The beers were great, too. The reason I’m giving 4 stars instead of 5 is because we felt like there should’ve been more lighting for a nighttime event. It got dark an hour and a half into the event and then you couldn’t even see the animals. So maybe it needs to be an earlier event, or lighting should be provided so that the experience actually lasts the full three hours. We also had someone that worked there say something pretty rude to us at the end. Also, there was only one food truck that only served two food items. I feel like it’d be better to have more options available for an event this size. Regardless, the time we did get with the animals was great, and we’d definitely come back!

Rowen Somner

2023-06

This was such a great experience!! Mac was our guide and she was very knowledgeable about the animals and the care that each of them take. We learned a lot of cool things about the animals they had, the mating of the animals. I also asked a lot of questions about the facility and she had a lot of pride about where she worked, and told us about how they had properly introduced the hyenas. Honestly this place had a great set up and you can tell they take very good care of their animals and the temperament of each animal.We also did the otter swim and it was so cute. My heart was melting. I thoroughly enjoyed this entire experience

Kri (Klmbean)

2023-10

We came for the Sips with Sloths event. It was fun with all you can drink wine. Only complaint is they just put a sip of wine in the cup so you keep having to go back but it kept me moving, so that's good. I do recommend better signage on the animal cages explaining what each animal is. I know some rhings are still under construction though.

Nathanael Harbison

2024-01

Outstanding! My fiancé surprised me for Christmas by flying us out here to have the Otter experience which was on my bucket list. Sadly the heater was down so we didn’t get in the pool but **TORI** the tour guide hooked us up with a complimentary Capybara experience which was awesome!!! Staff was friendly, good clean environment! Would definitely recommend. The sloth encounter was awesome as well.

Stephanie

2023-09

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Alisha Leonard

2023-12

My favorite part was feeding the sloths! Both my 11 year old nephew and 8 year old niece had a blast. Fun for all ages

Christine Bias

2023-06

I surprised my husband with an otter swim experience for his birthday, and I am so grateful I did! The staff were wonderful, the facility is extremely well-maintained, and our visit was lovely! We very much enjoyed each moment as the knowledgeable and friendly Sam and Emma gave our group the tour of the grounds. The animal encounters before the otter swim were so fun! Our guides were fantastic and making sure the animals and guests were comfortable during the experience. The otter experience, which filled us with childlike giddiness, was the perfect end to the adventure! They were so inquisitive, friendly, and absolutely adorable! I already have plans to go back and bring our kiddos to experience the good times that are found at Barnhill Preserve!

Sarah Mayer

2024-02

We had such a lovely tour here. It was amazing seeing and interacting with so many different animals, including feeding sloths! We also did an otter swim, and it was an incredible experience we'll never forget. Allison was our tour guide, and she was excellent with both her knowledge and humor. Every staff member we encountered was super friendly, and you can tell all the animals are well-loved and cared for here. This place is a special gem in Lousiana, and it's definitely worth the trip!

johnston billing

2022-05

This place is AMAZING!! I did the otter swim and was very impressed. It’s very small groups and if the animals seem stressed they will cancel your session (most places don’t do that!) not only do you get the swim, you get a tour of the preserve where we got to pet many different animals (the kangaroos were my fave) see several other neat animals and feed the sloths! Sam was super knowledgeable and answered all of our questions we had as well as gave us fun facts about all of the animals we saw. This was definitely the best animal encounter experience I have ever had and will most definitely be back!

Destiny Hensley

2023-05

Bought tickets for my husband's birthday as he is a big fan of penguins so of course we had to do the penguin swim. The price of the ticket includes a 45 minute swim with the penguins, and there are 6 people per group, followed by a 2 hour encounter tour. There were a lot of people on the encounter tour which we weren't really expecting. It was a blast though I definitely recommend doing either the otter or penguin swim and the encounter tour just don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat as there are not many shady areas.

Amy Silvey

2024-01

We had a wonderful time fulfilling my son’s dream to feed a sloth! There is something for everyone here, and the knowledgeable and friendly staff make the tours fun and informative.

Mariana Marroquin

2023-05

This place will be one of the most memorable experiences in my life!Barn Hill Preserve is like a small Zoo that in my opinion had animals that are not commonly seen in your usual Zoo. Plus the experiences you can have is definitely not something that your normal Zoo would have! They have animal encounter tours where you get to interact with some of their ambassador animals!All experiences are guided so you won't be able to go wondering around on your own but that is for your safety and the precious animals.My husband and I went there to celebrate our 1st year Anniversary of Marriage. One of my favorite wild animals is River Otters and my husband loves them just as much, so we booked an Otter Swim Experience. There was a small bump with our booking, but BHP acted very quickly and kindly on the matter which made our experience even better!The Otter Swim experience comes with a 2 hour tour of the Preserve with other animal encounters (a Showcase of small animals, a Petting Zoo with Goats and an Alpaca, a Kangaroo Walkabout where you can walk near them and pet their backs, and the chance to Feed a Sloth!) and 1 hour (45 mins cuz 15 is to get ready and go over rules) to swim with 2 baby Asian Small Clawed Otters!I have never heard of another place with these kind of experiences and they were amazing experiences! I don't even know how my husband will top next years anniversary lol!Thank you so much for an amazing time Barn Hill Preserve!- Mariana

Elyse B

2024-01

We purchased tickets for pancakes with Santa and I’m so glad we did! The drive from BR was worth it! The grounds are very nice and well maintained. All the staff were extremely professional. I felt like I was at a zoo in a rural setting with no crowds so you could actually enjoy exploring. Everything was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend especially for those with very young kids who don’t like rowdy crowds. It was actually a peaceful and festive experience!

Courtney D

2021-05

We visited today 1/17/2021 for the first time. It was such an amazing experience. We booked the 2 hour encounter tour along with the otter swim and if you're not sure about the otter swim... DO IT!! It was absolutely magical. The otters were so friendly and loving. We got to hold other animals such as sloths and an armadillo, we got to touch a Joey (baby kangaroo), and goats. Just be aware that there are no actual restrooms, just a porta potty (they are in the works of building a gift shop and restroom). There is about an hour of walking involved as well which wasn't terrible. The only thing that I wish was different was that I wish the walking part and the actual ambassador encounter didn't feel so rushed. We did have 15 to 20 people in our group, but you held the animals long enough for a picture and that was it. All in all, I had a wonderful experience, our tour guides were friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. The otter swim was amazing and so was the ambassador encounter. We will be back!

Shannon

2023-10

Just finished my visit & have to leave a 5 star! We did the zipline & animal encounter tour Saturday & just got done with the capybara feeding encounter! Both were so fun & well worth the drive to experience!A special shoutout to our guide for both encounters, Jen! She was so informative & personable; she made the experience smooth & enjoyable for everyone in our group. She was so fun while still keeping us on task & safe. Highly recommend this to anyone wanting a different experience with their friends or family! Will be back!!

Gina Hymel

2023-12

Amazing experience! We visited for my daughter's 10th birthday and loved it. The people are extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the animals. Very nice set up, I would highly recommend.

EJ “EoJo” Dugás

2023-10

This was a great place to visit. My party of 5 did two otter swims, five encounter tours, and five sipping with sloths. My little sister is in a motorized wheel chair she was able to get around. We had to use our portable ramp a couple of times but she had a blast. We all enjoyed our time. The prices are definitely worth it. I would recommend that anyone check out this place for a great family or group event. The otter swim is an amazing event. They definitely want to see you up close and personal. Loved our visit, and thanks to the staff. Of course a big thanks to all the animals.

Lavender Tea

2023-05

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Kayla

2024-01

We did the zip line and animal encounter tour and it was a blast!!! Alexis was informative and fun. The animals were so different from what I’ve seen anywhere else!

Judiah Campo

2023-05

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Luis Hartenstein

2023-05

Fun educational experience. Knowledgeable staff and well kept facilities. We were lucky to be in a small group and got to spend more time with different animals. There was an additional experience of spending time with some birds that we were able to feed. Best part of the visit.

Run Trout

2023-05

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Cassandra Dorer

2023-11

Admission included face painting, animal shows, kangaroo and animal petting zoo, princess and hero time, tractor ride, corn maze, and pumpkin patch (1 free pumpin per Admission). You can add on animal feed cups, gift shop, and gem mining. Fun family outing.

Krystal Aguirre

2024-02

Just completed the otter swim a couple of days ago. I've been looking into doing one of the swims for a couple of years and it was fantastic ! With the ticket, a tour was included with x 2 interactive parts. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to take pictures.

Ashley Eisenhardt

2024-04

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Morgan B.

2023-10

Went for an encounter tour and a capybara encounter and had a really good time! I definitely recommend that you bring lots of water and prepare to sweat. It’s a great experience for anyone who loves animals! Allison was our tour guide and she was phenomenal!