This Unassuming Georgia Farm Is Secretly Home To Some Of The World’s Most Exotic Animals
Tucked away in Cartersville, Georgia, Pettit Creek Farms may look like a quiet stretch of countryside at first glance, but the moment you step inside, the surprise begins. What appears to be a traditional farm quickly reveals itself as one of the most unexpected animal encounters in the Southeast.
Home to Georgia’s largest camel herd, along with roaming zebras, curious lemurs, and a variety of other exotic animals, this destination offers an experience that feels worlds away from the ordinary.
Wide open pastures create a relaxed setting where families can explore at their own pace and enjoy up close moments with fascinating creatures. The blend of rural charm and global wildlife makes every visit feel unique and memorable. Whether planning a family day trip or simply craving something different, Pettit Creek Farms promises an adventure worth remembering.
1. Georgia’s Largest Camel Herd
Most people don’t expect to lock eyes with a camel in Georgia, but Pettit Creek Farms has made it a perfectly normal afternoon activity. Located at 337 Cassville Rd, Cartersville, GA 30120, the farm is home to the largest camel herd in the entire state, which is a pretty wild claim to make and an even wilder thing to witness in person.
These camels are surprisingly social and seem to genuinely enjoy visitor attention, especially when food is involved. Guests can purchase feed bags to get up close and personal, making it one of the most hands-on animal encounters available anywhere in Georgia. The camels vary in age and personality, so each interaction feels a little different.
Bringing younger kids? The camels tend to be calm and steady around families, which makes the whole experience feel relaxed rather than overwhelming. It’s one of those moments that turns into a family story told for years.
2. A Remarkable Collection of Exotic Animals
Giraffes, Zebras, Capybaras, Lemurs. Reading that list, you’d be forgiven for thinking someone mixed up their notes from a zoo visit and a farm trip. Yet Pettit Creek Farms, genuinely houses all of these animals and more on its sprawling Georgia property.
The diversity here is genuinely impressive. Animals from Africa, South America, and beyond share the same landscape in a setting that feels far more intimate than a traditional zoo. There’s no glass barrier between you and a zebra just open space and a sense of real, unfiltered wonder.
For families who want to introduce children to wildlife in a relaxed, accessible way, this collection offers something that a typical zoo simply can’t replicate. The scale feels manageable, the animals feel reachable, and the whole visit carries an adventurous energy that’s hard to manufacture anywhere else in the state.
3. An Interactive Petting Zoo Kids Will Never Forget
There’s something genuinely magical about watching a toddler feed a goat for the first time, and Pettit Creek Farms has built one of the most well-rounded petting zoos in Georgia around exactly that kind of moment. The petting zoo section features an impressive lineup that goes well beyond the usual suspects.
Goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, cows, ponies, horses, donkeys, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, emus, and peacocks all call this section home. That’s not a short list and kids tend to want to visit every single one. The animals here are accustomed to visitors, which means interactions tend to stay calm and enjoyable rather than chaotic.
Adults often find themselves just as entertained as the children, especially when a stubborn goat decides it wants more food or an emu gets a little too curious. Plan extra time here — it’s easy to linger.
4. Guided Farm Tours That Actually Teach You Something
Walking tours at Pettit Creek Farms cover roughly one to one and a half miles of farm grounds, and the guides along the way make the experience feel more like a conversation than a lecture. The guided route winds past animals from multiple continents, each with their own backstory worth hearing.
Guides share facts about animal behavior, habitat, and diet in ways that are easy to absorb without feeling like a school lesson. Kids tend to stay engaged because the information is delivered alongside actual animals they can see and sometimes touch. It’s the kind of learning that sticks.
Comfortable walking shoes are a smart choice for this tour since the terrain can vary. Morning visits tend to feel cooler and more comfortable, especially during Georgia’s warmer months. The tour pace is relaxed enough for most age groups, making it a practical choice for multigenerational family visits.
5. Drive-Thru Tours for a More Relaxed Adventure
Not every great adventure requires leaving the comfort of your car, and Pettit Creek Farms fully embraces that idea with its popular drive-thru tour option. Visitors can roll through portions of the farm at their own pace, feeding camels directly from their windows and observing other animals in a low-pressure setting.
This option works especially well for families with very young children, older visitors who may find long walks tiring, or anyone who simply wants a different kind of wildlife experience. The drive-thru format gives you control over pacing, which is a surprisingly underrated feature when visiting with kids who have unpredictable energy levels.
Having your own snacks and drinks in the car makes the experience feel even more like a road trip adventure. Just be prepared camels are not shy about approaching vehicles, and they have a habit of poking their very large heads right through open windows without much warning.
6. Camel Rides That Feel Like a Living History Lesson
Camels have carried humans across deserts for thousands of years, and at Pettit Creek Farms, visitors get a small but memorable taste of that ancient tradition. Camel rides are available by reservation as part of the farm tour experience, making it a highlight that’s worth planning ahead for.
Riding a camel is a distinctly different sensation from a horse or pony ride. The gait is rolling and slightly unpredictable, and the height gives riders a surprisingly elevated view of the surrounding farm. Farm staff are present throughout to ensure safety and help riders feel comfortable before and during the experience.
Camel rides tend to be popular and spots can fill up, especially on weekends and during seasonal events. Booking in advance is a smart move to avoid missing out. For anyone who’s ever been curious about what it actually feels like to ride one of history’s most iconic animals, this is a rare and accessible opportunity in Georgia.
7. Pony Rides Perfectly Sized for Little Adventurers
For the youngest visitors at Pettit Creek Farms, pony rides offer a first-time horseback experience that feels just the right size. The farm makes sure its smaller guests have something truly memorable to look forward to, and the pony rides consistently deliver on that promise.
The ponies used for rides are selected for their calm and steady temperament, which helps nervous first-timers feel at ease. Handlers walk alongside throughout the ride, so parents can relax and focus on capturing the moment rather than worrying about safety. The whole experience tends to be brief but genuinely exciting for young children.
Pony rides pair naturally with the petting zoo section, so families often move between the two areas to keep little ones happily occupied. If a child comes home talking about their pony ride for weeks afterward which apparently happens quite often consider it a mission accomplished. Small moments like these have a way of leaving a lasting impression.
8. PumpkinFest and Seasonal Fall Festivities
Every autumn, Pettit Creek Farms transforms into one of Georgia’s most beloved fall destinations through its annual PumpkinFest celebration. The event draws families from across the region who come for the corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin patch, and the always-entertaining petting zoo.
The corn maze at PumpkinFest tends to be a crowd favorite, offering just enough of a challenge to keep older kids and adults engaged while remaining manageable for younger visitors. Hayrides add a classic autumn atmosphere that feels genuinely festive rather than manufactured. The combination of activities means most families end up staying longer than they originally planned.
Fall weekends can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day typically means shorter wait times and a more relaxed overall experience. Checking the farm’s website before visiting is a good habit since specific dates and event details can vary from year to year. Dressing in layers is smart for Georgia autumn mornings, which can shift from cool to warm quickly.
9. A Country Christmas That Glows for Miles
From Thanksgiving through December 30, Pettit Creek Farms becomes something that feels lifted straight out of a holiday movie. The Country Christmas event features over a mile of Christmas lights strung across the farm, creating an atmosphere that’s genuinely breathtaking after dark.
Beyond the lights, the event includes photos with Santa and his reindeer, a live nativity scene, and the kind of festive energy that makes even reluctant holiday participants feel the season. The combination of exotic animals and Christmas decorations creates a one-of-a-kind visual experience that’s hard to find anywhere else in Georgia.
Evening visits during Country Christmas tend to be especially atmospheric once the lights are fully visible against the dark sky. Bringing warm layers is highly recommended since Georgia December nights can carry a real chill. Families who make this an annual tradition often say it’s one of the highlights of their holiday season — and it’s easy to understand why.
10. Educational Field Trips That Students Actually Enjoy
School field trips have a reputation for being either thrilling or forgettable, and Pettit Creek Farms firmly belongs in the first category. The farm offers structured educational programs designed to give students a hands-on learning experience that goes well beyond a standard classroom lesson.
Activities available for school groups include hayrides, petting zoo visits, corn field maze exploration, and guided encounters with exotic animals. Each component is designed to reinforce concepts related to agriculture, animal science, and ecology in ways that feel engaging rather than instructional. Teachers frequently note that students remain curious and attentive throughout the visit.
The farm’s staff is experienced at working with school-age groups and knows how to keep energy levels channeled productively. For educators looking for a field trip that checks both the educational and entertaining boxes simultaneously, this one is worth serious consideration. Georgia schools within driving distance of Cartersville have a genuinely outstanding option right in their backyard.
11. Ziplining Above the Georgia Countryside
For visitors who want something with a little more adrenaline, Pettit Creek Farms offers a zipline course that sends you soaring above the farm’s scenic landscape. The zipline adds an adventure element that sets this farm apart from most animal-focused attractions in the state.
The aerial perspective from the zipline gives riders a bird’s-eye view of the property, which is a genuinely different way to experience the farm’s sprawling grounds. Watching the animals move below while gliding through the air has a surreal quality that’s hard to describe but easy to appreciate. It’s the kind of activity that earns serious bragging rights back at school or work.
Weight and age requirements may apply, so checking current guidelines before visiting is a practical step, especially if bringing older children or teenagers who are excited about participating. The zipline tends to be a popular add-on activity, particularly for groups or families with a mix of ages looking for varied experiences throughout the day.
12. Birthday Parties and Private Events Worth Celebrating
Hosting a birthday party at a farm surrounded by camels, zebras, and lemurs is the kind of idea that sounds outrageous until you realize how perfectly it actually works. Pettit Creek Farms offers event hosting options that include hayrides, petting zoo access, and picnic areas nestled under the shade of mature oak trees.
The farm’s natural setting does a lot of the decorating work on its own there’s no need for elaborate themes when the backdrop is already this visually interesting. Private event options allow groups to customize the experience based on their needs, whether that means a simple outdoor gathering or a more structured celebration with multiple farm activities included.
Booking well in advance is strongly recommended, particularly for popular dates like spring weekends or the fall festival season. The farm’s team can walk prospective hosts through available packages and logistics. For families tired of the same cookie-cutter party venues, this is a refreshingly original alternative that guests tend to remember fondly.
13. Shaded Picnic Areas Made for Slow Afternoons
Not every great part of a farm visit involves an animal encounter. Sometimes the most satisfying moment is simply sitting down under a big oak tree with good food and no particular hurry. Pettit Creek Farms provides picnic areas that offer exactly that kind of unhurried, easy-breathing atmosphere.
The picnic tables are positioned throughout the property in spots that take advantage of natural shade, which is a meaningful detail during Georgia’s warmer months when the afternoon sun can be intense. Packing a lunch from home or picking something up nearby before arriving is a practical approach since on-site food options can be limited depending on the time of year.
Families with young children often find the picnic areas useful as a reset point between activities a place to refuel, regroup, and decide what to explore next. The surrounding scenery, with farm sounds and animals visible nearby, gives even a simple lunch a character that’s genuinely hard to replicate anywhere else.
14. Animal Feed Bags That Make Every Visit Personal
There’s a noticeable difference between watching an animal from a distance and actually feeding one from your hand, and Pettit Creek Farms leans fully into that distinction. Visitors can purchase animal feed bags that unlock a more intimate level of interaction throughout the farm property.
Feed bags work across multiple animal areas, from the petting zoo to the camel enclosures, giving guests repeated opportunities to connect with different species throughout the visit. Animals that might otherwise stay at a cautious distance tend to warm up quickly when food enters the picture, which makes for much livelier and more photogenic encounters overall.
Kids tend to be especially enthusiastic about this aspect of the visit there’s real pride in earning an animal’s trust through a handful of feed. Parents often find that the feed bags extend the natural engagement time with each animal stop, making the overall visit feel more immersive. At a relatively modest cost, the feed bags offer excellent value for the experience they unlock.
15. A Family-Friendly Atmosphere That Works for Every Age
Some attractions work well for kids but leave adults bored, while others skew so adult-focused that children lose interest fast. Pettit Creek Farms manages to hold the attention of grandparents, parents, teenagers, and toddlers simultaneously which is genuinely harder to pull off than it sounds.
The variety of activities available means each family member can find something that fits their pace and interest level. Younger children gravitate toward the petting zoo and pony rides. Older kids and teens often get drawn into the zipline or the camel ride experience.
Adults tend to enjoy the farm’s overall atmosphere, the animal encounters, and the chance to slow down from the usual weekend routine.
The farm’s layout is manageable without being overwhelming, and the staff maintain a welcoming, low-pressure environment throughout. Visiting on a weekday, when crowds are typically smaller, can make the experience even more relaxed. For a genuinely crowd-pleasing Georgia day trip, Pettit Creek Farms earns its reputation honestly and consistently.
