A Visit to Kiwidinok Farm

As you may know, the Petoskey Area holds treasures untold in its quaint communities, picturesque vistas, and extensive swaths of nature. Having lived in the area for more than 20 years, I can say with complete confidence that there are still many unturned stones before me, and it is a continual joy to make discoveries as I delve deeper into my home’s tucked-away treasures. Earlier this summer, on a toasty Tuesday, I had the good fortune of turning over another stone while on assignment as a freelance writer. I discovered that the farmland hills of Boyne City are alive with the bleats and tweets of Kiwidinok Farm, Magnificent Tibetan Yak & Petting Farm. Established in 2013, Kiwidinok Farm was first and foremost the yak-focused enterprise of Dawn and Jim Dixon. It wasn’t until June of 2022 that the couple added the petting zoo component with the addition of numerous other furry and feathered friends. Each year since opening its doors as an immersive experience, Kiwidinok Farm has grown its farm family to include more animals and different breeds. “We currently have over 50 four-legged animals on-site—25 of which are babies—and more than 60 feathered friends,” shared Jim. Originally hailing from New Zealand and landing in Northern Michigan by way of Detroit, Jim graciously gave me a private one-on-one tour where I learned about the farm, its residents, and its mission. Well, it was one-on-one, plus eight critters, give or take, depending on the moment, who happily joined in as co-tour guides. Open year-round, Kiwidinok Farm provides tours every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays—these days are reserved for farm work and private parties or reservations. Living and working on the farm, Jim and Dawn handle all chores and tours. And it is very much worth noting that the farm is not open for the public to walk through unguided. Tours must be scheduled so Jim and Dawn can shepherd visitors through the property while ensuring a stress-free experience for the animals. A wonderful environment for people of all ages—especially kiddos—to interact and engage with animals, the couple instructs visitors on how to behave, which includes using indoor voices and not running. A far cry from the traditional zoo experience featuring blacktop, isolated animals, and cages, Kiwidinok Farm encourages appropriate interactions between its visitors and residents. “What’s most unique about the farm is that people can get real close to the animals—it’s an immersive experience that allows people to enjoy the farm atmosphere and its friendly animals,” said Jim. Kiwidinok Farm is home to yaks, goats, sheep, mini donkeys, ponies, mini ponies, alpaca, peacocks, chickens, turkeys, a rooster, and I also saw one cat, but there may be more. I had the pleasure of meeting Billie Bob, one of the Kentucky Bourbon Red Turkeys—which have good demeanors so they’re good around children and families—Rocky the Rooster, Sebastian and Sabrina, the Sebastopol Geese, Nigerian dwarf goats named Cookie, Cream, and Cupid, Shania and Reba, two silky fainting goats, a female yak named Ming Ming, and so many more, all with equally great names. I fed snacks to goats, alpacas, yaks, ponies, the rooster, and helped bottle-feed a 10-week-old baby yak named Stetson, who will one day become a 2,000-pound creature roaming the hilly terrain. I learned yaks possess a dog’s temperament—they like to be scratched and enjoy being with you, as evidenced by Stetson following Jim and me on our tour. I also learned that baby goats enjoy tugging on boot laces and headbutting your legs, which is absolutely adorable. Jim is much like the pied piper—quadrapads and bipedals follow him as the snack bucket rattles its delicious tune of baby carrots, animal crackers, and other tasty bites, and feeding the animals snacks, while also getting to pet and scratch them, is one of the things kids get most excited about. The tour is engaging, educational, and highly enjoyable; thanks to Jim’s extensive knowledge and my getting to engage with the animals, I learned so much in a relatively short amount of time, which is another reason this type of outing and experience is ideal for families. Adults and children experience hands-on learning the moment they step onto the farm and leave with a better understanding of nature and the creatures with which we share this world. “The farm’s purpose is to help educate everyone, but children in particular—helping them understand nature and animals, how to respect them, and to grow as individuals who appreciate and value nature,” added Jim. “It’s especially great when families visit—grandparents love seeing their kids and grandkids enjoy the farm together.” On the farm’s busiest days, roughly 100 visitors pass through, with people of all ages getting a kick out of connecting with nature in real-time, through sight, sound, touch, and smell. And even though the farm promotes making screen-free experiences more common, photos are welcome at Kiwidinok Farm—the animals aren’t shy—and photos make for great memory mementos. While visiting, if you need a snack, drink, or super soft yak-wool socks and hats, check out the cute little gift shop before you leave. A clean and tidy farm where everyone experiences well-socialized animals, a personal welcome from Billie Bob the turkey, and hands-on learning, Kiwidinok Farm is a must-do outing. A from-dawn-till-dusk commitment and passion for Dawn and Jim Dixon, the couple is proud to share their tucked-away treasure with the Petoskey Area community and beyond. Advanced reservation is required for all farm tours with a non-refundable $20 deposit paid online. The remainder of the admission is paid in person upon arrival at the farm. Individual and group pricing vary, so please visit Kiwidinok Farm’s website for more information.  

About the Author: Alex Dailey is a long-time Northern Michigan resident who happily calls Petoskey home. When she isn’t at her computer writing and editing, you can find her taste-testing craft cocktails, patronizing downtown shops (especially bookstores), and participating in as many local literary events as possible. She looks forward to sharing her Petoskey Area favorites with you!