Old MacDonald’s Farm owner talks seasonal business, helping people get familiar with animals

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Old MacDonald’s Farm is located along Highway 16 northeast of Rockerville. About halfway between Rapid City and Mount Rushmore, it’s an area receiving plenty of summer tourist traffic.

“We just rely on people driving by and wanting to stop and say ‘hi’ and pet animals,” Owner Thane Rose said, “We charge a fee, and that’s how we afford it.”

Rose has owned Old MacDonald’s Farm for more than a decade. Raised on a farm, Rose said it’s a business that’s close to home.

“I love seeing people who aren’t familiar with animals get to be around animals and appreciate them,” Rose commented.

Outside of summer tourism months, Rose switches up his strategy. Each Saturday in October is part of Old MacDonald’s Farm’s Fall Festival Days. People can stop by for discounted prices on these days.

In the winter, the animals spend time out of the public eye.

“I have a small ranch south of town, and then all the animals get tons of room to be animals,” Rose said.

If you are interested in seeing the turkeys, llamas, donkeys and more at Old MacDonald’s Farm, more details can be found on their website.

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