Deer Ranch St Ignace
Get up close and feed friendly deer, including unique albino and piebald varieties, in a beautiful Upper Peninsula setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See adorable fawns
Deer Ranch St Ignace
Best Time
See adorable fawns
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Get up close and feed friendly deer, including unique albino and piebald varieties, in a beautiful Upper Peninsula setting.
"Highly recommend feeding the deer. If you’re lucky, you could get wild birds to eat out of your hand, too!"
🎯 Buy Deer Food Cups
Essential for the full experience! Deer love the grain mixture best.
📸 Capture Cute Fawns
Visit in spring/early summer for adorable baby deer sightings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Deer
Get up close and personal with friendly deer, offering them food for a memorable interaction.
+1
Albino and White-Tailed Deer
Spot unique albino deer and majestic white-tailed deer in a natural setting.
+1
Adorable Fawns
Witness the cuteness of baby deer, especially during spring and early summer.
+1
Gift Shop Treasures
Browse a welcoming and clean gift shop with unique souvenirs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Feeding the Deer: A Must-Do
Best Time for Fawns & Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Buy Deer Food Cups
Essential for the full experience! Deer love the grain mixture best.
📸 Capture Cute Fawns
Visit in spring/early summer for adorable baby deer sightings.
🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful encounter.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs in a clean and welcoming shop. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Buy Deer Food Cups
Essential for the full experience! Deer love the grain mixture best.
📸 Capture Cute Fawns
Visit in spring/early summer for adorable baby deer sightings.
🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended
Avoid weekend crowds for a more peaceful encounter.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Find unique souvenirs in a clean and welcoming shop. +1
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the grounds, so wear comfy shoes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Deer Ranch for its reasonable prices, friendly staff, and the unique, up-close experience of feeding beautiful and sociable deer. The chance to see albino and piebald deer, along with adorable fawns, is a major highlight. While the bathroom door lock was noted as a minor issue, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit in the Upper Peninsula.
"Wow, how fun!! Beautifully kept grounds and happy, healthy looking animals. Their admissions fee was very, very reasonable, as was the price for cups of deer food. Highly recommend feeding the deer. If you’re lucky, you could get wild birds to eat out of your hand, too! There was a great young man working the counter, and the gift shop was welcoming, clean, and not overly-crowded. The one thing I will say is that the bathroom door didn’t, at least while we were there, lock! Especially with a lot of kids around, that seems like a recipe for disaster."
L H
"This place is super cool. The deer are beautiful and very sociable. The staff are amazing. I bought souvenirs here and forgot them in the restroom and they let me pay to have them mailed to me. I highly recommend this place!"
Scott Neal
"Reasonably priced, neat gift shop, super fun to see all the deer especially fawns and big bucks. The owners (or whoever was running the place) were super nice and even dog sat our puppy while we went through the ranch (dogs not allowed in the deer area due to predator-prey relationship). Feeding the deer was fun (pro tip…they like the grain mixture best). Well worth the $."
Becca Fedewa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Deer Ranch is located in St. Ignace, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It's a popular stop for those traveling across the Mackinac Bridge. Many visitors find it convenient to visit before or after crossing the bridge.
Yes, it's generally easy to find as it's a well-known roadside attraction in the area. GPS navigation should guide you directly to the location.
Yes, Deer Ranch is open on weekdays, making it a great option for those who can't visit on weekends.
The most common route involves taking I-75 North and exiting towards St. Ignace. The ranch is typically well-marked from the main roads.
Yes, ample parking is usually available for visitors at the Deer Ranch.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are generally considered very reasonable. One review mentioned it was about $6 per person, with additional costs for deer food. +1
Cups of deer food are affordably priced, often around $1, allowing visitors to feed the deer. +1
Advance booking is typically not required for Deer Ranch. You can usually purchase tickets upon arrival.
While specific discounts aren't frequently mentioned, the admission fee is widely regarded as very reasonable, making it a good value.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is feeding and interacting with the deer. You can also see unique albino deer, fawns, and browse the gift shop.
Yes, the deer are very sociable and accustomed to human interaction, allowing for petting, especially when offering food.
While primarily focused on deer, some visitors have mentioned seeing other animals like bears in passing or in the general vicinity, though the main attraction is the deer.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic family-friendly destination where children can have a hands-on experience feeding and interacting with the deer.
The best way is to purchase a cup of food and actively engage with the deer. Be patient, as some may be less interested than others. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular photo ops involve feeding the deer, capturing close-ups of fawns, and photographing the unique albino and piebald deer.
Yes, the albino deer are a unique sight and a popular subject for photos.
The deer are quite tame and accustomed to people, making it relatively easy to get close for photos, especially when offering food.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The key is to be ready to capture spontaneous moments of interaction.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 It's a fantastic way to introduce children to wildlife in a safe and controlled environment. The affordability of the admission and food cups makes it an accessible outing for most families. Visiting during fawn season will undoubtedly be a highlight for younger children, offering unparalleled cuteness. +1Consider visiting on a weekday to ensure a less crowded experience, which can be easier when managing young children. The gift shop also offers a chance for kids to pick out a small souvenir.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
+1 It offers a unique and engaging stop that breaks up long drives. The interactive nature of feeding the deer provides a memorable experience that’s more than just a quick photo op.It's an ideal day trip activity, easily fitting into a larger itinerary for exploring St. Ignace and the surrounding areas.
+1 You can combine a visit here with other local attractions or scenic drives along U.S. 2. The reasonable cost and relatively short time commitment make it a great option for a spontaneous stop or a planned part of your adventure. 📸 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+2 The ability to feed the deer allows for intimate observation of their behavior and social dynamics.The ranch provides a controlled environment to learn about and interact with these animals, which can be particularly rewarding for those interested in conservation or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.
Even if you're not actively feeding them, observing the deer in their well-kept habitat is a peaceful and enriching experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Deer Experience: Up Close and Personal
+1 This hands-on approach is what sets Deer Ranch apart, providing memorable moments for all ages.Beyond the standard white-tailed deer, the ranch is known for its special residents, including albino deer and piebald deer.
+2 These unique variations add an extra layer of wonder to the visit, offering a chance to see animals rarely encountered in the wild. The presence of fawns, especially during the spring and early summer months, is another major draw, with visitors often sharing their delight at seeing these young, vulnerable creatures. +1 The well-maintained grounds ensure a pleasant environment for both the animals and the visitors.While the primary focus is on the deer, the overall atmosphere is one of natural wonder and gentle interaction. The staff are often praised for their friendliness and willingness to go the extra mile, such as helping to mail forgotten souvenirs.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from Travelers
For those looking to capture the most adorable moments, visiting during fawn season (typically spring and early summer) is highly recommended.
+1 The sight of baby deer is a major highlight for many families. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll be exploring the grounds to get the best views and interactions. +1The gift shop is also a pleasant part of the visit, offering a range of souvenirs.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit