Illinois has its fair share of wild animals that many of us regularly encounter. When I see a rabbit, squirrel, groundhog or deer, I barely register it. Seeing an alpaca, on the other hand, is something I would not expect to run into. Alpaca Pines in Poplar Grove, IL offers open houses when you can stop by the farm and fiber mill to get up close to its herd of alpacas.

Located just south of the Wisconsin border, Alpaca Pines is a 40-minute drive from downtown Rockford.
Alpaca Pines llc Farm and Fiber Mill/Google Reviews
Owner Vicki Glenn-Donley began the business in 2011 and has since built it into a working farm and fiber arts studio.
Glenn-Donley is a third generation farmer who values introducing young people to animals.
Lori Seekamp/Google Reviews
The farm houses almost 40 alpacas, a llama, sheep, ducks, chicken, turkeys and a goose.
The entire operation began when Glenn-Donley adopted two male Suri alpacas.
Mark Devino/Google Reviews
From there, she was inspired to try fiber arts. The farm expanded as a working mill and studio that offers fiber processing services.
Alpaca Pines offers tours when coordinated in advance, so be sure to call ahead if you'd like to interact with the herd.
Alpaca Pines LLc Farm and Fiber Mill/ Facebook
There is a lot of nitty-gritty business that has to go on behind the scenes to ensure that the alpacas are being well taken care of. Many of the alpacas have been rescued, so the team at Alpaca Pines makes sure every animal is comfortable interacting with people before having guests feed them.

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Having honed her skills as a fiber artist, Glenn-Donley offers classes and workshops at the fiber mill.
Alpaca Pines LLc Farm and Fiber Mill/ Facebook
Past classes have included yarn spinning using a Turkish spindle, crochet classes, and needle felting classes.
There is a working loom in the yarn and gift shop at the front of the farm.
Mark Devino/Google Reviews
With a colorful assortment of hand-spun yarns, the shop is a joy to walk through. Alpaca Pines also sells pillows, pottery, and imported items from Peru.
If you call ahead and schedule a tour, be sure to wash your hands first (and after!).
Mark Devino/Google Reviews
During National Alpaca Farm Days in late September every year, Alpaca Pines hosts a family-friendly event where visitors can buy a cup of food and feed the animals.
This family-owned and operated farm, mill and shop really puts Illinoian craftsmanship on display.
Dawn Unger/Google Reviews
Whether you want to see the farm, partake in a fiber arts class, or pick up some yarn, Alpaca Pines is certainly worth a visit. There are many sweet faces all around wanting to say hello!

Be sure to check Alpaca Pines’ website and Facebook page to confirm open hours for tours and visits. Not too far from Alpaca Pines, you can also stop by Magic Meadows Alpacas Farm if you want to pack a day with multiple alpaca farms visits in northern Illinois. No matter how many alpacas you are hoping to see in a day, I’d suggest having some hand sanitizing spray in your pocket. It’s thoughtful to use it before and after touching an animal to all creatures involved safe!

What other spots in Illinois are worth exploring for unexpected animal encounters?

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21756 Beaverton Rd, Poplar Grove, IL 61065, USA