Some farms have cows, others have sheep, but this one has a herd of miniature Mediterranean donkeys that will steal your heart faster than you can say “carrot.” The friendly four-acre spot has been a labor of love since 1979, and the owner invites visitors to come hug the donkeys and pet the horses by appointment.
You can tour the charming farm shop filled with antiques, vintage jackets, and one-of-a-kind home decor finds.
The donkeys are small but full of personality, each one with its own name and quirks that will make you smile. They come running when they see visitors, eager for attention and the treats you might have brought along.
The owner shares stories of each animal with warmth and pride, making the visit feel personal and meaningful. You will find yourself losing track of time as you wander the peaceful grounds, taking in the quiet charm of the place.
The farm shop is a treasure trove of unique items, from rustic furniture to handmade crafts you will not find anywhere else. Oregon is full of unexpected treasures, and this little farm proves that the best experiences often come with four legs and a fuzzy face.
It is the kind of place that leaves you smiling long after you have left.
The Magic of Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys
Few animals command instant affection quite like a Mediterranean Miniature Donkey. These compact, soft-coated creatures originally hail from the islands of Sardinia and Sicily.
Over centuries, they were bred as working animals, small enough to navigate narrow mountain paths. Today, they are celebrated more for their social, warm-hearted personalities than any farm task.
At Tollen Farm, the herd roams a lush four-acre property in Wilsonville, Oregon. Each donkey has its own distinct personality, from bold and curious to shy and sweet.
Visitors quickly notice that these animals genuinely enjoy human company. They press their noses against fences and nudge you with surprising enthusiasm.
What makes this breed so special is their emotional sensitivity. They read body language carefully and respond to calm energy.
Spending even ten minutes with them feels oddly grounding. Kids especially light up around them, and adults tend to forget they had anywhere else to be.
It is a genuinely joyful animal encounter.
Guided Tours That Feel Like Conversations
Visiting Tollen Farm is not a passive experience where you walk around and read signs. The tours here feel more like a conversation with someone who genuinely loves what they do.
The farm owner leads each group personally, sharing stories, fun facts, and real insight into donkey behavior and care.
Guests quickly learn things they never expected to know, like the fact that a miniature donkey pregnancy lasts around fourteen months. That kind of detail lands differently when you are standing next to a very round, very patient mama donkey.
The tours are educational without ever feeling like a lecture. Groups tend to be small, which keeps things relaxed and personal. You can ask questions, take your time, and really connect with the animals.
Fellow visitors often end up chatting with each other, bonded by the shared novelty of the experience. The tour format makes Tollen Farm feel less like a stop on a list and more like a real outing worth remembering.
Rescue Horses Share the Spotlight Too
While the miniature donkeys are undeniably the stars of Tollen Farm, they share the property with rescue horses that have their own quiet dignity. These horses have found a safe, caring home here, and their presence adds another layer of meaning to the farm experience.
Seeing rescue animals thriving in a healthy environment is genuinely moving. It adds context to everything happening at Tollen Farm.
This is not just a novelty attraction. It is a place where animals are given second chances and treated with real respect and ongoing care.
Visitors who take a moment to observe the horses often end up standing quietly by the fence for longer than they planned. There is something deeply peaceful about watching a rescued animal graze in a safe pasture.
It puts the whole farm experience into perspective. Tollen Farm is not just fun, it is meaningful, and that combination is what keeps people coming back long after their first visit ends.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Planning your first trip to Tollen Farm is pretty straightforward, but a few small details will make the experience much smoother. The farm is open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM, so morning arrivals work best if you want the full window of time.
The address is 11681 SW Tooze Road in Wilsonville, and the turn-off is easy to miss, so slow down and watch for the sign.
Wear comfortable shoes you do not mind getting a little dusty or muddy depending on the season. The farm is an outdoor experience, and you will be walking on natural ground the whole time.
Light layers are smart for Oregon weather, which can shift unexpectedly even on a sunny afternoon.
The farm runs on donations rather than fixed admission fees. Visitors are encouraged to contribute what they can to support the animals and the owner’s time.
Bringing cash is a thoughtful way to show appreciation. The experience is genuinely priceless, and every dollar helps keep this special place going strong.
The Donkeys Know How to Work a Crowd
There is a moment during most visits to Tollen Farm when a donkey walks straight up to you with zero hesitation. It is both hilarious and oddly moving.
These animals have a natural confidence around people that makes every interaction feel mutual, like they chose you just as much as you chose them.
Mediterranean Miniature Donkeys are known for being highly social, and the ones at Tollen Farm seem to have fully leaned into that reputation. They follow visitors along fence lines, poke their noses through gaps, and occasionally bray loudly as if making an announcement. It never gets old.
What surprised me most was how calm they made me feel. There is something about their slow blinks and steady presence that just settles the nervous system.
Families with young children find the experience especially magical. Kids who are initially nervous around animals tend to relax quickly because the donkeys approach so gently and without any sudden movements.
A One-Woman Operation Rooted in Passion
Running a farm solo is no small feat, and the owner of Tollen Farm does it with remarkable dedication. Every tour, every feeding, and every moment of animal care falls on her shoulders.
The love she has for these animals comes through in every interaction and every detail of how the farm is maintained.
Visitors consistently note how warm and knowledgeable she is during tours. She does not just recite facts.
She tells stories, answers questions with genuine patience, and makes every guest feel like their curiosity is welcome. That kind of personal touch is rare and genuinely refreshing.
The farm also welcomes volunteers who want to help with daily chores and upkeep. If you have a free afternoon and a willingness to pitch in, reaching out to the farm is a meaningful way to give back.
Supporting small, independently run farms like this one matters more than most people realize. Your visit, your donation, and your word of mouth all make a real difference here.
A Four-Acre Farm With a Big Personality
Not every great destination needs to be massive to leave a lasting impression. Tollen Farm proves that four well-loved acres can hold more warmth than a place ten times its size.
The property sits quietly on SW Tooze Road, tucked behind trees and easy to miss if you are not paying attention.
The layout feels lived-in and genuine, with pastures, pens, and open spaces that give the animals room to roam comfortably. Nothing feels staged or overly curated here.
It looks like a real working farm because it is one, and that authenticity is a huge part of its appeal.
Walking the grounds, you notice small details that show how much care goes into the place. Fences are well-kept, animals look healthy and content, and the overall atmosphere is calm and welcoming.
It is the kind of farm that feels like it belongs in a storybook, yet it is completely real and just a short drive from Portland.
Vintage and Antique Finds on the Property
Beyond the donkeys and horses, Tollen Farm has another layer that catches visitors off guard in the best way. The property features a vintage and antique collection that the owner curates with obvious care and a sharp eye for interesting pieces.
It adds a fun, unexpected dimension to the whole visit.
Browsing the collection feels like poking through a really good flea market, except the setting is a working farm with donkeys braying softly in the background. The combination is wonderfully odd and completely charming.
You might find something you did not know you needed until you spotted it on a shelf.
For anyone who loves antiques, this is a genuine bonus. It turns a farm visit into a multi-layered outing that appeals to different interests within the same group.
One person can linger with the donkeys while another explores the vintage collection. It is the kind of detail that makes Tollen Farm feel like it was designed by someone who truly understands how to create a memorable experience.
Why Kids Absolutely Love This Place
Tollen Farm has a way of turning even the most distracted kid into a fully present, wide-eyed animal enthusiast. The miniature donkeys are the perfect size for young children, not so large as to be intimidating, and not so small as to feel fragile.
The interaction feels safe, natural, and completely joyful.
Watching a toddler meet a donkey for the first time is one of those small life moments that parents genuinely treasure. The animals are patient and calm, which makes nervous kids feel at ease almost immediately.
By the end of most visits, children are already asking when they can come back.
The farm has been a popular birthday outing for young kids, and it is easy to understand why. There are no screens, no noise machines, and no manufactured excitement here.
Just real animals, open air, and the kind of uncomplicated happiness that kids access more easily than adults. Tollen Farm is a reminder of how simple the best experiences often are.
Finding Tollen Farm and Planning Your Visit
Getting to Tollen Farm requires a little attention, but the drive itself is pleasant and relaxing. The farm is located at 11681 SW Tooze Road in Wilsonville, Oregon, about 20 miles south of Portland.
The road is quiet and rural, which starts setting the mood well before you arrive at the property.
The farm is open seven days a week from 11 AM to 3 PM, which makes it easy to fit into a weekend itinerary or a slow weekday adventure. Calling ahead or checking the website at tollenfarm.com is a smart move to confirm tour availability and any seasonal updates.
Tollen Farm earns its near-perfect rating not through flashy marketing but through consistent, heartfelt hospitality. Everything points to the same thing: people leave happy, surprised, and already thinking about their next trip.
It is the kind of place that does not need to advertise aggressively because word of mouth does all the work.
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