History:
Barn Stahl Farm is a century farm on which Rod and Marcia moved back in 2005. In 2006, because of a very wet spring, the front four acres could not be planted until mid-June. Too late to produce a productive crop, Rod came up with the idea of a corn maze, and that fall the Barn Stahl Corn Maze opened. With mainly word of mouth from friends and family, many after school and youth programs came to visit.
Being in Iowa, it amazed Rod and Marcia how many children wanted to check out the stock cows because they had never been that close before. Just because we are in a rural community doesn't mean kids get the chance to be on a farm. Seeing a need for a place where children can interact closely with friendly animals, along with a fun environment for our own four grandchildren, is how the petting zoo idea was formed. In 2006, starting with a few calves, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, donkeys, miniature horses and a pony, the Barn Stahl saw several hundred visitors.
Each Year The Barn Stahl Petting Zoo & Corn Maze tries to add a new animal and new attraction:
2007 - The pumpkin patch was added along with a basic play ground.
2008 - The corn room and hay maze
2009 - New play equipment and an inflatable jumping attraction
2010 - The pumpkin catapult
2011 - Our first bean maze & hay rides
2012 - We added our Pumpkin Cannon, Pumpkin Slingshot, and Corn Cannon
2013 - Lookout Tower, sand room & ball pit
2014 - New concession stand and indoor restrooms
2015 - Human hamster wheel
2016 - Human foosball
Starting in 2012 the Barn Stahl Family Center is planting the foundations of a Christmas tree grove for cut-your-own christmas trees. Although trees need to mature for 5 - 6 years, the grove will be available for families and groups to view and learn the process of tree growth.
New animals are always finding a new home at the Barn Stahl Petting Zoo. Since the first year, we have added llamas, miniature donkeys, buffalo, miniature cows, Belgium horses, a camel, peacocks, genies, and sugar gliders. This year we have added an alpaca and tortoise!
