Farm & Creamery Tour at a 150 Year Old Ranch
Stepladder Creamery situated along San Simeon Creek in Cambria California is a small family owned artisan goat dairy and creamery specializing in small batch farm to table, handmade goat's and cow's milk cheeses.
Play With the Happiest Goats in California
Learn the Art of Cheesemaking
Experience 150 Years of California History
50 Minute scenic drive from Paso Robles
All visits are by reservation only.
The #1 Outdoor Activity in Cambria (Tripadvisor) & Featured in
A Few of Our Favorite Things
A Beautiful Outdoor Experience
1st - Scenic Drive & Gate Greeting Awaits You
Embark on a breathtaking journey through picturesque landscapes, culminating in a warm, personal welcome right at our gate, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience. You'll drive along a beautiful San Simeon Creek that is adjacent to the property.
2nd - Explore Our Historic Farm, Barn & Play with the Goats
Wander through time on our 150-year-old farm; discover the rustic charm of our ancient barn & make furry friends as you play with the goats, connecting with nature and history.
3rd - Cheesemaking Basics
Gain unique insights into the seasonal swings of dairy farming and get an introduction to how cheese is made the old fashioned way while peaking into the production side of things.
4th - Taste Freshly Made Cheese From the Source
Indulge in the ultimate cheese-tasting experience, savoring the freshest flavors straight from the source, where you'll learn to appreciate the subtleties of each variety's taste and texture.
Our New Tour Room
A Rare Passion for Animals & Cheese
Happy goats.
As a farmstead creamery, we raise our goats on the farm and make cheese from their milk, which allows us to manage every aspect of our cheese production. Our herd of goats graze on three acres of open pasture and oak woodlands and are protected by our dedicated Anatolian Shepherds, Lily and Gus. Our herd consists of all registered LaManchas, the only breed of goats developed in the United States, notable for their tiny ears.
Historic Ranch
Founded in 1870 and evolving through the centuries, Stepladder Ranch transitioned from cattle to a diverse operation under the Russells in the 1980s, introducing avocados and a unique climate that supports over 200 crop varieties. Now managed by their grandson Jack Rudolph and his wife Michelle, the ranch has embraced cheesemaking, producing a wide range of goat and cow cheeses, while preserving its agricultural heritage. The iconic big, red barn, over 110 years old and built by Danish shipbuilders, symbolizes the ranch's history and the enduring legacy of innovation.
Award Winning Creamery
As a farmstead creamery, we raise our goats on the farm and make cheese from their milk, which allows us to manage every aspect of our cheese production.
Our goals are to create world class products and to provide a positive and meaningful workplace for our staff, as well as a healthy, sustainable environment for our animals.
4.9 Stars from 450+ People Can't be Wrong
"Aside from cuddling a goat, the highlight was the samples!! All of the different cheese varieties were amazing. And they did not skimp on the samples - you really got to taste all of the flavors of goat and cow cheese."
C. C. - Trip Advisor 5 Star Rating
"Have any doubts about booking a tour? Don't. Just sign up and be happy. Happy petting goats. That's my new mantra when I am stressed...just pretend I am still petting very human-friendly, adorable, very well taken care of goats. Whitney did a great job on our tour- it was informative, fun and interactive. The cheese tasting was great too. "
J. Mo - Trip Advisor 5 Star Rating
"Stepladder is a family favorite of ours! The ranch is beautifully maintained, the staff is unbelievably knowledgeable and friendly, and tours feel intimate and personal. You must go on the goat hike. It was life-changing to share the road with them and get a sense of their behavior and daily life."
Dawn Y. - Trip Advisor 5 Star Rating
"We love visiting. Seeing the goats and how the dairy works is so great! The real star of the show however are the dogs. The big white shepherds that keep the herd safe and the funny border collie that just wants to play.*
Bobbi I. - Trip Advisor 5 Star Rating
Enjoy a Scenic Drive to Coastal Cambria CA
If you do not see a date that works for you, please email us at [email protected] and we can do our best to accommodate your group.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: All Visits are by reservations only and please leave your fur babies at home. Pets are NOT allowed on our property.
50 minutes from Paso Robles
40 minutes from Morro Bay
55 minutes from San Luis Obispo
45 minutes from Templeton
30 minutes from Cayucos
Watch The Stepladder Creamery Story
From 100+ years of central california history to our dairy goat princess lifestyle, watch the stepladder creamery story., frequently asked questions.
How do you book a tour?
Tours can be purchased on our website using a valid credit card. If tours are sold out, you can be added to a waitlist via Tock and be notified about openings and future releases.
Tours are NOT open to the public without a reservation. We do not accept walk-ins.
What’s included in the tour?
Ticket price includes access to the Stepladder Ranch and Creamery property; interactions with the goats; Q&A/history; a tasting of our seasonal goat’s and cow’s milk cheeses and endless selfie and photo opps.
How early should I arrive for my tour?
Tours start on time and we recommend showing up about 5-10 minutes early. Guests can come and leave within your 2-hour tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time.
We will come to the front gate to greet guests prior to each tour. Upon booking you will receive a confirmation email with detailed driving directions on how to find us. Please wait in your car and follow us through the gate, up the narrow driveway to the designated parking area. Tours last about 1.5-2 hours and we require some break time and additional set up time between the sessions.
What do I bring on the tour?
This is a working farm/ranch - clothes and shoes have the possibility of getting dirty. We require wearing closed toe shoes for lots of walking. Depending on the time of year it can be really hot in the summer (70-80+ degrees) and cold in the winter (45-65 degrees). Wear/bring layers including jackets, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, etc.
How are your tours for people with limited mobility?
Our farm is mostly on uneven terrain, so it can be a bit challenging to accommodate guests with limited mobility, though we will do our best to create a special experience for all guests on our farm. Please get in touch for more details on navigating the tour with any special needs or accommodations.
Are animals, including service animals, allowed?
NO DOGS ALLOWED - NO EXCEPTIONS. Pets of any kind are not permitted on property. Lily and Gus, our herd protector dogs are trained to ward off intruding critters, which includes unfamiliar domesticated pets. If you bring a pet with you we will ask you to leave.
Refunds & cancellations
No refunds or cancellations. Reservations can be transferred, but we need at least 24 hours notice. Tours start on time. Guests can come and leave within your 2-hour tour window. If you show up late for your tour, we will not extend your time. All questions/changes to your tour must be handled at least 24 hours prior to your tour. Our property doesn’t have great cell service from Cambria to the farm, so everything must be handled in advance.
Costs for children
"The Classic" - Kids pay full price on tour if they can walk or eat cheese.
"The Classic - Children and Family day " Kids 12 and under pay $35 per kid. Kids under 2 are free, but we still ask that you let us know they are coming so please add them on when reserving your tour.
Cheese Club Members get $25 off on all tours per person up to 20 guests! Active Cheese Club Members must be present on the tour, must book the reservation, and must commit to a year of cheese club shipments for the discount to apply. Email [email protected] for the code!
Do you offer private or group tours?
Yes, we are open to private group tours for groups of 12+ people. Email us if you are interested in booking a private group tour and we will make sure it's a good fit for our team and schedule.
Other questions?
If you have further questions about tours please email us at [email protected] .
Terms and conditions
All tour guests are required to sign a liability waiver.
STAY IN THE LOOP
Shop small, support stepladder.
Follow us on Instagram to see what life is like on the ranch, and to see more about how we make our cheeses.
Open for Baby Goat Cuddling Saturdays 10am to 1pm. Click to get tickets!
(615) 481-9546
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- Baby Goat Petting & Tour
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- Birthday Party
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- Weather Policy for Events
Thank you for visiting our website to learn about our goat dairy!
Fun for the whole family.
We invite you to book an educational farm tour to come to our farm to interact and enjoy our animals. Our tour is filled with farm facts and fun. The tour is suited for visitors of all ages.
We can accommodate any size group, group size for private tours is a 25 person minimum.
The farm tour spotlights the goats, but there are so many other farm animals to see and learn about too. Visitors are educated about all of the animals living on our farm.
During the tour you will learn about various farm animals, see the milking parlor, see our cheese making facility, and learn about the cheese making process. The tour includes many hands on opportunities. At the conclusion of the tour visitors will have the opportunity to purchase some of our delicious products.
For people wanting to attend a farm tour but their group doesn’t meet the 25 person minimum, we have scheduled farm tour dates listed below that people can sign up to attend. Or there is a $250 minimum for a private tour of the farm. Please call to book.
Farm Tour Dates
The farm hours of operation and tour times vary depending on time of year, so please make sure you have the correct day and time for the tour you would like to attend. We ask that visitors please make reservations ahead of time via our online store, email or phone.
[email protected] or 615-481-9546.
Please retain a copy of your receipt to present at the tour you choose to attend. A digital version of your receipt is accepted. TICKETS WILL NOT BE MAILED. A COPY OF YOUR RECEIPT ON YOUR PHONE OR A PRINT OUT OF YOUR RECEIPT IS YOUR TICKET.
Tour Dates are as follows:
Our farm is open from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays
The guided educational tour of the farm is at 11am
2024 DATES
Baby Goat Cuddling Dates
All Dates we are open 10am-1pm
11/29 Friday!
Please Check back for dates
Follow the link to get tickets
https://noble-springs.com/shop-now/ols/products/kidd-cuddling
Rescheduling will be offered. Please let us know if you have any questions! Questions? Please call 615-481-9546 or email [email protected]
Admission to the Farm and to Cuddle Baby Goats is:
$12 per person
FREE for children 2 and under
Farm tours can be booked online. Check date availability above and book and pay now for your visit & tour through our site.
If using our site to pay in advance make sure to specify the date offered from the list above that you would like to attend l. Since a majority of the tour takes place outdoors, tickets are subject to cancelation due to weather conditions.
Outside food and drinks permitted. Please no pets.
PRIVATE TOURS
Private tours can be booked from March 1st through November 30th with the minimum requirement of a group size of at least 25 guests, or a minimum of $250.
We are able to accommodate large groups, such as schools, tour bus groups, or nursing homes for example.
Large group private tours can not be booked online. Please call us 615-481-9546
SCHOOL TOUR GROUPS..... If you are looking to set up a tour for a school please call us for tour rates and more information.
For booking large group private tours please contact us. We can be reached by phone at (615) 481-9546 or via email [email protected]
Our farm address is 3144 Blazer Road, Franklin, TN.
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