De Mèkkerstee is a family-run goat farm and cheese dairy, classified as an organic farm, petting farm, and farm market. It operates as a care farm, offering daytime activities for individuals with mental or psycho-social challenges. The site features a modern stable housing around 650 goats, an on-site cheese factory, an ice creamery, a petting zoo, a children’s playground, and a restaurant with meeting facilities. The farm store sells a wide range of local and farm products, including the farm’s own cheeses and homemade ice cream.
This location does not offer self-picking produce. Instead, visitors can observe the goat milking daily at 3:30 PM, view the cheese-making process through glass windows (not on Saturdays), and interact with farm animals, including lambs in a special cuddling corner during the spring lambing season. The playground features modern equipment, including a zip line and, during the summer, a bouncy castle.
Business Hours:
- Regular Season: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Sunday and Monday.
- Summer Holiday Season (July 8 through end of August): Open on Monday as well (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
- Holiday Exceptions (winter): Closed on December 25 and 26, and January 1. Open on New Year’s Eve until 3:00 PM.
Season: The farm is open year-round with the regular schedule, except for specific holiday closures. The summer holiday schedule extends Monday hours.
What visitors say
This charming goat farm offers a delightful and educational outing, highly recommended for families with children. Visitors can enjoy direct interaction with a variety of farm animals, particularly the friendly goats and adorable lambs available for cuddling, and observe the daily milking process, typically around 3:30 PM. Children are well catered for with a spacious and engaging playground, though some note it’s primarily suited for younger kids.
The on-site restaurant provides a pleasant setting to enjoy delicious homemade treats, with the acclaimed goat milk ice cream being a particular highlight for many, especially those with dairy sensitivities. They also serve pancakes, coffee, and other refreshments. An extensive farm shop showcases a wide array of local and organic products such as diverse goat cheeses, fresh loose teas, jams, nuts, and unique gift items, all generally praised for their quality and reasonable prices. Guests can also peer into the cheese-making facility, gaining insight into the craft.
The facility consistently receives high marks for its cleanliness, efficient organization, and friendly, supportive staff, with one reviewer specifically noting its positive social impact by providing employment for people with disabilities. Appreciated practical features include free parking and complimentary admission, making it an accessible and enjoyable destination. While it can become quite busy during holidays or specific afternoons, and some guests found the indoor goat pens somewhat compact, the overwhelming consensus points to an exceptionally pleasant and memorable visit for all ages.