STANTON, Mich. (Michigan Back Roads) – The sign says “Anderson & Girls Orchards.” While it is certainly that, Anderson & Girls has a lot more to offer than just apples.

Probably the most popular attraction is the petting zoo area. There are around 140 animals in the zoo, and it is free to visit. You will encounter gnus, emus, pheasants, peacocks, goats, zebras, camels, rabbits, lemurs, turtles, pigs and a walk in bird house among others. The animals aren’t just hanging around in pens. You can feed the birds, ride the camels, and cheer as the pigs race around an oval track.

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The farm market has a large selection of in-season fruits and vegetables. Strawberries start things off in June. Then come the peaches, apples, pears and plums. The bakery and pantry offer fresh applesauce, donuts, fritters and pies. There are Amish jams, local cheeses, Michigan honey and maple syrup. Grandma Anderson’s Ice Cream Parlor is a favorite stop even if you only have a few minutes. You can enjoy refreshing flurries, malts, and hand-dipped ice cream. Indulge yourself with a world-famous Hudsonville ice cream cone. The Gift Loft is where you can find a souvenir of your visit or a special gift for a friend.

Anderson & Girls hosts a number of events throughout the year. In springtime they have one of the biggest Easter Egg Hunts in all of Michigan. Generations of Michigan children join the hunt each year in search of thousands of Easter eggs hidden around the farm. In the fall is one of my favorite events. Each weekend the farm conducts pig races. Sometimes they race the little pigs and sometimes it’s the big hogs. It doesn’t matter which ones are racing, it is always fun.

The farm is 3 miles north of Stanton on M-66.