Farm Stay Experience near Gainesville, FL: Cow Cuddle, Butterfly Garden, Wedding Venues, RV Camping, Farm Tour, & More


Escape the city and discover the perfect countryside retreat just a short drive from Gainesville, FL. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary invites you to reconnect with nature through heartwarming animal encounters, peaceful farm stays, and unforgettable experiences that nurture the soul.


Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways near Gainesville, FL, fun birthday party venues in Gainesville, FL, or serene RV camping near Gainesville, FL, Rooterville offers it all—plus our famous cow cuddling therapy in Florida and a breathtaking butterfly garden near Gainesville.


Please note:  WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCEPT ANIMALS AT THIS TIME, we are at capacity.

BOOK YOUR COW CUDDLE NOW! PLAN YOUR VISIT

Welcome to Rooterville – Our Mission & Impact


At Rooterville, compassion is at the heart of everything we do. Located near Gainesville, FL, our sanctuary provides a loving, lifelong home for rescued farm animals while inspiring visitors to live more kindly.


Every visit, cuddle, and stay supports our mission of compassion and education. Whether you’re planning a peaceful getaway or a fun family outing, our Gainesville farm stay offers a meaningful escape into the beauty of sanctuary life.

Unforgettable Animal Experiences Await


Three people sit with a light-brown cow. Two boys smile while a person with curly hair smiles in a Florida animal farm

Looking for the best farms to visit near Gainesville, FL? Rooterville is home to hundreds of rescued animals ready to meet you!


From goats and pigs to cows and chickens, our sanctuary’s farm experiences and animal encounters in Florida are designed to bring joy and awareness to every guest.



Enjoy hands-on learning, laughter, and the chance to create memories that last a lifetime.

Cow Cuddling near Gainesville, FL

Looking for the ultimate stress relief? Try our signature cow cuddling near Gainesville, FL!


Experience pure comfort as you spend time with our gentle Highland cows and their adorable calves. Whether you’re enjoying a baby cow cuddling moment or booking the ultimate cow cuddling session, you’ll leave feeling renewed and connected.


Plus, half of every session helps fund care for our rescued animals—so every hug helps!

Boy embracing a fluffy, light brown cow, sitting outdoors. The cow rests its head on his shoulder in a Florida animal farm

Farmer for a Day Program near Gainesville, FL


Woman feeding miniature cows at an outdoor pen. One cow is brown, another is white in a Florida animal farm

Ever wanted to be a farmer for a day? Join our hands-on program and discover what it’s like to care for rescued animals. From feeding to cleaning and cuddling, this immersive experience lets you see the heart of sanctuary life up close. Perfect for families, students, and animal lovers looking for authentic farm experiences near Gainesville, FL.

Become a Farmer for a Day!

Petting Farm near Gainesville, FL


Woman and child smiling, cuddling a small brown cow in a barn setting with hay in a Florida animal farm

If you’re searching for animal farms near Gainesville, FL, Rooterville’s petting farm is a must-visit. Meet playful goats, gentle pigs, friendly cows, and curious chickens in a family-friendly environment. Our cow petting near Gainesville, FL experience is especially popular with kids and animal enthusiasts. It’s a joyful, educational adventure that helps foster kindness and connection.

Plan Your Encounter Today!

Farm Stays & RV Camping near Gainesville, FL


Interior of a wagon-themed room with bed, table, chairs, and bathroom in a Florida animal farm

Turn your visit into a memorable getaway with our farm stays and RV camping near Gainesville, FL. Enjoy tranquil nights under the stars, mornings surrounded by farm life, and days filled with nature walks and animal encounters. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway near Gainesville, FL or a family camping trip, Rooterville offers comfort, adventure, and purpose all in one beautiful setting.

Explore Farm Stays and RV Camping!

RV Camping near Gainesville, FL


RV parked on grassy campsite, surrounded by trees in a Florida animal farm

Bring your RV and experience peaceful countryside living! Our Gainesville RV camping area features open spaces, firepits, and the perfect balance of privacy and community. It’s a wonderful escape for travelers looking for RV camping near Gainesville, FL with an added bonus—the chance to support a good cause while enjoying nature.

Reserve your RV Camping Stay

Covered Wagon Glamping near Gainesville, FL


Interior of a covered wagon with two chairs, small table, and a mini-fridge. Beige canvas walls in a Florida animal farm

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, book a stay in our covered wagon rentals near Gainesville, FL. This cozy and romantic setup blends rustic charm with modern amenities, offering the ultimate glamping experience. Perfect for couples seeking romantic places in Gainesville, FL, families, or solo travelers looking to recharge in a unique farm setting.

Check Availability & Book Your Wagon Stay!

Meet Our Rescued Pigs

Black and white pig with a large snout looking at the viewer. It stands on grass in a Florida animal farm

Our rescued pigs are full of character and love! Come meet our happy herd and learn about their rescue stories. Visitors love watching them play, snuggle, and show off their intelligence—it’s one of the most heartwarming parts of any visit. Rooterville’s farm experiences and animal encounters in Florida remind every guest of the joy that compassion brings.

Meet Our Rescued Animals

Plan Your Group Event or Special Occasion


Group of people and children sitting on hay bales, watching pigs in an outdoor setting in a Florida animal farm

Looking for event venues in Gainesville, FL that truly stand out? Rooterville’s farm setting offers the perfect blend of nature, charm, and purpose.


Whether it’s a farm birthday party, corporate event, or family reunion, our venue provides everything you need for an unforgettable celebration. With beautiful surroundings and friendly animals, it’s one of the most unique event venues near Gainesville, FL.

Book Events Today!

Farm Wedding Venue near Gainesville, FL


Wedding arch draped with white fabric and flowers, two ornate chairs sit inside in a Florida animal farm

Searching for wedding venues near Gainesville, FL that combine rustic beauty and heartfelt meaning? Rooterville’s farm wedding venue offers a picturesque countryside backdrop filled with scenic charm and rescued animals.


From romantic ceremonies to cozy receptions, our experienced team will help bring your dream Gainesville wedding venue to life.

Reserve Today!

Explore Our Nature Experiences


Monarch butterfly with orange and black wings, perched on a finger in a Florida animal farm

Beyond the animals, Rooterville is home to a stunning butterfly garden near Gainesville, FL, where you can stroll among colorful blooms and pollinators.


Experience our Gainesville butterfly garden, learn about honey bees, or enjoy picking seasonal flowers from our u-pick flowers area. It’s one of the most peaceful butterfly gardens in Gainesville, Florida, offering a perfect blend of beauty and relaxation.

Discover Our Nature Experiences

Join Our Mission: Volunteer & Community

Your kindness makes a world of difference! Rooterville thrives on the support of our incredible community. 


Whether you're an individual looking to dedicate time or a corporate group seeking a meaningful team-building experience, our volunteer programs offer rewarding opportunities to contribute directly to the care of our animals.

Become a Rooterville Volunteer
Volunteer recruitment poster for Rooterville, a sanctuary. Text lists volunteer needs in a Florida animal farm

Plan Your Visit


Ready to experience the magic of Rooterville? Just a short drive from Gainesville, our sanctuary offers everything from farm tours and animal encounters to weddings, parties, and farm stays. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway near Gainesville, FL or a family adventure, Rooterville invites you to visit, cuddle a cow, and discover why we’re one of Florida’s most heartwarming destinations.


We are open for WALK-IN Visitors Friday and Saturday ONLY from 9AM til 2PM.  You are

welcome to visit other days/times by appointment.

Address: 1208 N County Road 315, Melrose, FL 32666-3327, United States, Melrose, 32666-3327, US

Directions to Rooterville   


We are directly on N CR 315, approximately 2.5mi north of State Rd 100.  DO NOT turn down Hope Lane.

General Inquiries & Tour Info   

Email us at elaine@rooterville.org

or

Fill out our online contact form

What to Expect:   Rooterville is a joyful, inclusive place where everyone is welcome. Our goal is to help kids (and adults!) experience farm life and enjoy nature and animals in a peaceful setting. Please check our Plan Your Visit page for our current hours and visitor guidelines.