Discover how a typical North Carolina dairy operates at our interactive museum. Learn how we raise our cows, how they produce milk and how that milk is used to make products like our delicious Howling Cow® ice cream.

The museum honors the Kenan family, whose generous support helped create our educational destination.

Fun fact: The Jersey cows on the NC State Dairy Farm are direct descendants of William Rand Kenan Jr.’s original herd.

Visit the Museum

The museum and farm are located on Lake Wheeler Rd, five miles from downtown Raleigh.

Top help protect our farm’s biosecurity, tours must be scheduled in advance. We currently provide guided tours for organized groups of 10 or more for $15 per person. Tours must be booked in advance. Larger groups may be split up to ensure the best tour experience.

The tour includes the Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum and the NC State Dairy Farm.

Filed trips and private tours are offered Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. (Groups of 15+)

Saturday tours are open to the public. Saturday tours change seasonally. View and book public tour availability.

School and Organization Tours:

Organized groups with more than 10 participants can schedule a tour by emailing dairyfarmtours@ncsu.edu. Please let us know the number of people in your group and a preferred tour date/time.

Small Group Tours (less than 10):

Smaller groups can book a tour online using the link below.

What to Know Before You Go

We want you to have a wonderful experience during your visit. Here are several tips to ensure your maximum safety, comfort and fun!

• Attire:
  • Wear proper clothing for the weather.
  • The tour area is rough and not all paved. Sneakers or closed-toe shoes are required.
  • We will provide shoe covers.
• Biosecurity:
  • If you have been outside the United States for the past two weeks, please advise us before you arrive.
  • We have a bio-secure farm, and we ask that no one touch any of the animals. Diseases can pass to you from the animals, and you can pass diseases to the animals.
  • You must wash your hands well after the farm portion of the tour.
  • This is an operating dairy farm, and there will be machines running. Please always be aware of your surroundings and do not leave the group.
• Touring the Facilities:
  • The farm does smell at times. If you don’t feel well, let us know, and we will return you to the museum.
  • Listen to your tour guide at all times.
  • Please be quiet as much as possible during the farm tour so as not to startle the cows. They are used to people being around the farm, but they can get scared if someone screams or yells.
  • Ask questions! We are here to help you have a better understanding of how your food is made.