That’s right. Pack your swimsuit and gas up the car, because this is one road trip you’ll never forget. Barn Hill Preserve is an incredible little animal sanctuary over in the tiny town of Ethel, about a two-hour drive from the city and trust us, it’s worth it.

Welcome to Barn Hill Preserve.

googlemaps.com Located in East Feliciana Parish, Ethel is about two hours from New Orleans, making it the perfect day trip adventure.

Established in 2012, Barn Hill is home to over 50 species of animals.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook Dedicated to educating guests about exotic animals through hands-on experiences, this incredible preserve is an animal lover’s paradise.

During your tour, your tour guide will show you all around the property and you’ll get to see all of these animals up close.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook The entire preserve is about seven acres, so be sure to bring some comfortable shoes.

You’ll probably see some beautiful birds flying around.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook Barn Hill is home to one of the largest free-flying macaw rescue centers around.

Everywhere you turn, there’s a cute little animal.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook Like this adorable little sloth that’s having a tough time deciding which stick to eat!

The otter swim is one of the most magical experiences you’ll ever have.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook Combined with the encounter tour, the entire experience will last about three hours.

During your otter swim, you’ll have the opportunity to swim with a few of their Asian small-clawed otters.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook The cutest of all otters, in our opinion.

Just try not to smile when you have a bucket of otters in your hand.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook I don’t know who is happier in this photo, the man or that otter.

Otter swims are available year-round.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook During the colder months, they heat the pool so that both you and your new furry friends can be comfortable.

To book your otter swim, head on over to their website and be sure to give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on their upcoming events!

googlemaps.com

Located in East Feliciana Parish, Ethel is about two hours from New Orleans, making it the perfect day trip adventure.

Barn Hill Preserve/Facebook

Dedicated to educating guests about exotic animals through hands-on experiences, this incredible preserve is an animal lover’s paradise.

The entire preserve is about seven acres, so be sure to bring some comfortable shoes.

Barn Hill is home to one of the largest free-flying macaw rescue centers around.

Like this adorable little sloth that’s having a tough time deciding which stick to eat!

Combined with the encounter tour, the entire experience will last about three hours.

The cutest of all otters, in our opinion.

I don’t know who is happier in this photo, the man or that otter.

During the colder months, they heat the pool so that both you and your new furry friends can be comfortable.

Have you ever visited Barn Hill Preserve near New Orleans? Let us know in the comments below!

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Address: Barn Hill Preserve, 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730, USA