In 1984, a practical joke at our new residence led to acquiring a few farm animals unexpectedly!  In 1990, our first year of school field trips hosted 957 Kindergarten kids, and the following year 3,155 attended.  The former homestead of the Overweg Dairy Farm grew as a public attraction at first, but by 2000, had earned the reputation of being an interactive, educational farm. Relying on Ag producers and veterinarians, our curriculum about growing food, animal care and sustainability complimented Michigan Benchmarks for teaching Life Sciences and Social Studies.  Critter Barn was born.  We attained 501©3 non-profit status in 2003.