Horsebarn Hill is one of UConn’s most popular destinations, welcoming visitors throughout the year to explore our public animal viewing areas and experience our working teaching farms.
Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or on your own, there’s always something to see.
What You’ll See
Depending on the season, visitors may see:
- Horses
- Dairy cattle
- Beef cattle
- Sheep
Seasonal highlights include:
- Foals during the summer
- Lambs in the late winter
- Beef calves in the spring
- Dairy calves throughout the year
Visitors can also view our robotic milking system from the public viewing room in the Kellogg Dairy Center
Where Visitors Can Go
Visitors are welcome to visit the following areas on Horsebarn Hill Road:
- Horse Unit 1
- Horsebarn Hill Arena
- Outdoor horse paddocks
- Outdoor livestock viewing areas
- Designated walking areas
For the safety of our animals and staff, many working barns and animal facilities are not open to the public.
Visitor Hours
The outdoor areas of Livestock Unit 1 are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The horse facilities (with the exception of the Lorentzon Stables and Horse Unit 2 building) are open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Make the Most of Your Visit
While visiting Horsebarn Hill, don’t miss:
- UConn Dairy Bar
- Scenic walking areas and trails
- Horsebarn Hill Arena
- Picnic areas
- Public restrooms
Maps and Parking
The recommended GPS location is:
Horsebarn Hill Arena
3099 Horsebarn Hill Road
Storrs, CT 06269
The arena is right next to Horse Unit I and has a large parking lot that is convenient for bus drop offs. For information regarding location and parking procedures visit the parking services website.
Visitor Guidelines
To protect our animals and ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone:
- Do not feed the animals
- Do not touch the animals
- Stay within the designated public viewing areas and pay close attention to signage
- Supervise children and pets at all times
- Wash your hands after visiting animal areas
Curious About Animal Science?
The animals you see are an important part of the student learning experience.
Animal Science students gain hands-on experience caring for livestock while studying topics including animal health, nutrition, genetics, reproduction, food systems, and veterinary science. Interested in learning more?
School Group Visits
Bring your students to Horsebarn Hill for an educational visit to UConn’s Department of Animal Science.
School groups are welcome to explore our public animal viewing areas while learning about agriculture, animal care, food production, and the role animals play in our everyday lives.
Planning Your Visit
Your group is welcome to:
- Visit public animal viewing areas
- Walk through designated public barns
- Visit the UConn Dairy Bar
- Enjoy lunch in picnic areas
Bus Parking
Groups arriving by bus should arrange parking through UConn Parking Services before their visit.
Visiting the Dairy Bar
Planning to stop for ice cream?
Groups of 10 or more should contact the UConn Dairy Bar in advance so staff can prepare for your arrival.
Amenities
Available during your visit:
- Public restrooms
- Drinking fountains
- Picnic tables
- Walking paths
- Accessible parking
Visitor Guidelines
To help protect our animals and provide a safe experience for everyone:
- Do not feed the animals
- Do not touch the animals
- Keep students with your group
- Stay within designated public viewing areas
- Follow posted signs and staff instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a fee to visit?
No. Other than potential costs associated with parking, visiting the public animal viewing areas at the UConn Department of Animal Science is free and open to everyone.
Do we need to reserve a visit?
No reservations are needed to visit. School groups are welcome during public visiting hours. Large groups planning to arrive by bus should review parking information before visiting.
Are restrooms available?
Yes! Public restrooms are available at the Dairy Bar and the Horsebarn Hill Arena.
Do you provide guided tours?
While we do not offer guided tours of our animal units, visitors are welcome to explore the areas that are open to the public. Horse Unit I and the Horsebarn Hill Arena are open daily from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and you may also see horses and other animals in outdoor paddocks and from the public roads and walkways around Horsebarn Hill.
For the safety of both visitors and the animals, we ask that guests not touch or feed the animals. Because these are active teaching and working facilities, we also cannot guarantee that faculty, staff, or students will be available to answer questions during your visit.