Land of Little Horses

About Land of Little Horses

After 54 years of delighting families in the Gettysburg area, Land of Little Horses permanently closed its doors in 2024. The performing animal theme park on Glenwood Drive was a beloved destination for generations of visitors, known for its miniature horse shows, pig races, pony rides, and interactive petting zoo.

The park first opened in 1970 and quickly became one of the Gettysburg area's most popular family attractions. Its star performers were the miniature horses — tiny, spirited animals that captivated children and adults through live shows like the Mane Event and the Sprinting Pig Show. Kids could groom miniature horses, visit the petting zoo, and enjoy hands-on animal encounters that set it apart from traditional zoos.

For decades, Pine Ridge campers made Land of Little Horses a go-to day trip when grandchildren visited or when families wanted a lighter activity between battlefield tours. The park's closure was attributed to ongoing staffing challenges that made it impossible to maintain the level of animal care and guest experience the park was known for.

While the loss of Land of Little Horses leaves a gap in the local family entertainment scene, Pine Ridge campers still have excellent options for kids and families. Hollabaugh Bros farm offers seasonal pick-your-own fruit and a farm market. Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum is a quirky roadside stop with free admission. For animal experiences, ZooAmerica in Hershey (about 45 minutes away) provides a full day of wildlife encounters. Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster offers a full theme park experience designed specifically for young children.

What to Expect

• Why Did Land of Little Horses Close?: The park cited ongoing staffing challenges that made it impossible to maintain the standard of animal care and guest experience that families expected. After 54 years of continuous operation since 1970, the decision was made to permanently close.
• Best Alternative: ZooAmerica: For animal encounters, ZooAmerica in Hershey features 200+ North American animals across five habitats. It's open year-round and about 45 minutes from Pine Ridge Campground.
• Best Alternative: Dutch Wonderland: For a full theme park experience designed for young children, Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster (about an hour from Pine Ridge) offers rides, shows, and water play areas.
• On-Site Fun at Pine Ridge: Pine Ridge Campground itself offers a swimming pool, playground, and pavilion — sometimes the best family fun is right at your campsite.