Experience the "Alpaca Lifestyle"

Feeling stressed and looking to get away for an afternoon to enjoy the fresh air and recharge? Or perhaps you’re an animal lover (or have animal-loving kids)? Do you knit or enjoy the warmth and softness of soft natural fiber apparel made by someone else?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Painted Sky Alpaca Farm and Fiber Mill is the place for you! Located 12 miles south of the Inn at the Canal, Painted Sky is the only alpaca farm on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Owners Mitchell and Linda Dickinson welcome visitors to get up close and personal with their alpacas and learn about these gentle and inquisitive creatures.

Alpacas are native to South America but, beginning in the 1980s, have been exported worldwide. Their soft fleece, cute faces, and mellow nature make them ideal for being around people and for hobby farmers. Alpacas are also gentle on the land. Unlike many other herd animals, alpacas don’t have hooves, so they don’t wear down pastures or kill vegetation. Instead, they’ll “mow” your lawn for you. Alpacas have only bottom teeth, so they nibble off the top, leaving the roots in place.

Painted Sky alpacas are highly socialized and enjoy cuddling. If you choose to engage, you’re sure to find it a fun and memorable experience. You may even get an alpaca kiss! If you visit, you’ll be in the fields with the alpacas, so wear appropriate footwear (no open-toed or high-heeled shoes permitted).

​During a tour of the farm and mill, you’ll learn about the entire life cycle of alpaca fiber processing and see first-hand the transformation of raw fleece into beautiful alpaca yarns and fiber bundles and batts. Alpaca fiber is very high quality and is stronger, warmer, and softer than sheep’s wool. Many farmers (including the Dickinson’s) create additional products from alpaca wool, including gloves, hats, sweaters, wraps, toys, and more—which are available for sale in the onsite gift shop.

At the end of your tour, if you find you just can’t get enough of the alpacas, you can adopt one (without the responsibility of ownership)! The Dickinson’s will provide you with information on their alpacas along with descriptions of their personalities and other traits to help you select the perfect alpaca. Proceeds from the adoption program go towards the care and maintenance of your alpaca. Similarly, proceeds from farm and mill tours go directly towards the care and maintenance of the animals to help offset the rising costs of feed, hay, and medical care. 

Tour times range from 1 to 1.5 hours. Visit the Painted Sky Alpaca Farm website for hours of operation, COVID restrictions, and other details.

​Painted Sky Alpaca Farm 
95 Knight House Lane
Earleville, MD 21919
​410-275-9423
302-540-7574

“Life on our farm is truly a wonderful thing!”  Mitchell and Linda Dickinson (owners, Painted Sky Alpaca Farm & Fiber Mill)