Huntingdon Co. ag destination has entertaining attraction

Four Diamonds Ranch’s original milkhouse is transformed into a farm store where you can procure farm fresh and hand-crafted goods. Photo: Provided.

One of the most appealing things about the Alleghenies region is its natural beauty–the rolling, tree-covered mountains and wide-open farmland are a draw for tourists and one of the reasons residents choose to make the area their home. Four Diamonds Ranch in Huntingdon County allows guests to do more than just enjoy the view,  offering an interactive experience with farm life built around the appeal of its most popular residents: dwarf goats.

“I grew up on a farm and worked with individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. I wanted to share my love of farm life with the public and be able to continue helping people.”

If you have ever wanted to milk a goat, Diana Dickson can make your dream come true. Dickson is the owner of Four Diamonds Ranch and says the goats are the secret to making her business thrive. “Our farm is open to anyone who wants to interact with our goats. Goats are the most comical of the farm animals and bring a lot of joy to our visitors,” she says.

In addition to providing entertainment,  the goats  supply their milk, the main ingredient in the farm’s bath and body products. “Our farm store houses hand-crafted soaps, lotions and sugar scrubs. The rich and creamy soaps are made with goat milk. Most of which is provided by our Alpine goat, Loretta.”

“I grew up on a farm and worked with individuals with disabilities for over 30 years. I wanted to share my love of farm life with the public and be able to continue helping people,” Dickson continues. When you visit the farm, you can go right into the pen with the goats to play with them, then you can shop in the farm store which is in the old milkhouse, renovated into the store in 2021.

“By transforming the milkhouse, I can have people come right here to the farm to get their goat’s milk items that I used to carry to the farmer’s market. And they get to play with the goats!” Dickson says.

These playful goats are snuggling in for a rest but will provide plenty of entertainment when you visit. Photo: Provided.

Four Diamonds Ranch is near Lake Raystown and Trough Creek State Park and Dickson says it’s the perfect destination for taking a break from the hustle of daily living.. “The lake itself is a big attraction. People come from all over and most of them have never experienced farm life,” she says.

Dickson says she had help from key resources to get started: “The Huntingdon County Visitors’ Bureau was instrumental in helping us get off the ground. In 2021, they launched ‘Farm Tour Friday.’ And we were a part of that,” Dickson says. “And Christa McGeary (Huntingdon County Startup Alleghenies Coach) is such a wonderful person. She helped us make connections with people to rebuild and manage our website. She has been such an encouragement to me, and we have grown leaps and bounds with her help.”

McGeary says, “I love seeing our entrepreneurs succeed. Diana’s passion for helping others and spreading her knowledge of farm life positions her business uniquely in Huntingdon County. Four Diamonds Ranch is really a hidden gem in our county!”

Dickson received support getting a grant as well. “With Christa’s help, I was able to get this grant to help pay for signage and marketing materials. Christa really goes above and beyond and keeps me motivated.”

“(Our coach) helped us make connections with people to rebuild and manage our website. She has been such an encouragement to me, and we have grown leaps and bounds with her help.”

“I really enjoy having people here. Come out and visit us. Shop our farm store for bath and body products and farm fresh eggs, then play with the goats! We also offer horse riding lessons and horse training. We have a few other ideas for expansion, but you will have to follow us to get the inside scoop,” Dickson adds. Four Diamonds Ranch is open on Saturday mornings or by appointment.

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.