Rainbow’s End Alpacas & Gifts

A must-see family attraction for animal lovers

When Dave and Mary Lynn Verley wanted to make use of their farmland located just off US2 in Norway, Michigan, they came up with something a little different. A lifelong animal lover, Mary Lynn took notice of the gentle Alpacas at The Dickinson County fair, and after some research, the couple founded Rainbow’s End Alpacas & Gifts in 2005.

Right out of the car, newcomers to Rainbow’s End Alpacas & Gifts are greeted by the friendly Alpacas that graze the pasture surrounding the gift shop. During store hours, visitors can feed the eager Alpacas by hand from small cup of feed that they sell in the store.

Once inside the gift shop, visitors enter a beautiful 1700-square-foot retail store reminiscent of a chalet-style lodge. It is filled with alpaca-themed apparel, yarn, knitting supplies, and gifts.

The front of the shop is devoted to sweaters, stuffed animals, children’s gifts, scarves, and the ever popular alpaca socks. Five times warmer than wool and much softer than human hair, Alpaca fibers are the ideal way to keep warm in the Northwoods.

Moving towards the large windows at the back of the store is a knitter’s area with high-quality fibers yarns and, when supplies are available, skeins of Rainbow’s Gold Yarn, derived from the Alpacas native to the farm.

The most popular event is the annual shearing. Alpacas are sheared each spring, and Rainbow’s End opens the farm to the public for an education on alpaca farming. This date will be announced on their website and Facebook page.

After many happy years in business, The Verleys announced their plans to retire. The store and farm are now only open Thursdays, Fridays and 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month from 10:00 to 3:00 OR by calling for another scheduled time. 906-563-7034

For more information, including updates, announcements and events visit www.rainbowsendalpacas.net and follow them on Facebook.