The magic is real each holiday season—when reindeer fly, elves work in the workshop, and Santa’s sleigh flies across the sky.
At Reindeer Acres in Boyceville, Matt Feeney has made it his mission to preserve that wonder for as long as possible. “May you never be too old to look to the skies on Christmas Eve” is the farm’s tagline, a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of this Dunn Energy Cooperative member destination.
Feeney’s fascination with reindeer began early. “When I was a kid, I saw a reindeer at a game farm in Menomonie, and I remember them clicking as they walked up to the fence,” he recalls. “I told my dad I was going to have reindeer. He said absolutely not.” But dreams have a way of sticking. Years later, after proposing to his wife, Tessa, during a sleigh ride while dressed as Santa, the Feeneys inherited her family’s farm and transformed it into a holiday haven.
Matt and Tessa, both medical professionals by day, launched Reindeer Acres in 2017. By 2022, they welcomed their first two reindeer, Comet and Vixen. “We got them when they were calves; they were bottle-fed,” Feeney says. “Now we have 16 reindeer, two traveling teams, and a full guest center with a gift shop, snack shop, train rides, and even a magical elevator to the North Pole.”
The entire experience of Reindeer Acres is designed to reinforce the magic of Christmas. Guests can feed and pet reindeer, meet Santa, enjoy festive treats, and craft ornaments to take home. The highlight for many is the elevator ride to the North Pole—a story-driven journey that ends with a private visit with Santa in his living room.
Feeney emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creating magic. “Everything has a backstory. Everything is real in our storytelling. That helps keep the magic going,” he says. One of the farm’s prized possessions is the DawnRacer, Santa’s sleigh, which is actually an original 1848 sleigh from Albany, New York. “It was kind of like the Cadillac sleigh back in the day,” Feeney says. “It was a barn find. I stumbled across it online and had it shipped to our farm.”
The farm partners with local schools to offer hands-on learning experiences. “We’ve been to the elementary school three times,” Feeney shares. “Every class gets to learn about reindeer and take a class photo. We talk about their Arctic adaptations and throw in some Christmas magic too.”
The farm also ensures accessibility. “We’ve made everything ADA compliant,” Feeney says. “Our train, bathrooms, and barns are all accessible. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the magic.”
Feeney’s dedication to authenticity extends to the Santas he hires. Each year, he invites professional Christmas performers to the farm for a photo shoot and informal interviews. “Most Santa actors have never interacted with reindeer,” he explains. “We look for that magic spark. Our Santas are either real-bearded or have designer beards—you can’t tell the difference.”
One of Feeney’s favorite memories from the farm’s early days involves his son and a snowball. “My son and his friend were dressed as elves, having a snowball fight,” he recalls. “They accidentally hit a kid in line. I told them to have fun but be careful. Then the kid tugged on his mom’s arm and said, ‘Mom, there are real elves running around!’ That’s the magic we’re trying to create.”
Additionally, the Flight Team, Reindeer Acres’ traveling reindeer crew, brings the enchantment of the farm to communities across Wisconsin. From parades to school visits, the team is in high demand. “We’re usually booked for the season by the end of August,” Feeney says. “People aren’t thinking about Christmas in the summer, but we are.”
Reindeer Acres is open Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout the holiday season, with expanded hours the week before Christmas. General admission is $30 per person (children two and under are free), which includes access to the reindeer stables, train ride, craft table, and more. The North Pole elevator experience is an additional $100 for a family of four.
Feeney encourages visitors to dress for the weather. “The train isn’t heated, but the passenger cars are enclosed. Inside the barn and guest center, it’s warm and cozy.”
Looking ahead, Reindeer Acres continues to grow. Next year, the farm will introduce mini Highland cattle and expand its birthing facilities for reindeer calves. “We’re always expanding,” Feeney says. “We want people to walk away and say, ‘That was a memory I’m not gonna forget.’”
For Feeney, the mission is personal. “This is 100% out of our pocket. It’s a family business. Christmas is the time of year when imagination takes over and happiness is on everyone’s mind. If we can help people hold onto that magic a little longer, it’s all worth it.”—Dana Kelroy, photos courtesy of Reindeer Acres
Reindeer Acres is located at N13361 220th Street, Boyceville, Wisconsin 54725. More information is available by calling 715-308-7524 or by visiting their website at www.reindeeracres.com. Feeney suggests visitors purchase tickets before their visit from the website.