In operation since 1993, Young Living Family Farms — the world’s largest herb farm used for the distillation of essential oils — has aesthetic and educational appeal. Situated on 1,800 acres just south of Santaquin, the farm was created by Young Living founder and president Gary Young.

Among the activities for families are horse-drawn wagon and stagecoach rides, a mini western town, an herb garden, a rock-climbing wall and a paddle-boat pond complete with ducks and swans.

Charise Hanson, of Pleasant Grove, said she and her 5-year-old sons, Cody and Colton, had a very good experience.

“The majority of our time was spent playing in the child-sized western village,” she said. “If it were up to my kids, we would have spent all night there.”

“Kids love it. It’s a lot of fun,” adds visitor center employee Renae Spencer. “We get a lot of school groups here.”

An attraction for both children and adults is the exotic animal zoo. People who have always yearned to see a zebra donkey hybrid will not be disappointed.

The zedonk, as it is called, mixes company with other rare animals including zebras, watusi, Bactrian camels, percheron horses, Barbados sheep, miniature horses, Tibetan yaks, emus, bison and a white buffalo. There are even reindeer.

“We tell children that they are kept for Santa during the off-season,” Spencer said.

What is puzzling then, with all it has to offer, is that the farm’s location continues to elude some travelers.

“I have people come up to me and tell me they drive by here all the time and didn’t know all of this was down here,” Spencer said.

That should change soon. Jane Timmons — the farm’s events coordinator — has been working since her appointment in March to get the word out.

Known for its philosophy on safe and natural options to personal care, Young Living uses a network of independent distributors to sell essential oils and oil-enhanced products. The goal is to help people feel better and, while there is no pressure to purchase products, that mission is made known. To assure freshness and quality, everything is completely organic.

“It’s a healthy, safe place,” Timmons said. “People can come and play, enjoy the park and can improve their own health.”

For example, the Whispering Springs Grill, open until 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 p.m. on weekends, serves up delicious, all-natural food.

“Even the lettuce and tomatoes are grown on-site in greenhouses. They use no refined sugar or white flour,” she said.

Timmons also organizes larger weekend events. This past Easter there was a 10,000-egg hunt. In keeping with the farm’s philosophy, the eggs were filled with toys instead of candy.

“There is no candy or pop on the premises,” Timmons said.

Sunday and Monday the farm will present a large Memorial Day event featuring international jousters, sword fighting and all the other park attractions. These events will soon have a permanent home, as construction of a large Medieval village is under way.

Steve Simmons, the project’s coordinator, is excited about the hands-on way the village will teach children an important part of world history. Simmons said he hopes to have it completed by next summer.

Young Living Family Farms takes at least two hours to properly enjoy. After taking a ride and petting the animals, be sure to grab a bite to eat in the restaurant.

For more information, call the visitor’s center at 435-623-8006.

If you go

Where: 3700 N. Hwy 91, Mona. Take I-15 exit 245.

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday

Cost: Park entrance fee $2, all-day pass $6, special events $16.

Info: (435) 623-8006 or (800) 371-0819.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page C1.