drive through safari grand rapids

Deer Tracks Junction: Exciting Drive-Thru Safari, Massive Playgrounds & Farm Animal Fun

One-of-a-Kind Experience at Deer Tracks Junction

Have you ever wanted to feed a camel from your car? You can if you head to Deer Tracks Junction in Cedar Springs, MI!

It’s a one-of-a-kind family-fun animal destination with incredible playground structures and interactive experiences. 

Whether you choose to visit one or both of their attractions (the giant petting zoo or Michigan’s only drive-thru safari) your family will be talking about this adventure for ages.

Certainly, Deer Tracks Junction is an animal lover’s paradise!

Here’s what you can expect when you visit – and why you should go:

Drive-Thru Safari

Buckle up, we’re driving through Michigan’s only Drive-Thru Safari!

As you cruise along at 5 mph, roll down your window and watch out for those sloppy, tickly-tongues. 

The animals know you’re bringing them the good stuff and will flank your vehicle, waiting to be fed (no outside food allowed.)

On any day, you might feed Llamas, Alpacas, Bison, Tibetan Yaks.

Interact with the big, cool creatures as they nibble from your bucket. And be ready for exciting surprises along the way.

TIP: Check the hours of operation before your visit and familiarize yourself with the safari rules – they are strict about human and animal safety.

Deer Tracks Junction Adventure Park

This part of the park is accessed on foot.

You enter a world of farm animals and family fun when you step into this part of Deer Tracks Junction.

The park’s Wild West theme – with barns that resemble structures from 1800s Montana, pretend jail cells, and even a faux outhouse – set the stage for a hands-on animal experience.

This Fun List Checks All of the Boxes

Prepare for non-stop excitement in the giant play areas at Deer Tracks Junction. Here’s your Deer Tracks Junction to-do list:

• Explore the FUN BARN with its climbing nets and tunnels
• Visit the miniature Playhouse
• Have a blast in the Sandy Gulch sandbox
• Race rubber duckies in the Duck Race tank
• Venture into the four-story Mine and train play area
• If you’re over 4ft 7in tall, feed the gators!

Exciting Addition for 2024

In April 2024, Deer Tracks Junction welcomed their newest addition of Puzzles the giraffe to their animals you can visit.

Puzzles is a nine-year-old male giraffe, who cannot wait to meet you this season.

Epic Play Areas

Imagine tunnels, forts, and mind-blowing slides that will keep the kids entertained for hours. 

For some families, the playgrounds are the BEST part of a Deer Tracks Junction visit.

Look for these fun things to do:

• underground tunnels & mazes that lead to different places
• fun entry ways like down an outhouse hole
• huge climbing features and slides
• nice shaded benches for parents under the biggest play structure

This is a huge silo filled with kernels to play in and wade through. There’s plenty of room for lots of kids to play – and space around the entire thing for those watching.

Feed the Gators

Alligators are a new attraction at Deer Tracks Junction this year.

Tip: Schedule your time to feed the gators – similar to signing up ahead of time for bottle feeding baby goats.

Hang Out with Farm Animals

From pigs, goats, bunnies, and donkeys to camels and alpacas, there’s no shortage of cuddly creatures to interact with here. 

You can even purchase food for the animals and enjoy a potentially slobbery, but definitely fun, feeding session. 

And, for an even more unique experience, check out the Deer Tracks Junction Animal Feeding page to book a bottle-feeding session or follow their Facebook page to learn about one-of-a-kind animal encounters.

Elevated Walkway Over the Bears

And, of course, don’t forget to explore the new elevated walkway that extends over the bear enclosure!

You’ll get a fantastic view of the wildlife safari area and might even get the chance to feed the bears or drop a marshmallow down to them (with the help of a knowledgeable staff member.)

Also, it’s a lot of fun to watch cars driving through the safari from the elevated walkway (and you don’t have to pay the safari admission fee.)

Prairie Dog Town with Viewing Bubbles

It’s cuteness overload at Prairie Dog Town. 

Have your kids crawl through the tunnel and pop up into the Prairie Dog Exhibit.

They’ll get an up-close view of these adorable creatures through the viewing windows and you’ll be saying awww all the way home.

Plop Plop Ice Cream Shop

Get your lickers ready, the Plop Plop Ice Cream Shop is on-site and ready to scoop!

Our favorites here are the fun and yummy animal-themed sundaes. They make their own creamy, delicious ice cream and use it to build their sundaes.

Hours, Accessibility & Admission Information

Use this Deer Tracks Junction info to help you plan your visit.

Essential details, including operating hours, accessibility features, and admission rates, are listed.

If you have questions that aren’t answered here, give them a call: 616-863-3337 or check the Deer Tracks Junction website.

Accessibility

The Adventure Park is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, with paved paths and benches available in most areas.

• Open 10 am to 8 pm
• 7 days a week
• Weather Permitting
• Admission stops 1 hour before closing

* 2024 Pricing TBA , 2023 pricing listed below *

• Adventure Park: $15 per person
• Safari Drive-Thru: $14 per person
• Combo for Both Parks: $24 per person
•  Children aged 2 and under: FREE

Where is Deer Tracks Junction located?

Deer Tracks Junction is conveniently located near Cedar Springs, just a short drive from Grand Rapids. 

Deer Tracks Junction Address:

7850 14 Mile Rd NE, Cedar Springs, MI

To get there from Grand Rapids, take US-131 North and exit at 17 Mile Road (Exit 104). Turn left onto 17 Mile Road and continue for about 6 miles until you reach Deer Tracks Junction.

Have You Visited Deer Tracks Junction?

If you’ve visited Deer Tracks Junction, we would love to hear about your favorite moments, the animals you loved, and your highlights from the drive-thru safari or adventure playground.

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6 thoughts on “Deer Tracks Junction: Exciting Drive-Thru Safari, Massive Playgrounds & Farm Animal Fun”

This looks amazing! We will definitely be checking this out.

Casey AndAmber, it’s right in cedar springs!! We should do it!!

My grandkids had the time of their lives at DTJ! They are still talking about it. A great family experience.

This looks awesome! My kids would love it!

Andrea Bogart

My grandson loves going to Deer Tracks Junction! We usually take him there two times a year. Once during the summer and then at Christmas time. He especially loves feeding the deer!

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Now Open For The 2024 Season.

Open 7 days a week including holidays.

Come experience the wild at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park! Located just 20 minutes East of Grand Rapids; your outdoor adventure awaits! Open Mon-Sat 10 am to 6 pm and then Sundays from 12 pm to 6 pm.

Come feed Giraffes, watch penguins splash in the water, marvel at Rhinos, enjoy the Pygmy Hippos, feed birds, and so much more!

And if all this adventuring makes you hungry, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our concessions stand! From French Fries to Pickles on a Stick and everything in between; come enjoy it all!

Memberships are the best way to enjoy the zoo all Summer. Purchase yours at the zoo today and also enjoy 10% off concessions and souvenirs!

School field trips

Included is entry to the zoo including the elevated walk through safari, petting zoo, parakeet aviary and reptile house. Learn more.

View our park map here!

Party at the Park

Host your corporate event, company picnic, reception, wedding, and more here at the park in the evening.

By becoming a Park member, your family will receive unlimited admission to the Park for an entire season!

Our Animals

Boulder Ridge takes pride in the many rare and endangered animals that can be found in our park. In fact, some of our animals are difficult to find anywhere else in the United States.

The word “invertebrate” means “without a backbone.” In fact, the only thing that all invertebrates have in common is their lack of a backbone. Some have a hard exoskeleton that protects them, others are very soft and bendable; some float,...

Reptiles are lung-breathing, scale-covered animals that are ectothermic, or “cold-blooded“. Being “cold-blooded” means that reptiles cannot regulate their own body heat so their warmth has to come from the environment around them. All reptiles are vertebrates, which means they have...

Birds are members of the class Aves, which boasts over 10,000 species. Most birds are able to fly, but some, like ostriches, kiwis, penguins, and emus, have wings but cannot fly, and other birds are far better at swimming than...

There are over 5,500 different species of mammals. Mammals live on land, underground, in the air, or in fresh or salt water, but despite their diverse habitats, there are several things that mammals have in common: All mammals are vertebrates,...

Testimonials

Amanda Goodburn

We will definitely visit again. Great facility and we loved all the animals. We enjoyed being able to interact with the animals most.

Jessica Ganic

This place is wonderful. It's clean, the animals look healthy, and the safari ride is very fun (especially in the spring with all the baby animals!). There's a lot of variety and it's not too big so you're not overwhelmed. Very cool place.

Barb Lambert

I have been here many times! It is just an amazing Zoo. I highly recommend the zoo enthusiasts would have a great time. It is why I recommend & give it 5 stars!

Stacy Stehouwer

I would recommend this to anyone who has children! A wide variety of animals that are actually up close and you even get to go on a 'safari' ride that is included in the price. We are planning to go back.

David clark

We love to take the kids here. They allow you to be very close to the animals and have a petting zoo portion. Always clean and well kept. Staff are always courteous.

Jodi Wustman

Fun place for a short afternoon visit. Its a smaller place and that makes it great for younger children. Not cheap but a nice selection of animals. Hand feeding the giraffes!!!!!! Awesome!!!!!

Casey Knapp

Great little zoo! My first time there and it wasn't crowded. Can get nice and close to some of the animals. Feeding the animals was cool.

Andrew kooiker

My little one loves the rides on the bus around the park! Loves feeding the giraffes lol. I would recommend these guys for sure!

Sarah Harrison

This is my favorite place to go see animals. Our toddler got to Pet and Feed so many. Even a giraffe. No Hills so it's easy for a stroller as well.

Jodie Jirtle

Awesome little zoo! They are continually expanding and have more to see every time we visit! We go at least once every summer.

Elizabeth Kitchel

This place was so much fun! A nice change of experience from your traditional zoo. Our family had an amazing time and can't wait to return. The giraffe experience was worth every penny!

© 2023 Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park | All Rights Reserved

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Cider Week Giveaway

We’re celebrating the return of Cider Week GR (May 10-18, 2024) with a cider-themed giveaway! Register to win by May 18, 2024!

For your safety and to allow us to continue this amazing experience, we ask that you follow our rules listed here and given by the tour guides  before embarking on each adventure!

Have fun and enjoy feeding our feathery and furry friends!

DRIVE-THRU SAFARI

Drive your own vehicle or sign up for a Safari Truck Tour! 

Safari Truck Tours are first come first serve sign-ups in the gift shop (must pay combo price).

Pre-booking only available for group reservations.

Welcome to our largest addition yet!

See over 100 animals of 25 species in our large open spaces at the Drive-Thru Safari. The Safari section is located just up the roa d from

Keys tone Safari's walk-thru par k.

 Please do NOT feed or interact with the Zebras, Blue Wildebeest, and Scimitar Horned Oryx. Any guest not following this rule will be escorted out of the park without refund. This rule is set in place to keep our guests and animals safe. 

Safari Truck  Tours

-Our 1970s ex-military vehicles are outfitted with bull bars and undercarriage framing to protect our animals, and you!

-Our tour guides are not just drivers! They are well equipped and highly trained to handle any questions and any encounters with our wild animals. Education is important to us as it is to you - come prepared to  learn  about our animals from nose to tail!

-You will get up close and personal with over 100 wild animals on this hour long trek across 80 acres of Rolling Plains, Thick Fore sts and Deep Waters!

Safari Drive-Thru (Personal Car)

Gates close 45 minute before cl osing

Keystone Safari and it’s affiliates are not responsible for damages to any vehicle. Drivers assume all liability when entering the Drive-Thru section of the park.

Jeeps Are Welcome!

We are excited to share the gravel road with o ur friends

Enjoy our safari tour from the comfort of your Jeep

Rules For Jeeps

Must have Full Doors or Half Doors

*No Soft Tops

*No Tube or Non-Metal Doors

Stay in the vehicle! Do not exit your vehicle or hang out of it

No outside animals of any kind

Stay on the Safari Road at all times

Speed Limit 2 MPH. Keep the animals safe

Animal List

Guanacos, Llamas, Miniature Donkeys, Highlander Cattle, Emu, Rhea,  Nilgai, Pere David’s Deer, Blue Wildebeest , Scimitar-Horned Oryx, Fallow Deer, American Bison, Yak, Common Eland, Turkey, Grant's Zebra, Water Buffalo, Elk and more!

17 Accredited Drive Through Zoos and Safaris in the U.S.

After years of traveling around the United States, both with my family and without, I have run across many drive through zoos, safari parks, and wildlife preserves. As traditional zoos have transitioned to animal conservation and education over entertainment, there has been a shift to larger, more natural animal habitats and enclosures. The nice thing about drive through safaris and zoos is that most have acres and acres of land for animals to roam in a much more natural setting.

I constantly struggle with the benefits of zoos versus the negative impacts of keeping animals in captivity. Although I know many have different views, I see many benefits of these safari and wildlife parks from seeing the simple joy on a child’s face when they see an animal in person that inspires a lifelong interest in animal preservation, to the important research that these parks provide in understanding animal behavior and saving them from extinction.

That said, I do think we need to be careful about which establishments we support, which is why I have included only the zoos and safari parks that are accredited members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America .

Drive Through Zoos & Safaris

I have intentionally left out a few safari parks, even ones that I have visited because greater research showed that they weren’t accredited by one of those two widely recognized organizations. (I found this article helpful in understanding the different types of accreditation and what it means.)

As of this writing, this list is only of drive through zoos and safaris that are accredited AZA or ZAA establishments or overseen by government wildlife entities. I have included drive through safaris and wildlife parks where you can either self-drive your own vehicle or take a safari tour or safari ride through the animal habitats.

Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, Florida

Founded in 1967 as the first drive-through safari park in the United States,  Lion Country Safari is the largest attraction in The Palm Beaches. This park is home to more than 1,000 animals, which can be viewed along the 4-mile-long drive-through preserve and walk-through habitats on the 320-acre park. Animals from six different continents can be found at Lion Country Safari, including lions, white rhinos, chimpanzees, zebras, giraffes, and more.

After taking a scenic drive through the preserve, guests can enjoy the rides and attractions at Safari World. These include a boat ride on the Safari Queen, a paddleboat, miniature golf, a carousel, a Flying Elephant ride, and the Rio Grande Train. Safari World also includes Safari Plunge water slides, so guests can really make a day of their visit.

Lion Country Safari is located at 2003  Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, Florida 33470. Editor’s note: I was provided with a complimentary tour at Lion Country Safari, and I have also visited on my own. All opinions are my own.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Orlando, Florida

Kilimanjaro Safaris is one of many attractions at Animal Kingdom in Walt Disney World . Ticketed guests can ride a guided safari vehicle through the Harambe Wildlife Reserve, home to 34 species over 110 acres of plains, forests, and rocky wetlands. This is a quick 18-minute ride in which guests will see animals such as a hippopotamus, giraffes, lions, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, crocodiles, elephants, hyenas, zebras, and more.

Animal Kingdom is located at 2901 Osceola Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32830.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari, Jackson, New Jersey

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is an amusement park and animal preserve combined. Guests can explore this 350-acre preserve, containing 1,200 animals from six continents including elephants, rhinos, tigers, giraffes, and lions. This drive through safari takes 1.5 to 3 hours to complete and covers the Americas, Afrikka, Wild Plains, Serengeti Grasslands, Black Bear Ridge, Kingsland, Tigris Asiana, and more.

Six Flags Great Adventure & Safari is located at 1 Six Flags Blvd., Jackson, NJ 08527.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, Halifax, Pennsylvania

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is a 150-acre wildlife park and zoo in Central Pennsylvania. You can roam through the many wildlife habitats to see giraffes, tigers, zebras, baboons ostriches, gibbons, kangaroos, lions, and much more. Then, ride a Safari Tour and hand-feed wildlife such as bison, water buffalo, yak, eland, and watusi.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is located at 760 Tobias Road, Halifax, PA 17032.

Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve, Thurmont, Maryland

While you can’t drive your own car on this drive through zoo, you can take a one-hour adventure ride on a safari vehicle through the Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve , which showcases exotic animals from six continents across twenty-five wooded acres and four different paddocks.

The Safari ride features African Zebra, North American Bison, Dromedary Camels, Asian and African Antelope, giant birds like Ostrich and Emu, European deer, Eurasian wild sheep, and unusual cattle, donkey and goat breeds from around the world.

Cacoctin Wildlife Preserve is located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, MD 21788.

Virginia Safari Park, Natural Bridge, Virginia

Visitors of Virginia Safari Park can drive their own vehicles over three miles of a maintained gravel road to see and feed the animals on the 180-acre property. These encounters include elk and deer, which are free to roam and interact with visitors and each other throughout the property.

Virginia Safari Park also offers giraffe feeding, a petting zoo, and a chance to see tigers, penguins, and kangaroos in exhibits on the walk-through safari. Please note that the Virginia Safari Park is NOT associated with the Natural Bridge Zoo, which is also located in Natural Bridge in Shenandoah Valley.

Virginia Safari Park is located at 229 Safari Lane, Natural Bridge, VA 24578.

African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton, Ohio

African Safari Wildlife Park  is home to giraffes, zebra, alpaca, bison, elk, and more. African Safari Wildlife Park offers both a drive-through and walk-through safari option. One cup of animal food per car is included with admission. The park is not open year-round, so check the website for current opening dates and hours.

African Safari Wildlife Park is located at 267 S. Lightner Road, Port Clinton OH 43452.

The Wilds, Cumberland, Ohio

The Wilds spreads across 9,000 acres and is home to rare and endangered species from around the globe living in open-range habitats. This land that was once devoted to strip mining is now a private, non-profit safari park that combines conservation science and education programs. Guests can also enjoy immersive experiences such as zip line tours, horseback riding, fishing, and more.

Open-air safari tours take two hours and include a guided tour on an open-air vehicle with stops at Lake Trail and the Carnivore Center. Animals include giraffes, cheetahs, white rhinos, camels, trumpeter swans, zebras, oryx, and more.

The Wilds are located at 14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732.

Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Ashland, Nebraska

The Lee. G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is also a wildlife preserve and part of Omaha’s famous Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. The Wildlife Safari Park offers a four-mile, drive-through North American wildlife experience.

On this safari, you can see bison, elk, wolves, prairie dogs, deer, eagles, pelicans, and more up close and personal. There is also a viewing deck overlooking the 40 acres of woodland hills and open grasslands that make up the Bison Plains. In addition, a nature-based playground offers opportunities to explore, play and learn.

The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is located at 16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland, Nebraska 68003.

Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City, Kansas

The Lee Richardson Zoo is home to 300 native and exotic animals over 50 acres. The zoo is free to pedestrians or visitors can pay to drive through the park to see the wild animals.

Each animal is an ambassador for their wild counterparts promoting the understanding and conservation of wildlife and wild places.  Animals include lions, alpacas, addax, Amur leopards, camels, bison, ferrets, bobcats, elk, giraffes, jaguars, sloth bears, and so much more.

The Lee Richardson Zoo is located at 312 E Finnup Drive, Garden City, KS 67846.

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center offers a 1,800-acre wildlife center with self-driven or guided safaris. Altogether they maintain 1,100 animals of 50 different species including bison, cheetah, wildebeest, emus, kudus, giraffes, zebras, wolves, rhinos, and more in a natural environment.

Unlike other safari drive-thrus, Fossil Rim has a focus on conservation and they have even successfully reintroduced an oryx species back into the wild in Chad. Fossil Rim is also the largest successful breeding facility for the endangered cheetah in the world.  To date, they’ve had over 200 cheetah cubs which are critical for their conservation efforts. 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is located at 2155 County Road 2008, Glen Rose, Texas 76043.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Texas

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch offers an African safari, Texas-style, and is one of Texas’ most recognized family entertainment attractions. Visitors can join a guided tour or drive their own vehicle through 450 acres of rolling hills, creek beds, and live oak trees.

The safari trek covers over six miles of the scenic Texas Hill Country and takes approximately an hour to an hour and a half to drive through. Guests will have a different adventure on each visit, witnessing the behavior of over 500 animals from 40 exotic, native and endangered animal species worldwide.

After the drive, families can walk through the giraffe barn and meander over to Lemur Island, the habitat of the Ring-Tailed Lemurs.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is located at 26515 Natural Bridge Caverns Rd, San Antonio, TX 78266.

Bearizona Wildlife Park, Williams, Arizona

One hour south of the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Bearizona covers approximately 160 acres. Visitors can drive through more than three miles of Ponderosa Pine Forest, viewing North American animals in natural habitats as they go. There are also more animals in Fort Bearizona, a 20-acre walk-thru area, in a zoo-like setting.

Bearizona Wildlife Park is located at 1500 E Rte 66, Williams, AZ 86046 .

Camel Safari, Bunkerville, Nevada

Camel Safari offers guided safari tours that include guests riding either on the back of a camel, aboard our Safari Tram or on ATVs to view 40+ camelids up-close.

Located an hour north of Las Vegas, Camel Safari also offers evening VIP Sunset Safaris that include animal encounters while enjoying a stunning Mojave Desert sunset and roasting marshmallows for s’mores over a fire. Guided safaris are 2-hour interpreted tours.

Camel Safari is located at 2725 Rivercliff Road, Bunkerville, Nevada 89007.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Park, San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Park , located 35 miles away from the San Diego Zoo, offers a variety of drive-through safari tour options including a caravan, cart, and behind-the-scenes safari. Just note that you cannot drive your own car through this Wildlife Park.

In addition to the tour options, you can also enjoy experiences like zip lining, adventure courses, or even sleep overnight in the park on a camping adventure. Animals include rhinos, camels, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, lions, tigers, zebras, and more.

The Safari Park is located at 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, California 92027-7017.

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California

Coined the Sonoma Serengeti,  Safari West  is a Wildlife Preserve and African tent camp fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Safari West’s 400 acres are home to nearly 1,000 animals, including African antelopes, primates, and predators, plus a variety of avian life from around the globe. Instead of driving their own car through this safari, guests can sign up for guided tours on retro-fitted safari vehicles.

Safari West also offers unique “glamping” accommodations within the preserve using custom-built tents imported from Botswana, which overlook a view of grazing antelope and giraffes. Twilight dining and wine-paired adventures are available as well as dining at the onsite Savannah Café.

Safari West is located at 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Editor’s note: I was provided with a complimentary tour and overnight stay at Safari West. All opinions are my own.

Wildlife Safari, Winston, Oregon

Wildlife Safari is home to America’s most successful cheetah breeding program, with over 235 Cheetah cubs. It is also home to over 500 animals of many different species including elephants, lions, bison, elk, wildebeest, brown bears, zebra, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, tigers, and more. Wildlife Safari is dedicated to the preservation and education of native and exotic wildlife.

The drive-through safari takes approximately one to one and one-half hours to drive through. The safari takes you past ostrich, Watusi cattle, lions, zebra, hippos, oryx, rhinos, giraffes, and elephants. Then you will pass the land of bears, bison, and elk within the sprawling canyon forests of North America. Lastly, you will journey through the cheetah breeding grounds and past Sumatran Tigers, all from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Wildlife Safari is located at 1790 Safari Rd, Winston, OR 97496.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Washington

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is a 723-acre wildlife park featuring a tram tour that takes visitors through a 435-acre free-range area. Tram tours run 40 minutes and are led by a naturalist through meadows and forests with herds of Roosevelt elk, moose, bighorn sheep, caribou, and more.

Animal walking tours, keeper talks, Kids’ Treks, and hiking trails are all available. The Zip Wild Deep Forest Challenge offers five exhilarating zipline courses through a tree canopy.

Northwest Trek Wildlife Park is located at 11610 Trek Dr E, Eatonville, WA 98328.

PIN THIS FOR LATER

Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: December 23, 2022

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MEET THE WILD FROM YOUR CAR OR WAGON.

View over 50 species of animals...all from the comfort of your own vehicle! You'll be able to see animals roam freely on our gorgeous property  Drive your vehicle on our maintained gravel road and see the animals through your windows! See everything from Auodad to Zebra and lots in between!  

Drive-Thru Safari Park .

Visit anytime between  9:30 AM and 4:00 PM,  7 days a week. No reservations necessary!

*Pricing above is subject to change.

*Feed IS NOT included, subject to an additional charge.

Adults - $23.00 Seniors (65+) - $20.00 Children (3-12) - $17.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Our Pricing .

Experience the self-guided Drive Thru Safari in your personal vehicle and see over 50 different species!  

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SAFARI!

OPEN AIR VEHICLES are NOT allowed.  Vehicles must have tops and solid doors to participate in the safari.

Guided Wagon .

Experience the guided Drive Thru Safari on wagon and see over 50 different species!  Go off the path and get up close and personal with the animals! Reservations highly suggested!

Adults - $37.00 Seniors (65+) - $34.00 Children (3-12) - $31.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Available seasonally from Mid-March-October 1 Hour Experience 9:30, 10:45, 12:00, 1:45, 3:00- peak season 10:00, 12:00, 2:00- non-peak season

+SAFARI FEED: INCLUDED

*Safari Feed IS included!

Also Included .

ROOS & CREW

​ Don't miss the variety of small animals at our Roos and Crew Barn.  View our animals in an intimate setting and learn all about their personalities. 

Complete with a variety of small animals, kangaroos, and our iguana it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Save Time .

Save Time by clicking the link below and completing your waiver prior to arrival!

Important Info .

ALL car occupants must purchase a full price ticket.  All safari park purchases are non-refundable!

Have any  Questions ?

4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454

[email protected]     //  812-936-4484

Proudly created by: fuhscreative.com

(734)454-1833

Nelson "The Animal Guy"

​​our fully interactive wildlife shows are designed for:, schools (classroom or assembly), book or science fairs, fund raising events, indoor / outdoor functions (summer festivals), small or large audiences, up close or stage, corporate events​, summer camps, t.v. and film, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​, wildlife safari features a large variety of exotic animals from around the world for shows, lectures, and exhibits., licensed and insured we are extremely dedicated to providing the safest most exciting animal encounters for people of all ages.  designed to be fun and educational, our natural science programs,  are very hands-on and are great for small or large audiences. .

Hi, I'm Nelson "The Animal Guy". I'm a federally licensed  conservationist ,  master falconer , wildlife exhibitor , and animal trainer. 

For   over 25 years, my animal friends and i have appeared at countless events across the country providing  wildlife  encounters to people of all ages. , based in michigan, i created wildlife safari in the early '90’s with my mission being to develop exciting hands-on, natural science programs that perfectly combine education and entertainment., over the years i've worked really hard to promote the concept of safe, fun, and positive interactions with living creatures.  together with my team of wildlife assistants, we are happy to work with you in creating the perfect wildlife experience for your function., are you looking to have an awesome wildlife experience thats fun, entertaining, and educational, look no further, you've found wildlife safari, the very best at hands-on encounters with wildlife .

Just do it!

What an amazing show Nelson puts on! Entertaining for both kids and adults. There is a lot of emphasis on conservation and ethics. The animals seem to be well cared for, healthy and safe to get up close and personal with. If you’re on the fence about hiring Nelson’s wildlife safari, just do it!🐍🦅🦔

-Lara Louzon

Simply Amazing!

Wildlife Safari came to my daughter’s school and were absolutely amazing! Nelson and his staff were really great with children and put on a really great show! My daughter loved it and cannot stop talking about it! Thank you!!!

-Justine Richards Hayes

• Visitor Information
• Things To Do

Bear Country USA

Bear country is a, drive-thru wildlife park, after the drive thru, visit the walk thru wildlife center, check out all the, things you can do.

Welcome to Bear Country USA!

Come see black bears, elk, cougars, goats, and more!

Very few people have had a full-grown black bear look in the window of their family car, or if they have, it was not by choice. Even fewer have seen a reindeer or a elk up close. However, many people are getting experiences like these at Bear Country U.S.A. in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Nestled over 200 acres amidst towering pines and along rolling meadows just eight miles south of Rapid City, Bear Country U.S.A. offers visitors intimate views of most North American mammals. Visitors take a leisurely three-mile drive through several enclosures and encounter black bear, elk, reindeer, deer, cougars, bobcats, rocky mountain goats, bighorn sheep, dall sheep, pronghorn and buffalo.

At this “the home of the largest collection of privately owned black bear in the world”, Bear Country U.S.A. guests are guaranteed to see more than they bargained for. From the comfort of their own car, visitors watch as these clowns of nature frolic in a pool, climb trees and amble across the road in front of their vehicle.

You can buy tickets at admissions when you come or you can book them online below.

Nestled over 200 acres amidst towering pines and along rolling meadows just eight miles south of Rapid City, Bear Country U.S.A. offers visitors intimate views of most North American mammals.

Learn About Us

Visitor info.

• Refunds & Returns Policy

We are Open for the 2024 season. Current hours are 9 aM - 5 PM.

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Drive-Thru Safari

• Annual Pass
• Electronic Gift Card
• Events/Specials

Plan Your Visit

• ELECTRONIC GIFT CARDS
• ANNUAL PASS
• SAFARI PARK
• Events and Specials
• SCHOOL FIELD TRIP
• BIRTHDAY PARTY
• PRIVATE TOURS
• ANIMALS FOR HIRE

PRIVACY POLICY

Hours of Operation

Get directions, animal fact sheet, eudora farms map.

Drive Thru Safari

Eudora Wildlife Safari Park, home to over 300 exotic animals, is located in Salley, South Carolina.  Eudora Wildlife Safari Park allows you and your family to drive through the safari and see animals you normally don’t see every day.  All of the animals that live at Eudora Wildlife Safari have their most recent vaccines, and we are USDA inspected and approved.  Our 3 mile drive-thru safari park is the perfect experience that builds memories to last a lifetime.  We also allow you to hire our animals for birthdays and other special occasions.  As you drive thru the park, make sure to take a lot of pictures and share them to Facebook.  And if you see Mark, be sure to say “Hello!”.

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• Comments: 1

Amazing shows you won't want to miss

• Comments: 2

Thank you for an amazing day today 🤗 SMILES 😁

See you in a few hours 🥰✌️

Alicia Montney Smith

• Comments: 5

What is the schedule for the 2 events today?

Love this place!

Any teacher discounts this summer?

Josh Ward I want to go here

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• Season Passes
• Purchase Online

Season Passes at Deer Tracks Junction

With Each Season Pass You Receive...

Price ~per person; individual passes only:.

• 2 and under are FREE - no pass needed (This means they're free until they're 3!)
• One person, named on the card, for One Season.

Experiences make excellent gifts! Grab an E-Gift Card here for an upcoming safari adventure!

ONLINE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Join our team

Employment & internship positions now available. click below to learn more.

• Online Reservations Required

Drive-Through Animal Park General Admission

Experience Safari Lake Geneva from the comfort of your vehicle. Purchase a bowl of grain and feed animals from your window. Drive-through as many times as you’d like. The animals roam free, so each time is a unique adventure. Get your ticket today and enjoy a safari from your car !

About Safari Lake Geneva

A short five miles from downtown Lake Geneva is a drive-through animal park unlike anything else in Chicagoland! We’re not a theme park or zoo, but a unique wildlife preserve that is home to animals from around the world. Our drive-through safari is consistently ranked as one of the most exciting things to do in Lake Geneva!

Safari Lake Geneva is a family-owned business and the brainchild of Wisconsin’s foremost exotic animal expert, “Jungle” Jay Christie. Christie had long dreamed of creating a refuge for the world’s diminishing breeds that allowed animals to roam vast acreage. The result is a conservation park for animals in Wisconsin that allows them to interact with other animals, often in herds, much as they would in their ancestral homelands.

A short five miles from downtown Lake Geneva is a drive-through animal park unlike anything else in Chicagoland. We’re not a theme park or zoo, but a unique wildlife preserve that is home to animals from around the world. Our drive-through safari is consistently ranked as one of the most exciting things to do in Lake Geneva!

Safari Lake Geneva is a family-owned business and the brainchild of Wisconsin’s foremost exotic animal expert, “Jungle” Jay Christie. Christie had long dreamed of creating a refuge for the world’s diminishing breeds that allowed animals to roam vast acreage.  The result is a conservation park for animals in Wisconsin that allows them to interact with other animals, often in herds, much as they would in their ancestral homelands.

Learn More About our Drive-Through Animal Park

A Top-Rated Safari in Your Car Experience in Lake Geneva!

Best seen with Kids. Went with Grandkids. You drive through in your car. Windows open, bowls of animal food at ready. Animals stick their heads right in window and nosh- very entertaining! Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

What a great place! Animals are everywhere. Greatly exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend this place, well worth the cost of admission. You must buy food, the experience isn't complete without it! We will be back.

What a wonderful opportunity to come face to face (literally) with a variety of beautiful animals! We purchased buckets of food to feed the animals as we drove through. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we circled through a second time!

A rare experience to see so many animals at such a close range. Feeding the giraffes was a wonderful experience. It is a very well taken care of facility and the employees are wonderful. Grandkids loved it. What a wonderful experience!

As 3 grown adults- we didn't know what to expect, but we had the best time! Many laughs and great memories. The animals were awesome! We also looked at the animals in the pens. A different and exciting experience, very enjoyable!

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UIA office in Grand Rapids to close next week for renovations

May 03, 2024

Staff moving to temporary location to serve workers who need in-person help

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s (UIA) Local Office in Grand Rapids will close temporarily beginning Monday, May 6, 2024, for renovations that will create a welcoming atmosphere for Michiganders who seek face-to-face appointments for questions about their jobless claims.

While renovations are underway, UIA staff will serve workers in person at a temporary office co-located with the Department of Health and Human Services at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Street SE, Grand Rapids. Renovations at the UIA’s Local Office at 3391 Plainfield NE, Ste. A, is expected to take two months.

Once renovations are complete, UIA staff will move back to their Plainfield office, which will have a reconfigured public area and security upgrades. The changes are part of the UIA’s focus on improving the customer experience and creating a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service.

Those needing help with their claim during the office closure can still schedule in-person appointments at the temporary location by clicking on the Schedule an Appointment link at Michigan.gov/UIA . Appointments can be scheduled up to 14 days in advance.

Workers who have already scheduled appointments will receive text reminders with the address of the temporary UIA office location.

The closures will not affect phone or virtual appointments with UIA staff, which can be scheduled online. You can also get answers by using the Chat With An Agent feature through the Michigan Web Account Manager (MiWAM), the Ask Ava chatbot at Michigan.gov/UIA , or by calling the Customer Service hotline at 1-866-500-0017 Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Grand Rapids is the third of five UIA Local Offices undergoing renovations this year. The four other offices are Sterling Heights, Saginaw, Lansing, and Detroit. Renovations at the Sterling Heights office are nearly complete; Saginaw construction is progressing. The Lansing Local Office is expected to close temporarily in June (with staff moving to the Capital Area Michigan Works! office, 2110 South Cedar Street, Lansing) and the Detroit Local Office is expected to close temporarily in July (with staff moving to office space across the lobby in Cadillac Place, 3024 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit).

Helpful resources for workers

The Local Office renovations will improve the experience for workers who wish to speak directly with an agent. It’s among a number of wide-ranging modernization reforms aimed at helping workers navigate the application process. Other reforms include:

• The UIA Claimant Roadmap, which is an easy-to-follow, user-friendly six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits. The roadmap can be accessed at  Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap .
• First-time filer coaching sessions  use online group sessions to guide claimants through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
• The Advocacy Program  has added new advocates who provide free legal advice to workers and employers who appeal UIA determinations.
• Planning and design are under way for a new computer system that will be easy to use, speed claims processing, and build on the agency’s aggressive anti-fraud tactics. Expected to be fully operational in 2025, it will replace the decade-old MiWAM computer system used by workers to apply for benefits and employers to pay unemployment insurance taxes.
• The  UIA Community Connect program embeds UIA staff in 10 regions across Michigan to provide hands-on expertise to workers about how to navigate the unemployment insurance application process. Liaisons also connect workers and employers to UIA’s outreach and education resources.
• The agency’s public website at  Michigan.gov/UIA  has been revamped to be more user-friendly and responsive for those accessing services using cell phones or tablets.

Transforming the UIA

Since being named to lead the UIA in October 2021 – the agency's 11th director in as many years – Director Julia Dale has launched a sweeping transformation of the agency to benefit workers and employers, including:

• Developing the innovative Employer Help Center, found at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter . The plain language Help Center answers employers’ questions on unemployment tax and claim issues and UIA programs.
• Creating the  UIA Modernization Workgroup , consisting of labor, business and jobless advocates to advise the UIA on significant improvements in how it can better serve Michigan workers and employers.
• Naming a  Legal Advisor and creating the Legal and Compliance Bureau  to leverage collaborative anti-fraud practices to pursue bad actors, in collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General’s office, and local, state and federal law enforcement. To date, 162 people have been charged, 91 convicted, and 71 sentenced.
• Scoring 100 percent for the third year in a row from the USDOL, meeting the reasonable assurance of quality benchmark for employer audits in 2022, 2021, and 2020.
• Reassigning staff and resources to address the largest categories of claims contributing to the agency’s case backlogs.
• Rebuilding the UI Trust Fund to more than $2.3 billion (and growing). Weekly benefits are paid to workers from the Trust Fund, which is supported by taxes on employers.
• Halting overpayment collections on claims filed since March 1, 2020, while the agency addresses pending protests and appeals. More than $13 million was refunded to workers since May 2022.
• Implementing new ethics and security clearance policies for employees and contractors.

Need help with a claim or have questions?

Meet with an agent: Schedule an in-person, phone, or virtual meeting at Michigan.gov/UIA .

Call Customer Service: 1-866-500-0017 during regular business hours.

Chat with Ava: Our chatbot can answer many questions at Michigan.gov/UIA .

Guidance for workers

• Follow the UIA Claimant Roadmap at Michigan.gov/UIAClaimantRoadmap .
• Schedule a First-time Filer Coaching Session .

Guidance for employers

• Go to the Employer Help Center at Michigan.gov/UIAEmployerHelpCenter .

Media Contact:

Nick Assendelft

[email protected]

(517) 388-3135

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