If you're wild about animals, West Michigan offers an incredible variety of ways to meet creatures big and small, up close and in their natural environments. Whether you’re planning a summer road trip or looking for a weekend outing, these zoos, farms, and nature centers across West Michigan promise hands-on fun, education, and adventure. Plus, check out our Zoos & Nature Centers page for more inspiration!
Zoos & Wildlife Parks in West Michigan
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
- Home to over 1,000 animals, John Ball Zoo is one of West Michigan’s premier family destinations. See lions, tigers, bears, penguins, and more. Summer features include a ropes course, zipline, and walk-through exhibits where you can interact with parakeets and wallabies.
Binder Park Zoo – Battle Creek
- Explore 433 acres of natural woodlands at Binder Park Zoo, including the immersive 18-acre Wild Africa exhibit. Feed giraffes from an elevated overlook, ride the Z.O. & O. Railroad, and experience thrilling zip lines and summer camps.
Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park – Alto
- Get up close with rhinos, pygmy hippos, penguins, and giraffes at this expansive animal park. Feed birds by hand and discover exotic wildlife from around the globe in a safari-like setting.
Potter Park Zoo – Lansing
- Potter Park Zoo is a family favorite worth the trip. See over 350 animals, enjoy camel rides, and explore Farmyard EdVentures, featuring cuddly pygmy goats and more. Potter Park Zoo is open 364 days a year with affordable admission and accessible and inclusive opportunities.
Farms, Petting Zoos & Unique Animal Experiences
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo – New Era
- Home to over 100 animals and 46+ attractions, Lewis Adventure Farm blends farm fun with interactive wildlife experiences. Don’t miss animal encounters with sloths, kangaroos, lemurs, and more. Hop on a wagon ride across the scenic 130-acre farm, and stick around to enjoy a relaxing lunch during your visit.
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm – Frankfort
- Meet award-winning alpacas and enjoy hands-on animal experiences that delight all ages. Set in a beautiful location, the farm is ideal for a fun and relaxing day out, with exceptional service ensuring every visit is fantastic.
Evergreen Lane Creamery & Virtue Cider – Fennville
- Give your kids an unforgettable farm animal adventure at Evergreen Lane Creamery and Virtue Cider. Snuggle baby goats and meet a retired dairy queen (goat, that is!) at Evergreen Lane. Then stroll over to Virtue Cider’s 48-acre farm to see heritage chickens and Gloucestershire Old Spot pigs—all while sipping local cider.
Country Dairy – New Era
- Tour a working fourth-generation dairy farm. Be sure to partake in the “Calf Encounter'' tour. This includes some extra time for your family in their Calf Barn. It takes place during feeding time so you can meet the baby cows, help feed them and learn about how they care for them.
Kiwidinok Petting Farm – Boyne City
- Kiwidinok Petting Farm is a great family-friendly location to visit that is home to all sorts of animals. The most unique among them are the Tibetan Yaks! Other animals on the farm include Kiwidinok Katahdin sheep, alpacas, lionhead rabbits, peacocks, miniature ponies, and other animals.
CranHill Ranch – Rodney
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CranHill hosts a daily trail riding program for families to come out and experience riding a horse through the woods. We also have a petting farm, pony rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides!
Nature Centers & Native Wildlife Encounters
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute – Hastings
- Discover 850 acres of forests, wetlands, and prairies teeming with wildlife at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Walk scenic trails, spot native birds and amphibians, and join nature programs designed for all ages. Keep an eye out for deer, turtles, and dragonflies as you explore this peaceful West Michigan gem.
Blandford Nature Center – Grand Rapids
- Partake in Storytime with the Animals, where you can hear stories with accompanying animals, along with their natural artifacts. Or check out their Wildlife Apprenticeship Programs, where you will learn why these animals were brought to Blandford Nature Center and why they can’t live in the wild.
Sarett Nature Center – Benton Harbor
- Animal lovers and curious kids will find plenty to discover at Sarett Nature Center near South Haven, trek through lush forest trails, climb up scenic lookouts, and visit a nature center where you can encounter Michigan-native species up close.
Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center – Cadillac
- These exhibits have a variety of displays showing off Michigan’s native animals and nature. Including information on species habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts. While hands-off, the learning is immersive and engaging for all ages.
Grass River Natural Area – Bellaire
- Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Northern Michigan at Grass River Natural Area, where boardwalk trails lead through wetlands, woodlands, and meadows. Spot frogs, turtles, birds, and wildflowers, or attend educational programs that make learning about local ecosystems fun for the whole family.
Raven Hill Discovery Center – East Jordan
- Check out their Animal Room for hands-on interactions with reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic creatures. If you want to become friends with the animals, bring broccoli or apples for the tortoises or worms for the turtle, gar, and Miss Puff. Check out their website for additional workshops or classes throughout the summer.
Birds, Bugs & Beyond
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary – Augusta
- This renowned birding destination invites visitors to meet majestic trumpeter swans, sandhill cranes, and other waterfowl up close. Feed the birds, explore winding nature trails, and learn about native species through hands-on exhibits and family-friendly programming. It’s a must-see for nature lovers in Southwest Michigan.
Critter Barn & Outdoor Discovery Center - Holland
- Holland is for the birds - literally! See the full life cycle of a chick at Critter Barn or meet birds of prey at the Outdoor Discovery Center. For birdwatchers, Stu Visser Trails is a great spot to glimpse unique species like the Great Crested Flycatcher or Green Heron.
Muskegon Area District Library & County Fair - Muskegon
- Get up close to native Michigan wildlife this July at the Muskegon Area District Library, where the Outdoor Discovery Center brings live birds of prey and other fascinating animals to branches across the county. For even more barnyard fun, head to the Muskegon County Fair from July 21–26. This family-friendly event features livestock shows, rides, games, fair food, and grandstand entertainment like demolition derbies and live music.
Ottawa County Parks Nature Programs – Grand Haven Area
- Ottawa County Parks offers a variety of engaging animal encounter programs in the Grand Haven area this summer. For butterfly enthusiasts ages 12 and up, Butterfly Walks provide the opportunity to explore butterfly habitats, learn identification techniques, and understand their life cycles.
Extraordinary Extras
Goat Yoga & Happy Hour – Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay
- Enjoy Goat Yoga and Goat Happy Hour in the heart of wine country all summer long. Nothing pairs better than goat snuggles and fine wine!
Elk Viewing – Gaylord
- Catch glimpses of one of the largest free-roaming elk herds in the Midwest at Pigeon River Country State Forest or the City Elk Park—just minutes from Treetops Resort.
Hungry Ducks Farm – Charlevoix
- From farm animals to trout fishing, Charlevoix’s latest attraction is a great place to enjoy a summer afternoon with the whole family. Children will be entranced by the model trains; parents will enjoy family time spent in the fresh air. You can find the farm located one mile down from Castle Farms. Come experience the farm for yourself; they can’t wait to see you.
Wildlife Watching - Marquette
- While Marquette isn’t home to a traditional zoo, the region offers immersive opportunities to experience Michigan’s wildlife in its natural habitat (just be sure to watch from a distance!). Keep an eye out for bald eagles, whitetail deer, foxes, and even moose while exploring the area.
Boyne Highlands Resort – Harbor Springs
- More than a ski destination, Boyne Highlands offers scenic horseback riding trails and up-close views of Highland cows grazing in the pastures. Enjoy a peaceful ride through Northern Michigan's woodlands and experience the charm of these gentle, shaggy-haired cattle.
