If you're a lover of animals and enchanting encounters, you're in for a treat. From the majestic creatures of the land to the fascinating marine life, West Michigan offers a diverse range of opportunities to get up close and personal with our furry, feathered, and finned friends. So, grab your sense of wonder, and let's dive into the incredible zoological wonders that await you in West Michigan.
South West Michigan Encounters
The opportunity to meet and hand-feed the giraffes in Wild Africa is a signature experience at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. From the overlook deck, guests can meet these gentle giants face-to-face and have an opportunity to experience the thrill of hand-feeding snacks of lettuce to them.
Home to hundreds of reptiles, Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary & Zoological Gardens in Coldwater Country is a must-see destination. Visitors will enjoy daily guided tours and animal interactions. Walk through the swamp, feed your favorite gator, or just watch them bask in the sun and swim in this reptile paradise.
Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor offers captivating animal encounters and a tranquil butterfly house. Visitors delight in up-close experiences with diverse wildlife, fostering appreciation for local ecosystems. The butterfly house provides a serene escape, showcasing the delicate beauty and life cycle of these enchanting insects.
Central West Michigan Encounters
Come experience the wild at Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park. Feed Giraffes, watch penguins splash in the water, marvel at Rhinos, enjoy the Pygmy Hippos, feed birds, and so much more.
Enjoy summertime at the Critter Barn in Zeeland while holding, petting, and feeding friendly farm animals! Ducks, Goslings, Chicks, Goats, Cows, Sheep, Pigs, Bunnies, and Donkeys are looking for YOU! Pack your picnic lunch and enjoy eating in our giant Hoop Barn. Visit Daisy, their giant cow, their Billy Goats and Rams, or simply enjoy a walk around our beautiful new farm!
The Blandford Nature Center in Grand Rapids invites children and adults to enjoy, explore, and learn in nature this summer. 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. Check out their website for more animal experiences!
John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids has over 1,000 animals that call this place home, including lions, tigers, grizzly bears, chimpanzees, penguins, and many more. Summer months offer a zipline, ropes course, petting corral, walk-thru parakeets and wallabies, and many up-close animal encounters. They have something for everyone! View their summer hours here.
Enjoy a number of farm-themed festivals at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo in the New Era, with over 100 animals and 46+ experiences on-site. Get up close and personal with Jeffrey the Camel, deer, goats, alpacas, and more. This is fun for the whole family!
Tour a fourth-generation dairy farm at Country Dairy in New Era. Your family can visit the Horse Barn to see them get groomed, harnessed, and hitched to the wagon as they get ready for their day on the Farm. You will meet Daze and Dan and learn about how they care for them. Also, 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. Book your tour here!
Ludington’s Amber Elk Ranch is home to world-class bull elk and a petting zoo where you can get up close and personal with nature. Take a wagon ride at this 130-acre farm and enjoy lunch while you’re there.
Animal encounters abound in Holland. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Outdoor Discovery Center offers unique interactions with birds of prey and other native animals. At Fellinlove Farm, you can encounter fascinating creatures such as Great Pyrenees Livestock Guardian dogs and Mini African Zebu cattle. Not to be outdone, Nelis’ Dutch Village combines the thrill of a fair coming to an old-world Netherlands town with a barn full of typical 1800’s farm animals needing to be fed. Each location provides special opportunities to get up close with animals, making them ideal for families and animal lovers alike.
Moo-ve on over for the Muskegon County Fair! The Muskegon County Fair, held at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds from July 21st to 27th is a great place to experience the wonder of animals. Families will enjoy not only thrilling rides and games at the kiddie carnival and delicious fair food, but also fascinating livestock shows showcasing a variety of animals. These shows are a great opportunity to learn about different breeds and see animals up close. Best of all, admission and parking are completely free, making the Muskegon County Fair a perfect and budget-friendly summer outing for the whole family.
North West Michigan & U.P. Encounters
Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry is the largest (bear only) Bear Ranch in the entire United States of America. The Bear Ranch is a healthy walk about where you will see the 40 American Black Bears in their unique and natural habitats. So bring your cameras and get a picture of their cubs.
Venture into the Upper Peninsula’s diverse wildlife world and plan a trip to the educational and interactive MooseWood Nature Center, located in Presque Isle Park in the heart of Marquette. From tiny insects and beautiful birds to fascinating turtles and abundant plant life, MooseWood offers live animal exhibits, educational displays, a kid’s area and seasonal nature programs for the whole community to enjoy.
Check out the Animal Room at the Raven Hill Discovery Center in East Jordan. This experience includes reptiles and amphibians to look at, pet, or hold. There are also salt and freshwater fish to watch. 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.
Cicchelli Second Chance Rescue And Exotics, located in the Cadillac Area is home to over 100 exotic animals! Bring the family along for a VIP tour where you can learn all about the animals that call their facility home! You’ll have the opportunity to interact with and feed several different animals! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is fun for all ages!
Petoskey Area has different opportunities for guests to interact with farm animals and wildlife. If you are looking to experience Horseback Riding in the area, check out Boyne Mountain Resort and The Highlands in Harbor Springs for guided riding. The Sunset Coast Birding Trail within Emmet County is an excellent resource for those looking to get their feet wet in the world of birding. You can explore the Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center with the whole family to take a guided hatchery tour. Next, head to Pond Hill Farm to feed their goats and visit their trout pond!
