The Unique Park Everyone Near Buffalo Should Visit At Least Once

Located 45 minutes south of the city in Varysburg, NY, Hidden Valleyis a 60+ acre animal park featuring several exotic animals.

Hidden Valley was opened in 2010 by the late Hans Boxler, a well-known dairy farmer in Wyoming County, who grew up with a love for animals and purchased bison, elk, and eventually a camel long before he thought to create the park.

Today, Hidden Valley offers guided safari tours throughout the park where you can get up close and personal with exotic animals such as camels, bison, zebra, llama, elk, ostrich, and more! People of all ages flock to the park to experience nature in a new and exciting way. Grab your red cup full of grains and get ready to enjoy some face-to-face interaction with animals in the wild!

Better than a typical zoo, Hidden Valley's tour guides give in-depth information on every animal you encounter at the park, providing both an educational and interactive experience for all. All in all, over 400 animals call Hidden Valley home.

The park runs their 55-minute safari tours from May through October. If you head to Hidden Valley in the fall, you'll enjoy views of the animals AND peak foliage along Varysburg's beautiful rolling hills!

Little ones are especially fond of Hidden Valley's Small Animal Adventure, where you can feed and take photos of the park's smaller, friendly animals.

Along with outdoor activities, Hidden Valley also has a beautiful restaurant and event venue at The Lodge, where they serve up great food such as fish fry, game meat, and homestyle meals. If you're looking for a more casual atmosphere, The Trailside Grill downstairs offers lighter fare and kid favorites such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and Perry's ice cream.

Hidden Valley has also become known for its beautiful event space, which can hold weddings, corporate events, and banquets for up to 200 people. Weddings at Hidden Valley are especially picturesque, with horse-drawn carriage rides and ceremonies in the gazebo alongside beautiful white swans.

While the Safari Tours operate on a seasonal schedule, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is open year-round and is a perfect place to partake in some winter fun! Head to Hidden Valley on weekends from December through March for horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snow (weather permitting). Hidden Valley is also a "Park and Ride" spot for snowmobilers on the Oatka Valley and Folsom Trails, making it a popular warm-up spot for those who need a break from their sleds.

So... what are you waiting for? Any time is a great time to experience Hidden Valley Animal Adventure for yourself! I mean, really, who wouldn't want to get a closer look at this fluffy face?