A Budget-Friendly Day Trip Destination In Michigan The Entire Family Will Enjoy

Normally when you're looking for a budget-friendly day trip in Michigan, you end up at somewhere familiar--like a state park, free museum day, or a variation on an inexpensive theme that you've done time and time again. What if I told you that you could spend the afternoon with some bears for well under the cost of taking your family to the movies?

That's exactly what you can do at Oswald's Bear Ranch in Newberry Michigan, a city that happens to be an absolute paradise for nature lovers. At this large ranch tucked into the forests of the Upper Peninsula of the Mitten State, visitors will encounter 40 bears roaming around their unique and natural habits.

Oswald's Bear Ranch has been open for more than 27 years, allowing visitors to spend time with these majestic creatures in a way that was previously only capable in the wild.

With 40 bears on the 240-acre property and a price lower than treating your family to dinner out, this budget-friendly day trip in Michigan should shoot to the top of your "to-go" list. I know it's got a place on mine after writing this!

Oswald's Bear Ranch is the largest bear-only ranch in the entire country! The owners are passionate about educating visitors on these gorgeous, strong animals, as well as their importance in our ecosystem.

Owners Dean and Jewel have been making a home for bears for more than three decades, so they feel pretty comfortable with them bears. Don't worry - you won't be offered a kiss during your visit to this inexpensive Michigan day trip.

Unlike other animal sanctuary experiences I've been to, at Oswald's, you don't simply drive through the more than 200-acre property. Oswald's Bear Ranch is a walk-through experience.

Yes, you'll be walking through this large ranch that houses 40 black bears. Visitors are safe the entire time; the only time you'll get up close and personal with a bear is if you spend a little extra money to get a photo with a bear cub. I feel like a little bear cub could give a real good cuddle, right?

They always look so playful! As you walk through Oswald's Bear Ranch, you'll find raised photography platforms, helping you get shots as adorable as this one:

The bears at this Newberry, Michigan ranch have been rescued from all over the country. These lumbering, yet surprisingly quick animals have truly received a second lease on life at their new home.

When creating a space for visitors, the owners of Oswald's Bear Ranch ensured that their space was accessible to everyone. All large habitats are handicap accessible. In addition, the Michigan Game Ranch offers a cart for its elderly guests or those requiring ADA assistance.

That's a good thing because with eight species of bears to spend time with, Oswald's Bear Ranch is an experience the entire family will enjoy!

In fact, at one point, this Newberry ranch was home to what was thought to be the largest black bear in the world! His name was Tyson Bear and, at 12-years-old, he was estimated to weigh 1,000 pounds.

Currently, there are eight species of bears at this budget-friendly day trip in Michigan. They are separated into females, males, cubs, and yearlings, as the safety of these glorious creatures is of utmost importance to the owners.

Bears are both scary and adorable animals, which makes a trip to Oswald's Bear Ranch an easy choice. This Newberry, Michigan spot is one of the few places you can spend time with these majestic animals as close to their natural habitats as possible.

Because bears live by their own schedule, the ranch is only open to viewings once the bears are out of hibernation. Oswald's Bear Ranch is open to visitors from Memorial Day until the end of September. (Sleeping bears just aren't as exciting, you know?)

This summer, I can't think of a better budget-friendly day trip in Michigan than going to see the black bears at Oswald's Bear Ranch. Pile the whole family into the car and make some memories you'll never forget. Plus, while you're visiting Newberry, you can also check out Muskallonge Lake State Park - the beach is gorgeous and it has a good bit of history to learn, as well! There's so much to do up here, you might even want to make a night of it by staying in a sleek pine hideaway for the night!

Have you recently taken a budget-friendly day trip in Michigan? Tell us about it in the comments!