The Underrated Local Park In Pennsylvania Where You Can Watch Bison, Ducks, And Peacocks

Sometimes just walking out of our front door means crossing paths with local wildlife -

- from deer grazing in our backyard to squirrels scurrying up trees. Those of us who love animals have it pretty good in Pennsylvania, with hundreds of parks and animal destinations dotting the state. Some, however, are more well-known than others. Did you know, for example, there's a game preserve in South Park, Pennsylvania, that's home to bison and other local wildlife?

Just about 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh sits a hidden gem, South Park Game Preserve, that offers a unique opportunity to view wildlife in a natural setting.

Free to visit, this unique Pennsylvania park welcomes visitors year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk daily.

A pair of comfy shoes - and a camera - are a must for your adventure to this gem, where you can see bison roaming, relaxing, and grazing.

Unfortunately, you'll have to leave your pets at home. No pets, including horses, are allowed in or near the game preserve.

For a unique experience, stop by at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday or Friday to watch the bison's caretaker feed them. You'll also learn more about these beautiful animals.

The bison have been a beloved part of the South Park community since 1927.

If you don't see the bison in the barn, just stroll around a bit and you might catch them grazing in their fenced-in space.

During their time at South Park, the bison have managed to escape their fenced enclosure several times, most notably in 1987, when the same bison escaped twice in a 24-hour period. That led to park officials reinforcing the fence.

While the bison might get the most attention, the game preserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including...

Did you know that bison have been the "National Mammal" in the U.S. since 2016?

Ducks and...

Peacocks. You might even be lucky enough to see one spread his feathers in a magnificent display of color.

Keep an eye out for other local wildlife, too, including deer.

Do not attempt to touch any of the animals, including the bison. Feeding the animals in the game preserve is also prohibited.

Find more information on the official website of the South Park Game Preserve. Or, check out the Facebook page of the Friends of the South Park Buffalo Preserve.

Have you been to this game preserve in South Park, Pennsylvania? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! If you're up for more outdoor adventures - where you might cross paths with other local wildlife - plan a visit to Todd Nature Reserve, a nature reserve in Sarver, Pennsylvania.

When you head outdoors to view the local wildlife, don't forget to wear a pair of comfy shoes and take your camera.