Tucked away in Ashland, next to the Platte River and just a short distance from Eugene T. Mahoney state park in Saunders County, is a delightful park where you can experience wildlife in a number of ways. The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari lets you drive through habitats, hike to see others, and even pet some of the animals.
The park is located right in the middle of some of eastern Nebraska's most beloved outdoor places.
Admission prices are reasonable at $7.00 for adults for ages 12 and over, $5.00 for children (3-11), $6.00 for seniors (65 and over), and free for children 2 and under. Henry Doorly Zoo members can add on a season pass to the Lee. G Simmons Wildlife Safari Park for an additional $40/year.
This isn't like the drive-through safaris you'll find in other states.
This safari features strictly North American animals in wide-open habitats. You'll see a bison herd in the 40-acre Bison Plains...
Here, a rare blonde bison (not a true albino) sheds its winter coat in early summer.
...and tons of elk in the 50-acre Elk Prairie.
You'll definitely recognize other familiar Nebraska animals roaming the park, like turkeys and white-tailed deer.
Next to the Visitor Center is a small mammal loop where you can get out and see some smaller animals and birds. This North American porcupine looks like a friendly guy.
This Swift Fox is a delightful sight at the park. The little fox is considered endangered in Nebraska.
After you park and take a short hike, you'll come to Wolf Canyon where there are even more animals to admire. The park has two American Black Bears who happen to be sisters.
The park's six Grey Wolves are a gorgeous sight if you can catch them up and moving around. In the early morning and late evening, you can hear them howling.
Plenty of birds make their home at the park, as well. These owls keep a watchful eye on things.
The Eagle Aviary is a must-stop for anyone who loves these majestic birds. There is a large viewing deck inside the aviary from which to watch the park's four bald eagles.
Every kid's favorite part of the park is the Hands-On Corral where they can pet goats and chickens and touch some of the antlers shed by the elk at the park.
If you're up for a bit of a climb, the park features one of the media boxes from the late Rosenblatt Stadium. At 28 feet tall, it offers a wonderful vantage point to view sandhill cranes, pelicans, free-roaming waterfowl, trumpeter swans, and the various turtles and frogs in the wetland area.
The park's wonderful volunteers offer enrichment activities to help visitors learn more about nature, animals, and the park itself.
The Safari Park's season runs from April through the end of October, so we'd recommend getting there soon if you want to experience the animals this year.
The Haunted Safari is coming up on October 7-8, 2016, and promises to be a hauntingly good time. Reservations are required; learn more here.
The park features more than two miles of hiking trails and a picnic area so you can make a full day of your visit. Find the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park off of I80 at exit 426 - 16406 N. 292 Street, Ashland, NE 68003.
For more Nebraska animal fun, check out these facts you may not have known about the Henry Doorly Zoo, and visit this cute little rural zoo in Platte County.
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