Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park
Experience a 4-mile drive-thru safari with bison, elk, and wolves, plus seasonal dinosaur and Ice Age adventures!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a 4-mile drive-thru safari with bison, elk, and wolves, plus seasonal dinosaur and Ice Age adventures!
"It was nice to see the animals in the "wild". Great way to spend 45 minutes in the vehicle."
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Go slow! Cars behind you might rush. Enjoy the view, don't just pass by.
⏰ Beat the Rush
Weekday mornings are best for fewer cars and more animal sightings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Drive-Thru Safari
Experience a 4-mile journey through prairie landscapes, spotting bison, elk, and wolves roaming freely. It's like a real safari!
Jurassic Adventure / Ice Age Adventure
Encounter life-size animatronic dinosaurs or Ice Age mammals scattered throughout the park, adding a prehistoric thrill.
Walking Trails & Exhibits
Explore walking trails for closer views of animals like bears and wolves, plus discover insect and spider exhibits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Navigate the Drive-Thru Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Go slow! Cars behind you might rush. Enjoy the view, don't just pass by.
⏰ Beat the Rush
Weekday mornings are best for fewer cars and more animal sightings.
🦖 Dino/Ice Age Fun
Check for seasonal exhibits like Jurassic Adventure or Ice Age Adventure! 
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Don't miss the walking trails for closer animal encounters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive-Thru Etiquette
Go slow! Cars behind you might rush. Enjoy the view, don't just pass by.
⏰ Beat the Rush
Weekday mornings are best for fewer cars and more animal sightings.
🦖 Dino/Ice Age Fun
Check for seasonal exhibits like Jurassic Adventure or Ice Age Adventure!
🚶♀️ Explore on Foot
Don't miss the walking trails for closer animal encounters.
💰 Discount Hunting
Look for discounts via Visit Omaha or similar local guides.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Wildlife Safari Park for its unique drive-thru experience and the opportunity to see animals up close. The seasonal dinosaur and Ice Age exhibits are a big hit with families. Some reviews mention issues with fast drivers in the drive-thru and a desire for more engaging exhibits in certain years.
"This was a really interesting experience. To be honest, the places was great but the people driving was not. We had toddlers in the car and we were from out of town so we followed the rules. We drove the 7 mph like we were told but the cars behind us were driving so fast! We had to drive to the side so they can pass us. We were very fortunate that bad we were able to see most of the animals. We saw the wolves and bear. One of the guests who has a pass, came all summer and this was the first time they ever saw the wolf. That made us feel very lucky. But the kids had fun looking for the animals in the car ride and hiking up to see the bears and wolf. I'm glad we decided to visit last minute. We used visitomaha to get discounts and look at attractions the kids might enjoy. Definitely look into it to visit things in Omaha."
Jillian Vue
"We love this place and typically visit multiple times over the summer, but the insect animatronics this year were a swing and a miss.
The staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating of my very curious toddler trio and answered every question, even the ones on repeat. We love the park, but it didn't hold their interest this year. We'll see what next year brings!"
Anthony Marr
"I loved the drive through the park. It was nice to see the animals in the "wild". There are fences but they still did a nice job creating space for many animals. I was on business, would love to bring my family back next time to see the park. Great way to spend 45 minutes in the vehicle seeing many animals."
Larry Manz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located in Ashland, Nebraska, a short drive from Omaha. Most visitors drive their own vehicles. It's easily accessible via Highway 31. +1
Public transportation options are limited for reaching the park directly. Driving your own car or using a ride-sharing service is the most common method.
The drive-thru portion typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic and how often you stop to view animals.
No, feeding animals from your car is not permitted in the drive-thru section. The focus is on observing them in a naturalistic setting.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors who wish to explore the walking trails and exhibits after their drive-thru experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, admission is around $12 per adult. It's always best to check the official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially during peak season or for special events, is recommended to secure your spot and potentially save time.
The park is typically open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can change seasonally. Always verify the current operating hours on their website before your visit.
Yes, visitors can often find discounts through local tourism sites like Visit Omaha. It's worth checking these resources before your trip.
Yes, seasonal exhibits like the Jurassic Adventure (dinosaurs) and Ice Age Adventure are generally included with regular park admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of native North American animals, including bison, elk, wolves, bears, eagles, pelicans, swans, sandhill cranes, and white-tailed deer. +2
The drive-thru allows you to see animals like bison and elk from your car on a 4-mile route. The walking trails offer closer views of animals like bears and wolves, and access to exhibits.
Yes, there's a playground area halfway through the park that's great for kids to get out and stretch their legs.
The park features seasonal attractions like the Jurassic Adventure with animatronic dinosaurs and the Ice Age Adventure with prehistoric mammals.
In the drive-thru, you can be very close, sometimes just feet away. On walking trails, you can get closer to specific exhibits like bears and wolves.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru offers unique opportunities to photograph animals in a natural setting. Look for clear shots of bison, elk, and other prairie inhabitants. +1
Absolutely! The animatronic dinosaurs and Ice Age mammals make for fun and memorable photo opportunities.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides softer, more flattering light for animal photography and often results in more active animals.
A zoom lens can be very helpful for capturing clear, detailed shots of animals from a distance, especially in the drive-thru section.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Staff are noted as being incredibly friendly and accommodating to curious toddlers, answering endless questions with patience.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider combining your visit with other attractions in the Omaha area for a fuller day. The park's location in Ashland makes it easily accessible from major routes. Don't forget to check for potential discounts through local tourism resources to make your stop even more budget-friendly.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light and most active animals. Be mindful of other visitors and avoid disruptive photography practices. The park's varied landscapes and diverse animal collection offer a good challenge and reward for amateur and experienced photographers alike.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive-Thru Experience
However, it's important to be aware of potential traffic congestion, especially during peak times. Some visitors have noted that cars behind them can drive too fast, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. Planning a visit on a weekday or during off-peak hours can help mitigate this. Remember, the goal is to observe and appreciate the wildlife at a relaxed pace.
Beyond the drive-thru, the park also offers walking trails and various exhibits, providing a more comprehensive wildlife viewing experience. This combination of drive-thru and walking allows visitors to tailor their visit to their preferences and ensure they don't miss any of the park's inhabitants.
Seasonal Adventures: Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals
+1More recently, the park has introduced the Ice Age Adventure, featuring 38 life-like prehistoric mammals. This exhibit allows guests to step back in time and encounter creatures from a bygone era, further enhancing the educational and entertainment value of the park.
+2These seasonal attractions are typically included with general admission, making them a fantastic bonus for visitors. It's advisable to check the park's schedule and website for the exact dates of these adventures, as they are a major draw and contribute significantly to the park's appeal.
Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs
This commitment extends to other species as well, with efforts focused on the tiger breeding center to ensure the future of these endangered big cats. These breeding programs are supported by specialized teams, including reproductive sciences and nutrition experts, who work collaboratively with animal caretakers. Their work involves maintaining extensive sperm banks and analyzing crucial biological data to support conservation goals.
By visiting the Wildlife Safari Park, guests are indirectly contributing to these important conservation initiatives. The park's dedication to breeding and protecting vulnerable species highlights its significance beyond just being a tourist attraction, positioning it as a key player in wildlife preservation.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit