Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
Discover hundreds of exotic animals from around the world at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, featuring interactive feeding and thrilling safari rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover hundreds of exotic animals from around the world at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, featuring interactive feeding and thrilling safari rides.
"An unforgettable wildlife adventure that's close to home but feels like a world away."
🎯 Book Safari Add-On Early
Safari rides are popular and have limited spots. Book in advance to guarantee your spot!
🍎 Pack Your Own Picnic
Bring snacks and lunch to save money and ensure you have food on hand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Safari Ride Adventure
Designated safari route
Get up close and personal with bison, camels, zebras, and more! Feeding opportunities available.
Exotic Animal Encounters
Various enclosures
See lions, monkeys, lemurs, kangaroos, black panthers, and a vast array of birds.
Interactive Feeding Stations
Designated feeding areas
Feed kangaroos, koi fish, and goats for a hands-on wildlife experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Safari Rides in Advance
+2Pack Your Own Food & Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Safari Add-On Early
Safari rides are popular and have limited spots. Book in advance to guarantee your spot!
🍎 Pack Your Own Picnic
Bring snacks and lunch to save money and ensure you have food on hand.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on shaded trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Safari Add-On Early
Safari rides are popular and have limited spots. Book in advance to guarantee your spot!
🍎 Pack Your Own Picnic
Bring snacks and lunch to save money and ensure you have food on hand.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on shaded trails. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially during warmer months, bring plenty of water.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone for amazing wildlife photos. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Catoctin Wildlife Preserve for its incredible variety of animals and the unique, up-close experiences offered, especially the safari ride. The family-friendly atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and interactive feeding opportunities are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some find it a bit pricey, most agree the experience is worth the cost for the memorable encounters and the sheer diversity of wildlife on display.
"An Amazing Day at Catoctin Wildlife Preserve!
Our visit to Catoctin Wildlife Preserve was nothing short of fantastic! The variety of animals was incredible—from exotic big cats and playful monkeys to the most adorable lemurs and kangaroos. The enclosures were well-kept, and it’s clear the staff truly care about the animals’ well-being.
We especially loved the safari ride—it was such a unique experience to get up close and even feed some of the animals right from the vehicle. The staff and tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate, making the whole experience even better.
The preserve is very family-friendly, with plenty of shaded areas, clean restrooms, and picnic spots. It’s a perfect mix of education and fun, and we left with so many great memories and photos.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure that’s close to home but feels like a world away, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is a must-visit. We can’t wait to come back!"
Dollhouse Tutorials (Laurie Heisler)
"What a fun surprise! A large variety of birds, monkeys and other small mammals. Lots of tortoises, also zebras, lions, bears. We loved it! It was way larger than we expected for the price. The individual animal habitats were larger than I’ve seen in big zoos, and we were able to be up close. We loved the shaded walkways and landscape. There were several buildings that looked like they were under construction, but it did not deter from the aesthetic. Many benches and picnic tables. “Real” bathrooms near the gift shop and portables scattered throughout. No grandkids this trip but they would love it! There is a safari ride for an additional fee, which we did not try."
Nancy Messenger
"This is a really fun & family friendly experience if you’re looking for something fun to do with the kids. My son loved it here, but I’d recommend coming on a day when it’s not too busy as it can get quite crowded at times. Also, It’s pricey but worth it! This was my second time coming, I packed our lunches this time around but they do have food trucks and other accommodations too. Be ready for a lot of walking and plan ahead of time. Good parking, handicap accessible, numerous bathrooms, kind employees, and beautiful animals to see. I’d definitely come again to this hidden gem."
Brittany Spears
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is located at 13019 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788. It's about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Washington D.C.
Public transport options to Catoctin Wildlife Preserve are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach the preserve.
From the Washington D.C. area, take I-270 North towards Frederick, then US-15 North. Follow signs for Thurmont and Catoctin Furnace Road. It's recommended to use GPS for precise directions.
Yes, there is good parking available at the preserve, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is a short drive from Frederick, MD, making it an easy addition to a Frederick area itinerary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary by age: Adults (13 & up) are around $29.50, children (3-12) are about $20.50, and seniors/military are approximately $27.50. Prices can change, so it's best to check their official website.
No, the safari ride is an additional fee on top of general admission. It's a popular add-on that many visitors enjoy.
The preserve is typically open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, but hours can vary seasonally. It's always a good idea to confirm current operating hours before your visit.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's often recommended to check the official Catoctin Wildlife Preserve website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
Discounts may be available for seniors and military personnel. Some sources mention membership options for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including lions, zebras, monkeys, bears, lemurs, kangaroos, black panthers, tortoises, bison, camels, yaks, ostriches, and many more exotic species from around the world. +3
The safari ride is a highlight where you can get very close to animals like bison, camels, and zebras, often with opportunities to feed them from the vehicle. It's a separate ticket and runs at scheduled times.
Yes, there are several feeding opportunities, including kangaroos, koi fish, and goats. The safari ride also often includes feeding experiences.
Absolutely! It's described as very family-friendly, with lots of animals kids will love, interactive experiences, and shaded areas. +2
Be prepared for a lot of walking. The preserve has shaded walkways and trails covering its 50-100 acres, so comfortable shoes are a must.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While they may have food trucks or other accommodations, it's recommended to bring your own food and snacks.
Yes, the preserve offers picnic spots and tables, making it convenient to enjoy a packed meal.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, snacks, and water, which is a great way to manage costs and ensure you have what you need.
For dining outside the preserve, the town of Thurmont offers local restaurants and cafes.
Yes, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and other items.
📸 📸 Photography
The safari ride offers unique close-up opportunities. Enclosures with clear viewing areas and diverse animal backdrops are also great for photos.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. However, always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography directly at animals if it might disturb them.
While not explicitly stated, standard zoo etiquette applies. Avoid disturbing animals and respect any posted signage regarding photography in specific areas.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard zoom lens is versatile for most shots. A phone camera is also perfectly adequate for capturing memories.
The safari ride provides excellent opportunities for close-up photos of animals like bison, camels, and zebras, especially when they approach the vehicle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 Don't miss the safari ride, which allows for incredibly close encounters and is a definite highlight for children. +1 Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as bringing your own food is recommended and makes managing a day with little ones much easier. The preserve is also noted for being handicap accessible and having shaded areas, making it comfortable for everyone. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds, allowing your children more space to explore and interact. The educational aspect, with keeper talks and animal encounters, adds value to the fun, making it a well-rounded family outing.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak times or weekdays to potentially avoid higher weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience without the premium pricing often associated with peak demand. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Utilize a zoom lens to get detailed shots of animals in their enclosures, and be ready to capture candid moments of animal behavior. The preserve's diverse species, from exotic cats to colorful birds, provide a wide range of subjects. Remember to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash photography directly at them, as it can be disruptive. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Safari Ride
+2 It's important to note that this is an additional cost to general admission and has scheduled departure times, so booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and ensure a smooth experience. +2Travelers often describe the safari as a highlight, emphasizing the excitement of seeing these magnificent creatures up close. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience by sharing interesting facts about the animals and their habitats. This immersive approach transforms a typical zoo visit into a genuine wildlife adventure, providing fantastic photo opportunities and a deeper connection with the animal kingdom.
+1When planning your visit, consider the safari ride as a must-do add-on. It’s a chance to create lasting memories and experience the wild side of Catoctin Wildlife Preserve in a truly engaging way. Remember to check the schedule and book your tickets early, especially during peak seasons, to make the most of this incredible offering.
+2A World of Animals
+3 The preserve also features a range of other fascinating creatures, such as bears, tortoises, bison, camels, yaks, ostriches, and numerous bird species, ensuring there's something to capture everyone's interest. The enclosures are generally well-maintained and designed to provide ample space for the animals, allowing visitors to observe them in environments that mimic their natural habitats as much as possible. This thoughtful design contributes to the overall positive experience, with many reviewers noting that the habitats felt larger than expected for the price of admission.
Beyond the safari, the preserve offers interactive experiences like feeding stations for kangaroos, koi fish, and goats, adding another layer of engagement for visitors. These hands-on opportunities, combined with the sheer diversity of animals, make Catoctin Wildlife Preserve a rich and rewarding destination for families and individuals alike seeking a close encounter with wildlife.
+1Family-Friendly Fun
Parents and guardians appreciate the shaded walkways and the availability of picnic areas, which make it easier to manage a day out with kids. The preserve is also noted for having clean restrooms and being handicap accessible, further enhancing its suitability for families with diverse needs.
Many reviewers specifically mention their children loving the experience, highlighting the close encounters with animals and the overall fun factor. The combination of educational value and sheer enjoyment makes Catoctin Wildlife Preserve a highly recommended spot for families looking for a memorable day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit