OPENED: June 5, 1998
LOCATION: Exit 426 off Nebraska's Interstate 80. Approximately 22 miles from Omaha/Lincoln near Mahoney State Park and Strategic Air and Space Museum.
HOURS: March 27, 2010 to October 31, 2010 from 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
ADMISSION: $6 adults, $4 children (3-11), $5 seniors. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Members and reciprocal Zoo members receive $1 off. Group rates available. School groups, please contact Education at (402) 738-2092 for school group pricing. Wildlife Safari no longer accepts personal
checks. The only forms of payment accepted are Travelers checks,
Cashier checks, Money orders, Business/Company/School checks, cash and
credit cards (Discover, American Express, MasterCard and Visa). The
only exception to this policy is for the purchase of Omaha's Zoo
memberships at Guest Services.
The Wildlife Safari is a four mile, drive-through North American wildlife adventure. Visitors feel like they're on an actual safari, coming face-to-face with North American plants and animals such as elk, white-tailed deer, bison, pronghorn antelope and waterfowl.
Beautiful Gardens, Prairies and Wetlands
Half of this 440-acre nature area in the Platte River hill country is filled with beautiful gardens, prairies and wetlands, while the other half is used for conservation and breeding of rare and endangered wildlife.
Among the scenic prairies, wild turkeys roam among large hoofstock. Ducks, swans, geese and pelicans make their way from pond to pond and graceful cranes found their home at Crane Meadows. Deer dart between the trees and the antelope race across the meadow. The horticulture at the Wildlife Safari includes flowers and plants native to Nebraska.
Wolf Canyon
Take a short hike and cross a historic bridge to see black bears and a family of gray wolves at Wolf Canyon and other native, North American wildlife.
Continuing Education
Continuing education is a focus of Wildlife Safari. Camping experiences, daytime hikes, lectures with biologists and naturalists and walking safaris are an integral part of this educational opportunity. Other educational activities available include cookouts, family breakfasts and classes.
Hiking Trails
Hiking trails are available for all levels. Wolf Canyon foot trail is for the beginning hiker and Moose Lake foot trail is for the more advanced hiker. Handicap accessibility is available at Canyon walkways and Elk Overlook, where there are telescopes available for close up viewing.
Visitor Services
North America's largest bronze bison herd, which consists of nine large sculptures at the entrance, gives visitors an opportunity to touch and stand next to a bigger than life-size bison. Throughout the summer, a Sacred Hoop Garden (reflecting Native American Black Elk's vision) near the Baright Visitor Center will come into bloom. Also at the Visitor Center, guests find interactive nature exhibits, small plant and animal displays, a gift shop, restrooms and concession area. Tram rides are available for $2 per person with a reservation of 20 or more and is needed two weeks prior to the visit.