Indiana doesn’t always get the credit it deserves for surprising people. But if you’ve never heard of Wilstem Safari Park near French Lick, you’re about to have your mind changed – because this place is one of the coolest animal experiences in the entire state, and most people have no idea it exists.
Where Is Wilstem Safari Park?
Wilstem Safari Park is located near French Lick in southern Indiana – a region already known for its scenic hills, historic resort, and the famous West Baden Springs Hotel. But the safari park is a destination all on its own. It’s the kind of place you stumble on and immediately wonder why you waited so long to visit.
Feed a Giraffe (Yes, an Actual Giraffe)
Let’s get straight to the headline attraction: you can hand-feed a giraffe here. Up close. Like, close enough to really appreciate how enormous and wonderfully strange these animals are. It’s one of those experiences that feels almost surreal when you’re in it – the kind of thing you’d expect to do on an African safari, not in southern Indiana on a weekend road trip.
It’s genuinely one of the coolest things to do in Indiana, full stop. If you have kids, they will never forget it. And honestly, neither will you.
The Drive-Through Safari
The heart of the Wilstem experience is a drive-through animal safari where you get up close with llamas, camels, emus, and more – all from the comfort of your car. You can load up on animal feed and make your way through at your own pace, and here’s the best part: you can drive through as many times as you want.
Fair warning about the emus: they are bold. They will stick their heads right into your car window and peck with an enthusiasm that is, let’s say, startling. Even if you think you’re prepared, you’re probably not fully prepared. It’s hilarious in retrospect.
Inside the Park: Monkeys, Kangaroos & More
Beyond the drive-through, there’s an indoor area where you can see monkeys, kangaroos, and a variety of other animals up close. It’s a great complement to the drive-through experience and a nice change of pace – especially useful if the weather isn’t cooperating or you just want to slow down and take it all in.
Don’t Miss: The Dino Safari
Consider yourself warned: dinosaurs ahead. Wilstem’s Dino Safari takes you on a drive back through time across a scenic, and bumpy, gravel route through the hills of southern Indiana. It’s a genuinely beautiful stretch of landscape, though you’ll want four-wheel drive if you have it.
Along the way, you’ll encounter over 20 life-sized, roaring dinosaurs, from the towering Brachiosaurus to the mighty T. rex. A personal standout: the Dilophosaurus, a feisty little guy that earns his spot as a crowd favorite. Which dinosaur would you most want to come face-to-face with?
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 4 PM. No reservation required – just show up and drive through!
Plan Your Visit
- 📍 Location: Wilstem Safari Park, near French Lick, Indiana
- 🦒 Highlights: Giraffe feeding, drive-through safari, indoor animal exhibits, Dino Safari
- 🚗 Drive-through: Re-rides allowed, drive through as many times as you like!
- ⏱️Main Hours: Open daily 8 AM to 5 PM. No reservations needed.
- 🦕 Dino Safari: Open daily 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Gravel road with hills, 4WD recommended
- 👨👩👧 Best for: Families, couples, road trippers, anyone who wants to feed a giraffe
- 💡 Pro tip: Bring extra feed for the drive-through and keep your windows ready, the animals (and emus) come to you
The Bottom Line
Southern Indiana is full of surprises, and Wilstem Safari Park might be the biggest one of all. Whether you’re planning a day trip, passing through on a road trip, or just looking for something genuinely different to do on a weekend, this is an experience worth going out of your way for.
Tag your road trip crew and save this – because this is exactly the kind of hidden gem that deserves to be on everyone’s Indiana bucket list.
Have you visited Wilstem Safari Park? Tell me about your experience in the comments — especially your emu encounters and which dinosaur was your favorite!
Written By Erin Mullen
Erin is a digital marketing professional and content strategist who believes in being loving, authentic and bold. She is all about the detailed touches that turn experiences into truly memorable moments.
Social Media: @AnotherAdventureGirls
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