Taking kids to the zoo always sounds fun — until you’re chasing one toward the flamingos while another’s throwing a fit about a sticky ice cream cone. With drive-thru wildlife refuges, you can avoid the chaos and enjoy a relaxing wildlife adventure from the comfort of your rental van. Over here, you’ll cruise past grazing elk, curious zebras, and maybe a goat that really wants to lick your side mirror. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s check them out.
What are Drive-Thru Wildlife Refuges?
If you have even been to a zoo, you might already know how animals are usually placed in enclosures and forced to deal with a thousand humans oggling them. But that’s not the case with drive-thru wildlife refuges.
Drive-thru wildlife refuges are designed to simulate natural habitats, allowing animals to roam freely while visitors drive through specific routes to observe them. These refugees are built to conserve wildlife and protect endangered species that need a little extra care. However, they are full of weird but wonderful moments that’ll make you laugh, gasp, and immediately reach for your phone.Â
Since you remain in your vehicle at all times, drive-thru wildlife refuges offer an inclusive experience suitable for families with young children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. The best part? You control the temperature, the playlist, and the snack selection. Plus, you’re safe inside your vehicle if that bison decides to check you out.
Choosing the Right Rental Van for Your Wildlife Adventure
When out in the wild, you don’t want to miss that once-in-a-lifetime encounter with a sprinting cheetah or majestic giraffe because you’re stuck in a cramped seat or can’t get a good view. When in doubt, consider the following tips while booking a wheelchair-accessible rental van:
Type of Van
Not every van is suitable for every adventure, so you must consider your options before booking. There are campervans, minivans, and SUVs.
- Campervans: Also known as RVs, campervans are the most spacious vehicles that can accommodate all your gear. They also come with various amenities, such as a mini-kitchen, a cozy bed, and sometimes even a shower. However, these wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be a bit difficult to maneuver on narrow, winding roads. Plus, fuel consumption can be on the higher side.
- Minivans and Full-Size Vans: These wheelchair-accessible vans are easy to drive, fuel-friendly, and perfect for wildlife drives. If your family has lots of gear or different mobility devices, a full-size rental van might be a better choice!
- SUVs: If you’re planning to drive through rough terrain, SUVs might be a better choice. Thanks to their high ground clearance, these vehicles don’t get stuck on rough roads or uneven terrain — especially useful in wildlife refuges where roads can get a little rugged. While they provide more room than a sedan, they’re not as spacious as our rental vans, which can be an issue when everyone’s trying to get a good view of the animals.
If you’re looking for a wheelchair-accessible van, Wheelchair Getaways provides reliable rentals across the U.S., so you can easily choose one according to your trip requirements.Â
Rental Van Features
Regardless of the car you pick, there are some must-have features you definitely want to look out for:
- Comfort: Long drives need comfy seats and enough legroom. Make sure there’s plenty of space for everyone to stretch out.
- Large Windows: You’re here for the views, right? Book a rental van with wide windows so everyone can get a great view without craning their neck.
- Storage for Gear and Supplies: Storage space matters! You’ll need room for your camera gear, picnic supplies, binoculars, snacks, bug spray, wipes, and maybe a backup snack because someone will eat the first one too early.
- Climate Control: Whether it’s sweltering heat or chilly winds, ensure your ride has reliable AC and heating.
Top Drive-Thru Wildlife Refuges in North America
Below are some of the top drive-thru wildlife refuges in North America:
African Safari Wildlife Park, Ohio
Located at Port Clinton, Ohio, the Africa Safari Wildlife Park is among the best wildlife refuges offering drive-thru and walk-thru experiences. During your drive-thru adventure, you might lock eyes with a bison, get photobombed by a llama, or see a giant eland casually crossing the path.
While the park advises against opening your windows too far, don’t forget to look up to spot herons, mallards, bald eagles, Canada geese, and killdeer often flying overhead. During spring, the park also comes alive with wildflowers of all sorts, which is nothing short of amazing.
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, Outer Banks
Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore along North Carolina’s Outer Banks, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful stretch packed with life. This coastal gem is home to 400 species of migrating birds and other wildlife, including 365 types of birds, 25 mammals, 24 reptiles, and five amphibians.
Expect to see freshwater turtles, white pelicans, ducks, geese, and just about every kind of fowl you can think of. This wildlife park is made for birdwatching and slow scenic drives, so bring your camera and binoculars to capture every magical moment. The refuge also hosts seasonal educational programs and events, perfect for anyone curious about the wild neighbors.
Virginia Safari Park, Virginia
Spanning across 180 acres, Virginia Safari Park is home to over 1,200 rare and endangered animals, including antelopes, bison, bull elk, emus, ostriches, wildebeest, and even the elusive Père David’s deer.
Since they’re all living out their best lives in their natural habitat, you might see males squaring off for a date. If you’re extra lucky, you might witness a live birth followed by a newborn’s wobbly first steps. Nature doesn’t do retakes, so keep your camera ready.
After your drive, visit the 10-acre village walk-thru area to see other animals not featured on the drive-thru route. This includes penguins, reptiles, and a giraffe feeding station, where you might end up with kisses and slobber on your hand.
Regarding vehicles, RVs up to 42 feet long are good to go. However, motorcycles, convertibles, open-top jeeps, vehicles without doors, and anything with a tow-behind trailer aren’t allowed in the Safari Drive-Thru.
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Lazy 5 Ranch, North Carolina
Nestled in Mooresville, North Carolina, Lazy 5 Ranch drive-thru safari has both exotic and domestic animals from all over the world, including deer, elk, sheep, goats, red kangaroos, pot-bellied pigs, and dromedary camels who are entirely too confident about blocking the road.
You can drive your own vehicle along the gravel trail. But if you’re in the mood for something even more old-school and way more fun, try a horse-drawn wagon ride. Not only does it give you a full dose of fresh air, but it also lets you feed the animals straight from your hand, which somehow feels both magical and mildly chaotic. As for the admission, it’s $15 for adults, $11 for kids (2–11) and seniors (60+), with 64 oz. feed buckets available for just $3.
Yellowstone Bear World, Idaho
Located just outside of Rexburg, Idaho, Yellowstone Bear World gives you a glimpse of grizzly bears, moose, elk, bison, and mountain goats without leaving your ride. Besides the drive-thru show, there’s a petting zoo where you can bottle-feed baby deer fawns, elk calves, and even bear cubs. Just prepare to have your heart stolen by a fuzzy four-legged nugget with a milk mustache.
The best part? This wildlife park accommodates just about any vehicle, including motorhomes, travel trailers, tour buses, semi-trucks, and motorcycles. However, if you’re on two wheels, they’ll hook you up with a loaner vehicle so you will still get the full wildlife experience.
Olympic Game Farm, Washington
At Olympic Game Farm in Sequim, Washington, you’ll cruise past Tibetan yaks, zebras, Roosevelt elk, Sika deer, and the American bison who aren’t shy about sticking their heads through your window in search of bread and affection.
Olympic Game Farm animals have also starred in several films, including Serenity Farms, Captain Fantastic, and a National Geographic documentary focused on black bears and city encroachment. Beyond the drive-thru, the farm also houses predators like Mountain Lions, Bobcats, and Canadian Lynx in secure habitats, offering a heart-pounding experience.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Texas
Set on 1,800 acres of rugged Texas hills, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center features 1,100+ animals across 50 species, with a special focus on endangered and threatened animals from both Texas and far-flung corners of the globe.
You might roll past aoudads, addax, and African spurred tortoises on one stretch, then catch a glimpse of gemsbok, emus, or waterbuck around the next bend. There are also Texas horned lizards and barred tiger salamanders that keep things exciting.
Fossil Rim doesn’t just show off rare animals but also helps save them. Their herd of scimitar-horned oryx is part of a massive global reintroduction effort. They also breed Attwater’s prairie chickens, which are released into the wild yearly, thanks to their conservation efforts.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Denver
Just 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an 11-mile drive that offers close encounters with bison, white-tailed deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and coyotes.
The road turns into a one-way stretch, so it’s recommended to stay inside your vehicle, especially when the bison are feeling bold. Speaking of which, if you come across these shaggy animals, keep a respectful 75 feet of distance for your own safety. They’re majestic, but they’re also unpredictable.
Beyond the drive, the refuge has 20 miles of hiking trails, an archery range, seasonal fishing opportunities, and an interactive visitor center featuring unique exhibits.
Cruise Through the Wild with Wheelchair Getaways
Whether you want to see buffalo in Denver or feed giraffes at Fossil Rim, Wheelchair Getaways makes the ride just as exciting as the destination.
Our wheelchair-accessible vehicles feature convenient ramps or lifts, hand controls, spacious interiors, tie-downs, and climate control for smooth rides no matter the season. With availability in over 200 locations nationwide, you’re never far from your next wildlife adventure. We also offer rotating deals and discounts to keep things budget-friendly. Fill out our online form for a rental quote, or call us at 866-224-1750 to book your van today!