We may be used to seeing some pretty impressive wildlife here in Nebraska, but we don’t often get to see wolves. This special park has tons of animals to see and learn about, but the grey wolf pack may be the most impressive (and somewhat hidden) part of the experience.
The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari - most often known simply as the Wildlife Safari Park - is located in Ashland, between Omaha and Lincoln.
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Driving through the park is the most common (and easiest) way to experience this popular attraction, but there is also a section where you can get out and hike to see more animals. Many visitors stay in their cars and miss this special part of the park.
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The section is called Wolf Canyon thanks to its beautiful residents: a small pack of grey wolves.
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You’ll be safely separated from the wolves at all times thanks to a secure fence. However, you can still watch the majestic animals go about their daily lives.
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It’s always interesting to watch the pack dynamics and see how the wolves interact with one another, especially when they’re playing.
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But the wolves have a little bit of work to do, as well. Here, the keepers train one of the wolves to open her mouth on command. (Never, ever try this yourself!)
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Teaching the wolves to come to the keepers and perform certain actions (like opening their mouths) helps the keepers observe the wolves and record any potential problems.
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For the most part, the pack is free to roam its enclosure area. The wolves are regularly given enrichment items and activities to keep them busy and engaged.
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If you come to the park in the early morning or stay until the evening, you’ll even get to hear the wolves releasing their haunting howls into the air.
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Don’t forget about the rest of the Wildlife Safari animals! Cinnabuns and Licorice, American black bears who happen to be sisters, are also housed in Wolf Canyon. These playful sweeties are always entertaining to watch.
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The little prairie dog town is definitely worth a visit, as well. You could easily spend hours just watching these silly creatures pop their heads up and move around their colony.
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You’ll also see some less-common friends, like this beautiful endangered swift fox.
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Some of the park’s most popular and recognizable residents are the bison herd that wanders the grounds. These gentle behemoths often wander right up to cars, so be prepared for some close encounters as you drive through the park.
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Next time you visit the Wildlife Safari Park, don’t miss this exceptional experience. Seeing the wolf pack up close is such a unique treat – and the rest of the park is pretty awesome, too!
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Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari is located at 16406 292nd St, Ashland (I-80 exit 426). It’s open April-October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Click here for admission prices and more information.
While you’re in the area, stop by the always-delightful Platte River State Park for some of the best hiking in the state.
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Address: Wildlife Safari Park, 16406 292nd St, Ashland, NE 68003, USA
