If you ask most visitors… and even the locals…The Wilds is the best-kept secret for adventure seekers and those who yearn for a connection to the natural world.
Nestled in southeastern Ohio, The Wilds sits on nearly 10,000 acres and is one of the largest and most innovative conservation centers in North America. Home to rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs, and other rare and endangered animals, The Wilds also serves as a living laboratory for international and local conservation scientists, with strong emphasis on Restoration and Wildlife Ecology.
Let’s plan your adventure! In no particular order, here are 10 activities at The Wilds for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
Stay in a Yurt
Enjoy an exclusive, adults only (21+) overnight stay for two at The Wilds!
Nomad Ridge provides luxury in traditional nomadic-style structures, immersing guests in the outdoor sights and sounds of nature. With a 24/7 concierge services, wi-fi access, and discounts on special experiences, it’s a truly unique glamping experience!
Take an Open-Air Safari Tour
Grab your camera and board our open-air safari vehicles for an exhilarating adventure through open-range landscapes while your trained safari guide shares facts about rare and endangered animals as they roam, feed, and play.
Rough it at the Outpost
Don’t miss an exclusive and unique overnight experience utilizing The Wilds’ Outpost facility! Guests will spend the night in the middle of our pastures with giraffes, rhinos and other rare and incredible species nearby. Lounge around the fire pit, relax on the covered decks and explore vast, breathtaking views.
Dine on a Rooftop
Gaze at cheetahs, African painted dogs, and dholes while you dine at Terrace Grill…it’s rooftop! Food selections include grilled burgers, jumbo grilled hot dogs, soda, and more. Located at the mid-point of most tours, it’s an excellent stop for lunch.
Learn about Dining at The Wilds
Zipline Over Animal Pastures
This experience is designed to thrill anyone with a love for wildlife and a passion for adventure. Soar over animal pastures on up to ten breathtaking ziplines during the day OR in the evening! Hint: Try the “Howl at the Moon” Zipline Tour!
Enjoy the Beauty of a Sunset Tour
Experience the magic of the Wilds at sunset! Take in the sweeping views of the Wilds' beautiful landscape bathed in the late evening sun. Enjoy a buffet style dinner, on the deck of the Overlook Café before boarding an Open-Air Safari for a guided tour through the open-range when the animals are most active at feeding time.
Go Mountain Biking
Thanks to a dedicated group of mountain bikers at Appalachia Outdoor Adventures, The Wilds offers a challenging complex of mountain bike trails, open to the public north of State Route 146.
Bring Your Birding Binoculars
With nearly 10,000 acres of grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and lakes, The Wilds is home to a great diversity of bird species. Audubon has recognized The Wilds as one of Ohio's Important Bird Areas, and birdwatchers from near and far have discovered the abundance of bird life here.
Recognizing the value of the birding community to the future of our organization and conservation in general, The Wilds has worked with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife to construct an observation deck, which is open to the public year-round, seven days a week, at no charge.
The Birding Station at Jeffrey Point is a great spot to watch raptors in winter, hear grassland nesting birds in spring and summer, and watch the ospreys returning to the hacksite in the spring. Look for it on State Route 284, between Zion Ridge Road and International Road.
Book a Horseback Tour
Horseback Safari tours are for guests who love wildlife and are looking for a new adventure. These rides take guests on a journey along the beautiful landscapes of The Wilds overlooking our rolling hills, grasslands and butterfly habitat. Bonus…You may have an opportunity to view animal species roaming in large natural settings!
Learn About Conservation at The Wilds
Weaved into every activity and opportunity for adventure at The Wilds is a powerful theme: Animal Conservation.
Nestled into the southeastern Ohio countryside on almost 10,000 acres of lush landscapes, The Wilds is a conservation center making an incredible impact for wildlife in America's Heartland and across the globe. We are committed to assuring the future of rare and threatened species through breeding, the continuation of science, and education.
Learn more about conservation at The Wilds
Learn more about The Wilds by visiting https://www.thewilds.org.
