The Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is a picturesque area of prairies and wetlands, where majestic creatures roam. Visitors drive through open-air safari sections and hike to enclosures to get a closer look at the North American animals who dwell here. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery in this large park, as you get to know some of the nation’s native beasts.
Snap photos of your favourite animals as you observe elk, deer and bison grazing in the prairies. Kept in large, spacious enclosures are such rare and fearsome creatures as the American black bear and the grey wolf. Spot sandhill cranes and pelicans in the marshy sector of the park.
Drive to the Wolf Canyon area and get out of the car to hike on scenic trails. Enjoy the stunning vistas and see the enclosed wolves and bears. You can hear the howl of the wolves in the early morning or at night. Listen to a talk from one of the bear keepers in the early afternoon.
Visit the elegant wooden cabin containing the safari’s gift shop. It has a great variety of stuffed animals, T-shirts and other souvenirs. Enjoy snacks and drinks in the visitor centre and bring your own food to eat in the picnic area next to the Wolf Woods Parking Lot. Restrooms are also available in the visitor centre and Wolf Woods area.
There is a fee to enter the 440-acre (178-hectare) park, with discounts for children and seniors. Toddlers enter for free. If you are driving, leave your car in the free parking lot.
Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari is in the southwestern outskirts of Omaha, near the eastern frontier of Nebraska. Drive southwest from the city centre for 27 miles (44 kilometres) to reach the safari in about 30 minutes. Nearby attractions include the Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Platte River State Park and Louisville State Recreation Area.
