Few people know that there are giraffes, monkeys and zebras hiding in northern Ohio.

The quaint fishing town of Port Clinton is home to a unique park that’s perfect for a family day trip. The African Safari Wildlife Park is a walk and drive-thru park that features exotic animals―many of which you can feed yourself. The next time you’re in the area, you’ll want to stop and check it out. Here’s why:

Most people don’t even know this safari park exists, making it another one of Ohio’s hidden gems.

April Dray/Only In Your State You’ll find it at 267 S Lightner Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452.

When you arrive at the park, you’ll take the drive-thru portion first. Animal feed and carrots are available for purchase at the entrance.

April Dray/Only In Your State Along the way, you’ll see some really interesting animals, some of which you may recognize―and others you may not.

If you choose to feed the animals, staff will let you know when and where it’s OK to roll down your window and do so.

April Dray/Only In Your State (Just don’t feed them directly out of your hand!)

Some of the animals you’ll see along the drive-thru portion of the park include giraffes, camels, alpacas, elk, bison, deer, guanaco, llamas and even zebras.

April Dray/Only In Your State Note: During your drive-thru journey, it can get crowded. Just drive slowly and staff will come along to help if needed.

After the drive-thru portion, you can park your car and get out and explore the park some more.

April Dray/Only In Your State During the spring and fall seasons, you can visit the park on February 23 - May 24 and September 4- December 2 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

During the walk-thru portion of the park you’ll find monkeys, parrots, alligators…

April Dray/Only In Your State During the summer season, you can visit the park from May 25 - September 3 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

…and even some kangaroos, (which you can also feed―accompanied by a guide ―for an additional fee.)

April Dray/Only In Your State Please note: Admission rates vary according to season and age. Children 2 and under are free.

Additionally, there’s some playground equipment on site for the little ones to enjoy, as well as a concession stand. It’s a great place to spend the day with the family.

April Dray/Only In Your State (Group rates are also offered, but reservations are required.)

African Safari Wildlife Park is located at 267 S Lightner Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452. For admission prices and other information, click here. Have you ever been here before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like!

April Dray/Only In Your State

You’ll find it at 267 S Lightner Rd., Port Clinton, OH 43452.

Along the way, you’ll see some really interesting animals, some of which you may recognize―and others you may not.

(Just don’t feed them directly out of your hand!)

Note: During your drive-thru journey, it can get crowded. Just drive slowly and staff will come along to help if needed.

During the spring and fall seasons, you can visit the park on February 23 - May 24 and September 4- December 2 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.

During the summer season, you can visit the park from May 25 - September 3 from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Please note: Admission rates vary according to season and age. Children 2 and under are free.

(Group rates are also offered, but reservations are required.)

For more unique parks to explore in Ohio, click here.

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