Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

Before settlement, the Great Plains teemed with animals. Enormous herds of bison moved across the grass, elk and deer browsed the river valleys, wolves and bears hunted them, and in spring the skies filled with cranes and waterfowl along the Platte. Much of that abundance was lost as the plains were farmed and fenced, and the safari park exists in part to keep these animals before the public eye.

Driving through the park, you pass among these species in spacious enclosures that mimic their natural range, so the experience feels less like a zoo and more like a slow safari across the country the settlers first saw. For many visitors it is a first close look at a wild bison or a wolf, and a vivid reminder of what this landscape held not so very long ago.

The safari park is operated by Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, an institution repeatedly ranked among the finest zoos anywhere. That partnership means the park benefits from serious expertise in animal care, breeding, and conservation, and it plays a role in efforts to protect species and educate the public.

The park is named for Lee G. Simmons, a longtime director of the Omaha zoo whose leadership helped build it into the world-class institution it is today. His name on the safari park reflects a career devoted to wildlife and to giving Nebraskans a genuine connection to the animals of their own continent.

The park sits in the broad, wooded valley of the Platte River, a shallow, braided river that has been called a mile wide and an inch deep. This corridor is one of the great flyways of North America, most famous each spring when hundreds of thousands of sandhill cranes gather on the Platte farther west, and the valley's mix of woodland, wetland, and grassland makes fitting habitat for the park's native animals.

That setting also places the park within an easy cluster of things to do. The surrounding area, between Omaha and Lincoln just off the interstate, holds a large state recreation area and an aerospace museum, so the safari park can anchor a full day of family exploration in the heart of eastern Nebraska.

Because the park is designed around the rhythms of wild animals, timing matters. Cooler parts of the day and cooler seasons tend to bring more activity, and animals are often most visible in the morning. The park operates seasonally, generally through the warmer months, so it is worth confirming that it is open before planning a spring or fall trip.

For safety, visitors stay in their vehicles through the drive-through habitats, moving slowly and quietly to avoid disturbing the animals. Walk-through areas let you get out and stretch among certain exhibits. The combination makes for a relaxed, self-paced outing that suits families and anyone who wants to see native wildlife without a long trek into the backcountry.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, near Ashland between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, is a drive-through and walk-through wildlife park where visitors can see North American animals in spacious, natural settings. Part of the Henry Doorly Zoo family, the safari park lets you drive a scenic route past elk, bison, deer, pronghorn, and other native wildlife roaming large enclosures, and walk trails to see wolves, bears, eagles, and a wetlands area. It offers an up-close look at the animals of the Great Plains and North America. A delightful nature outing for families, it brings visitors close to wildlife. With its safari drive and trails, the park offers a rewarding destination in Nebraska.

You can see North American wildlife including elk, bison, deer, pronghorn, wolves, bears, bald eagles, cranes, and other native animals, viewed from your vehicle along the drive and on foot along the walking trails and wetlands. The bison and elk on the drive, the wolves and bears along the trails, the eagles, and the natural settings are the draws, offering a close and memorable wildlife experience. Seeing the animals in spacious habitats is a highlight. With its native wildlife, the safari park offers a rewarding visit near Ashland, Nebraska.

The safari park includes a drive-through portion where you view animals from your vehicle, so following the rules, staying in your car where required, keeping a safe distance, and never feeding the animals are important for your safety and theirs. It is a seasonal, mostly outdoor attraction, so dressing for the weather and allowing time for both the drive and the walking trails help. Checking current hours and season before you go is wise. Following the rules and keeping your distance ensure a safe, enjoyable visit to the safari park in Nebraska.

The safari park generally operates seasonally in the warmer months, so late spring through fall is the time to visit, when the weather is pleasant for the drive and the trails and the animals are active, with early morning and evening especially good for wildlife viewing. Because it is seasonal, checking the current schedule before you go is wise. For pleasant weather and active wildlife, aim for late spring through fall at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park in Nebraska.

The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park is near Ashland, between Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, within reach of the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, the Platte River, and both cities. That makes the safari park a delightful stop to combine with the Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum and the attractions of Omaha and Lincoln on a visit to Nebraska.