Wilstem Ranch is a hidden gem that I don’t think a lot of people know about. You would never imagine that 1,100 acres of unparalleled natural beauty with animals you only dream of meeting is all in Southern Indiana. One of Wilstem’s main missions is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife. It’s just a few hours from Indianapolis and the perfect Summer outing to plan with your family.
Wilstem has animal encounters that you can sign up for: sloth, giraffe, elephant, grizzly bear, wolf and kangaroo. My Mom planned our first Wilstem trip back in 2018 where we did an elephant encounter. In 2019 we went back and did a giraffe encounter. This trip though, we decided to do the drive-thru safari. I have to say this was my favorite visit to the ranch because we saw SO many animals during the safari ride. We fed and saw ostrich, buffalo, zebra, grizzly bears, llamas, etc. There are over 40 different species of animals you get to see!
Wilstem Summer Trip Recap Video 2021
Past Wilstem Animal Encounters
- Elephant Encounter 2018
- Giraffe Encounter 2019
Wilstem Ranch
We always pack a picnic lunch to eat at the picnic area after we see the animals, and then we head over to French Lick Resort to spend the night. French Lick has a great pool for the kids and we always enjoy our stays there.
French Lick Resort
Traveling all around the U.S. sure is fun, but don’t forget about some amazing places to see right here in your very own state of Indiana! I can’t wait to go back to Wilstem and do the wolf encounter! You have to be 18+ for that one though. I would for sure do the safari again next Summer, as I am sure it is a different experience each time!
