You don’t have to fly all the way to the AfricanÌýSerengetiÌýto see wildlifeÌýroam freelyÌýor risk life and limb trekking solo in Montana or Alaska to catch a glimpse of mountain lions, buffalo, elk, or grizzly bears. There are places where you can experience these majestic and wildÌýanimalsÌýin a way that’s responsible for both you and the creatures in settings thatÌýare also safe and family friendly.
Montana
Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center,ÌýWest Yellowstone
LocatedÌýnear the west entrance ofÌýYellowstone National Park, the nonprofit ($15 for admission)Ìýis open year-round for those who want a guaranteed look atÌýthe animalsÌýin their natural habitat. It has aÌýmuseum that examines the role of the two species in the park’s history,Ìýa cabinÌýwhere you can safely watch wolves, and habitats for raptors and rescued grizzly bears. The facility alsoÌýoffers safetyÌýseminars, likeÌýhow to use bear spray, and naturalist-led programs for children,Ìýsuch as Keeper Kids, which covers feeding habits.
California Ìý
Safari West,ÌýSanta Rosa
Want to spot buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinosÌýan hour north of San Francisco? Head toÌý, a 400-acre privately owned wildlife preserve nicknamed the Sonoma SerengetiÌýdue to its location in the middle of CaliforniaÌýwine country. By day, walk the grounds with a naturalist, or take guided driving tours in vintageÌýopen-air Dodge Power Wagons, to see some 90 species of animals. By night, sleep in high-end safari tents imported from Botswana (from $375). The on-site Savannah Café serves South African–inspired BBQ on a wood-fired grill.
Alaska
Park Creek Bear Tours, Juneau
The 75-mile-long Chichagof Island, west ofÌýJuneau, has one of the highest populations of bears per square mile in the world. Book a tour withÌý (from $739) and join a small group (up to five people) for a half- or full-day tour that begins with a bush-plane flightÌýfrom the Juneau airport. Half-day tours headÌýto the island’s Waterfall Creek, where bears feast in late summer during the salmon run, while the full-day option takes you to Pack Creek onÌýAdmiralty Island, with a possible interpretive hike through theÌýwilderness. Back in the capital city, stay at the low-keyÌý (from $129), where staff can recommend other adventure tours.
Virginia
Breaks Interstate Park,ÌýBreaks
Called the Grand Canyon of the South,Ìý, on the border of Kentucky and Virginia, is home to a five-mile-long gorge that drops 1,650 feet to the Russell Fork River. A few years ago, elk were released in the area as part of a reintroduction program sponsored by the local chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Shortly after,Ìýthe park began offeringÌý ($35 for adults, $12 for children) from March through May and August through October. Spend the day touring the 5,000-acre plot of land where the animals graze. ThenÌýpitch a tent, stay in one ofÌýthe park’s many cabins, or book a night atÌýtheÌý81-room lodge and enjoyÌýthe park’s 25 miles of trails, including a 12-mile mountain-bike loop.
Colorado
Wild Animal Sanctuary,ÌýKeenesburg
You can find wolves, grizzly bears, tigers, and lionsÌýamongÌýsome 500 large animals that have been rescued from inhumane living situations and are now being rehabilitated at thisÌý10,473-acre , an hour north of Denver.ÌýFor the first 20 years of the property’s existence, the public wasn’t allowed, but starting in 2002, it openedÌýto visitors ($30 for adults, $15 for children). Unlike most refuges that involve driving tours, visitors spot the animals by strolling along an elevatedÌýmile-and-a-half-long walkway over the grounds. Show up at sundown in the summertime to observeÌýthe most animalÌýactivity.
South Dakota
Custer State Park,ÌýBlack Hills
The 71,000-acreÌý, in western South Dakota, is home to some 1,300 free-roaming bison. To get up-close views at a still-safe distance, opt for theÌý, where bison and other wildlife can be seen from within an off-roadÌýopen-air vehicle. Or drive the park’s 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road on your own. Stay in one of 67 hotel roomsÌýor cabins atÌýthe historicÌý (from $165), which has floor-to-ceiling windows and a stone veranda overlooking the water.
Wyoming
Amangani,ÌýJackson Hole
(from $800), a luxury resort 20 minutes from the slopes of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, recentlyÌýlaunched anÌý expedition. JoinÌýa wildlife guide and takeÌýa sunrise or sunset tour in Grand Teton National Park in a BMW X5. For the best chance of seeing bears resurfacing from winter hibernation, or mother elk, moose, or bison with their newborn calves, come early in the season, in May.ÌýIf you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight ofÌýthe valley’s most famous matriarch, an oft-photographed bear called Grizzly 399.
British Columbia
The Chilko Experience,ÌýChilko Lake
When the salmon spawn on the Chilko River, the grizzlies congregate. Watch the action by boat with guides from , a collection of sixÌýfull-service log- and timber-frame homes in the remote interior of British Columbia. Get there via a one-hour flightÌýor a ten-hour drive from Vancouver. The wilderness resort features outdoor hot tubs, chef-prepared meals, and guided adventures like kayaking on Chilko Lake or horseback riding into the surrounding mountains, all of which are included.ÌýFour-day trips fromÌý$2,950