Let’s Take a Trip to “The Wilds”.
Muskingum County – Ohio Foothills
After miles of winding roads and rolling Ohio Foothills countryside, arriving at The Wilds feels like pulling into another world. More than 10,000 acres of reclaimed land have become a sanctuary for endangered species and one of North America’s largest conservation centers—a remarkable success story and a memorable road trip destination.
Once inside the park, every turn brought another surprise. On the day of my visit, I spotted bison, camels, cheetahs, African painted dogs, giraffes, southern white rhinos, Przewalski’s wild horses, Sichuan takins, and more.
From May through October—and later when the weather cooperates—The Wilds offers several ways to keep the adventure rolling. The most popular is the Open-Air Safari, where guests climb aboard a safari bus and travel through the park while a guide shares stories about the animals and The Wilds’ conservation work. For a closer look, choose the Wildside Safari Tour, or a Behind the Scenes Tour. Other seasonal excursions include the Sunset Wildlife Tour and the Winter at The Wilds Tour which is available from November through April.
Ready for a high-flying detour? The Wild Zipline Safari carries you above the animals and pastures as you soar between ten observation platforms.
Why turn around and head home when you can make The Wilds an overnight stop? Book early for one of its distinctive stays. From May through October, private yurts are available with a choice of safari tickets, dinner and breakfast for two, and beautiful views of The Wilds. For a larger group, The Lodge at The Wilds is a year-round cabin that accommodates up to twelve guests, offers a fully equipped kitchen, and includes tour packages from May through October. Also available year-round are the Straker Lake Cabins, To make a reservation or learn more, contact The Wilds at 740.638.5030. And there is another reason to plan a return trip: during my visit, a giraffe hotel was under construction.
When it is finally time to point the car toward home, The Wilds stays with you—the open pastures, unexpected animal encounters, and feeling that another discovery waits just beyond the next bend. It is the kind of road trip stop that makes you start planning the return drive before the first one is over.
The Wilds
1400 International Rd., Cumberland, OH 43732
740.638.5030 | thewilds.columbuszoo.org
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Tours must be booked and paid for in advance. Lower parking area is $9. A shuttle will take you to the check-in building. For additional fee, you can park near the Visitor Center and Gift Shop.
Cell service in and around The Wilds is very intermittent.
Don’t just rely on Google and Apple Maps for directions. Use the directions highlighted on The Wilds website.
The nearest gas station is over 15 miles away from the entrance. Make sure you have enough gas to get there and back.
Dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes.
Tours are rain or shine. Contact The Wilds if you have additional questions.
Pack a cooler. I always like to keep a cooler to keep water in and for any perishables I may purchase.
Credit cards are the only currency.
Tours and overnight stays are available all year long.
Pack a cooler. I always like to keep a cooler to keep water in and for any perishables I may purchase.
Want to learn more? The staff at the Visit Zanesville can help you plan your trip, find accommodations, as well as send you a FREE visitor guide. If you find yourself in town you can also stop by there office. It is located in Downtown Zanesville near all the action.
205 N. 5th Street, Zanesville, OH 43701
740.455.8282| visitzanesville.com
Feel free to reach out if you have questions or need ideas to add to your Ohio Foothills itinerary, or visitohiofoothills.com.
DISTANCE –
To The Wilds
From Cincinnati – 3 hours
From Cleveland – 2 1/2 hours
From Columbus – 2 hours
From Pittsburgh, PA – 2 hours
From Toledo – 3 1/2 hours
KEEP ON EXPLORING!
This article is part of my “Ohio Foothills” road trip series. As I continue my travels through all 10 Ohio Counties that make up the Ohio Foothills, I will be sharing additional itineraries. Stay tuned.
~Diane
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank Visit Zanesville and Ohio Foothills for sponsoring my excursion. As always, my opinions are my own.
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
