There is 1 drive-thru safari park in Indiana. You drive your own car past more than 40 species of free-roaming animals, plus life-size animatronic dinosaurs, in the rolling hills of southern Indiana.
- Wilstem Wildlife Park (Paoli)
WILSTEM WILDLIFE PARK
Type: Self-drive wildlife safari and dinosaur safari, plus guided wagon tours, hands-on animal encounters, and cabin lodging
Location: 4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454 (between Paoli and French Lick in Orange County, about 1 hour from Louisville and 2 hours from Indianapolis)
Phone: (812) 936-4484
Email: info@wilstem.com
Website: wilstem.com · Wildlife & Dino Safari · Buy Tickets · Safari FAQ · Rules · Species List · Animal Encounters · Lodging
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Animals: 40+ species roam free along a maintained gravel road. They include zebras, bison, elk, camels, llamas, alpacas, emus, deer, antelope, donkeys, and more. The park also has elephants, giraffes, kangaroos, sloths, and otters, which you can meet in encounters.
Dinosaur Safari: 29 life-size animatronic dinosaurs line the route, mid-March through November. They’re included with safari tickets.
Self-Drive Safari Admission (per person):
- Adults: $25.00
- Seniors (65+): $22.00
- Children (3–12): $19.00
- Ages 2 & under: Free
- Animal feed costs extra.
- Every person in the car must buy a full-price ticket, and all safari purchases are non-refundable.
Guided Wagon Safari Tour (per person, feed included):
- Adults: $39.00 · Seniors: $36.00 · Children: $33.00 · Ages 2 & under: Free
- The tour lasts 1 hour and goes off the main path for closer encounters. Afterward, you can drive back through the Dino Safari in your own car.
- It runs mid-March through October, weather permitting.
- Peak season departures: 9:30, 10:45, 12:00, 1:45, and 3:00.
- Off-peak departures: 10:00, 12:00, and 2:00.
- Reservations are highly suggested.
Also Included: The Roos & Crew Barn, with kangaroos, reptiles, and small animals
Hours: Self-drive safari is open 7 days a week, and you can arrive anytime between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM. No reservations are needed. The Wildlife Safari is open year-round.
Season Passes (2027):
- On sale November – December 2026: Adults $74 · Seniors $65 · Children $56
- They include unlimited drive-thru visits and 10% off encounters, activities, and the gift shop.
Rules:
- No dogs on the safari.
- No open-air vehicles. Your vehicle must have a top and solid doors.
- Stay inside your vehicle at all times.
- You can fill out the waiver online ahead of time to save time at check-in: Waiver
Other Experiences:
- Animal encounters with elephants (including bathing them), giraffes, sloths, otters, and kangaroos
- Ziplining and horseback riding
- Cabin lodging on the property
- A seasonal Light Show
Explore Drive-Thru Wildlife Parks in Neighboring States:
Illinois · Michigan · Ohio · Kentucky