This is a post more for an adventure with your grandkids although there is no reason why you can't go to these places without them. Personally, we would not go to either without kids in tow.
We discovered Shalom Wildlife Center about five years ago. It is located near West Bend. Every time we have visited, we have had a wonderful, memory making time. While the park is easily walkable, our granddaughters prefer us to rent one of the golf carts and then let them drive us around as we look at all the animals.
Shalom offers over 81 species and more than 800 animals. It is a unique zoo with animals in large natural areas. It has been dubbed as America's biggest petting zoo because there are many animals that you can pet and feed along the route. Pails of food can be purchased at the welcome center/gift shop.
/There are also informative signs along the four-mile gravel road. There is information about the Native Americans who inhabited this area, too. Near the end of the route there is a great play area with oudoor games and playground equipment as well as picnic tables. There is a snack bar on the grounds with nice, clean flush bathrooms.
So next time you have a free day and you want something fun to do with the grandkids, that is not just your typical zoo, try the Shalom Wildlife Center. You will leave with many happy memories!
There is another fun, unique zoo in Neshkoro called Shamba Safari. It is a drive through zoo, so you just stay in your car. Be sure and get a pail or two of food at the welcome area/gift shop. You drive the loop to different grassy areas that house the animals. The animals come right up to the car window, and you are able to feed them. One word of warning. watch out for the camels, they are very aggressive and practically climbed right in the car. My granddaughters, being older quickly rolled up their windows and laughed as they stuck their heads in my window, but younger children would be scared! There is also some controversy over the prairie dog situation,.which are apparently an invasive animal species here in Wisconsin.
We made many memories that day with our granddaughters but it is not a place that we need to visit again. I would definitely say "give it a try and see what you think." Your grandkids will enjoy the experience.
There are lots of wonderful zoos around the area, but if you are looking for a unique zoo experience, give these two places a try.
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