Alto, Michigan: Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park

I have heard a lot about this place but it wasn't until recently that I finally visited.  I was pretty impressed!  It's not a large place but they have a pretty good variety of animals.  And, the animal selection is very different from what we usually see at our local zoo.  Best of all - the giraffes!  There are also a lot of opportunities to feed animals!

There's plenty of parking.  We got there right at opening on a week day so it wasn't really busy either.

They have a pretty decent size store at the entrance where you also purchase tickets to the park.  

We decided to head to the tour bus first since we weren't sure how busy it would get later in the day.  The buses are themed in a fun way.  There is also a shaded area (pavilion) with a couple of benches to wait for the next tour.

There are many animals along the tour.  You stay on the bus the entire time but the tour is very educational and you can see the animals pretty well from anywhere on the bus.

After the ride/tour it was time to explore the rest of the park.  It's not very big but there are plenty of great things to do and see!

Food option for the animals that are very nicely priced compared to most other places like this that I have visited.

Time to feed the birds!

So much fun!!

This little guy is super freaked out buy birds!

A place to put your used popsicle/bird food sticks on the way out.

Getting hands on with hamsters.
They also had bunnies in another area.

Feeding the giraffes!

So many animals to feed!

Educational shows are offered.  Check the schedule when you purchase your tickets.
We did not make it to any of the shows but I plan to next time.

The alligators, lizards and other aquarium creatures.

A BIG alligator!

There is a picnic area inside the park.  It was even big enough for a school field trip that we saw eating there.  However, this area might be reserved for birthday parties and other special events if you visit while they are hosting one.  

They also offer Birthday Parties that I would absolutely take advantage of if I lived closer.

Nearby place on my bucket list:

Dairy Discovery where you can experience life on a dairy farm (may need to be part of a field trip).  They also have Swisslane Specialty Cheese that can be purchased in their store (do not need to be part of a field trip to stop here and shop).