Garlyn Zoo

Garlyn Zoo is home to a diverse collection of animals, including both native North American species and exotics from around the world. You can see majestic Siberian tigers, African lions, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, cougars, and alligators. Other residents include river otters, camels, reindeer, ring-tailed lemurs, and various deer species. Many of these animals are rescues, adding a heartwarming element to their stories.

Absolutely! Garlyn Zoo is known for its interactive experiences. Visitors can purchase feed to hand-feed many animals, including deer, goats, and llamas. A unique highlight is the opportunity to feed apples to the bears, such as grizzly bear Hutch and black bears Jiggs and Sweet Pee. There's also a parakeet house where you can interact with hundreds of birds, and a small petting zoo.

While the exact time can vary based on your pace and how much you interact with the animals, most visitors find that exploring Garlyn Zoo takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This allows ample time to see all the exhibits, enjoy the feeding opportunities, and take in the natural, wooded surroundings.

The zoo features cedar-mulched trails that wind through its 30 acres, offering a generally pleasant walking experience. While the paths are designed to blend with the natural landscape, visitors with specific mobility needs or those using wheelchairs might want to inquire directly with the zoo about the accessibility of certain paths or exhibits before their visit to ensure a comfortable experience.

Garlyn Zoo is a wildlife park with many animals, including predators and prey species. For the safety and well-being of both the zoo animals and your pets, personal dogs or other pets are generally not permitted inside the zoo. Service animals are typically an exception, but it's always best to confirm their policy directly with the zoo prior to your visit.

Garlyn Zoo provides ample on-site parking for visitors. The zoo is situated directly on US-2, making it easily accessible by car. While there is plenty of space, during peak season or busy weekends, arriving earlier in the day can help ensure you find a convenient spot.

Yes, Garlyn Zoo is famous for the heartwarming companionship between Millie, a Syrian brown bear, and King, a dog adopted from a shelter. They live together and provide each other with companionship, which is a truly unique and beloved feature of the zoo. Many of the animals are also rescues, each with their own story.

The best time to visit Garlyn Zoo for active animals and comfortable weather is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, all exhibits are open, and the animals are generally more active. The cedar-mulched trails are also most pleasant for walking during these seasons.

Garlyn Zoo focuses primarily on the animal experience and does not typically feature extensive dining facilities. However, there is a gift shop where you might find snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, you would need to venture to nearby towns such as Naubinway, which is approximately 6 miles west, or St. Ignace, about 40 minutes east, where you can find various cafes and pubs.

The trails at Garlyn Zoo are primarily cedar-mulched paths that wind through a natural, wooded setting. The terrain is generally flat and manageable for most visitors, designed for a leisurely stroll rather than strenuous hiking. Comfortable footwear is recommended to fully enjoy exploring the grounds.

Yes, Garlyn Zoo features a gift shop where visitors can find a variety of wildlife-related souvenirs and mementos to remember their visit. It's a great place to pick up a unique item or a gift for animal lovers.