You Can Look Wildlife In The Eyes At This New Safari Park In Idaho
By Courtnie Erickson|Published November 06, 2023
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There is nothing that quite compares to staring a wolf in the eye. There is a rush that surges through your body when you are close enough to a bear that you can see its eyes blink. And there is a sense of joy that overtakes your body when you see foxes playing with one another, their fluffy tails following behind them. You can experience all this and more when you visit the new Yellowstone Safari Park in Rexburg, Idaho. I had a chance to visit this park recently, with my entire family, and it’s an experience I have never had before — it’s a chance to get up close to remarkable creatures in a gorgeous setting.
I have grown up visiting Yellowstone National Park. In fact, I have traveled around this national park dozens of times and can share tips and tricks to exploring the park that only locals may know. But, in all of my visits, I have yet to see many of the creatures found at Yellowstone Safari Park in Rexburg.
Within 10 minutes of five highway exits, you can be at this stunning game ranch in southeastern Idaho. This game ranch is unique because not only is it home to hundreds of animals, but it also lies adjacent to the North Fork of the Teton River.
This property has a special place in the heart of Jared Sommer, owner of Yellowstone Safari Ranch. He was raised nearby and his family has owned property just a short distance away since the 1800s.
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Yellowstone Safari Park is family owned and operated, which is only fitting because this is the perfect family day trip destination. During my visit, my husband, three young children (ages 11 to 4), and myself, each loved our visit. We spent nearly two hours observing the animals and can’t wait to go back and explore some more.
This game ranch is a self-safari drive. When you arrive, you will drive through various sections of the game ranch and see extraordinary creatures who aren’t afraid to come up and say hello. We had foxes, bison, and wolves who were right next to our truck, anxious to make friends.
One feature that makes Yellowstone Safari Ranch unique is the variety you will see in the red fox family. Nowhere in the entire world will you see some of the colors found on these foxes and it was hard for me to choose a favorite. They were all so beautiful.
We visited during the fall months when the animals were starting to receive their winter coats. Each type of animal we spotted was magnificent and beautiful.
It was fascinating to watch the pack as they displayed a hierarchy, with the alpha wolf in the lead and those lower following far behind.
And of course, the elk were mighty, majestic, and picturesque. While it isn’t uncommon to see elk when visiting Yellowstone National Park, watching these elk run, dart, and lead, was something new.
You will notice as you drive through the care each of the animals receive. For example, there are shelters for the animals and advanced systems are in place to ensure the animals have running water to drink 24/7, 365 days a year — even during the harsh Idaho winters.
I also recommend you stop and feed the Rainbow Trout in the small pond. This is the only area of the game ranch where you can exit your vehicle and it’s something you won’t want to miss. The Rainbow Trout are in three different color varieties — blue, yellow, and standard — making them easy to stand out. My sons did not want to leave this area and could have spent all day watching and feeding the fish.
The game ranch is open from April until mid-December, weather permitting. It is open Monday through Saturday, and on Sunday by appointment only. Tickets are based per person and children three and under are free.
You will want to pay attention to the park’s website and social media pages as new additions to the park are in the works, including many exciting events.
It’s not every day you can stare a wolf in the face but at Yellowstone Safari Park, it just may happen.
For more information, such as to purchase tickets, for current hours, and any game ranch updates, visit the Yellowstone Safari Park website.
Have you visited Yellowstone Safari Park in Rexburg, Idaho? What did you think of this game ranch? We’d love to hear all about your visit in the comments.
