Around the Lakes in 30 Days (or so): Day 12

How about a safari in Ohio?! Wagon Trails Animal Park in Vienna, OH, 10 miles outside of Youngstown, is AWESOME! Ben went there on a field trip in 3rd grade and has wanted us to go there as a family ever since. It was about an hour drive from our house in Conneaut Lake. When we boarded the truck, it was hard to believe that we were about to see over 350 animals from six continents. Each person on the ride received a bucket of feed, and the truck stopped about 7 or 8 times along the one-hour ride. The guy driving the truck was a great tour guide. He described some of the animals by name and described their personalities. He knew exactly where the baby animals were and when they were born. He described very clearly how to feed each group of animals we encountered.

To feed most animals, all we had to do is sprinkle the feed into their open mouths. It was absolutely the coolest thing. At every stop of the truck, there was a virtual stampede of animals heading for us, antelope, elk, buffalo, camels, you name it. The animals also stick their heads into the truck and feed off the floor under your feet; most of the time, they don't really care if your legs are in the way. Out of all the animals, the only ones we could not pet were the zebras and the ostriches. When else in my life will I ever be able to feel the velvety antlers of the elk? Or to pet a camel's head? Or to rub a donkey's ears or a water buffalo's head?

Jim didn't go, but we took my mother, and I have to say that this place is also very handicap friendly. There are no steps, and we could park very close. Shoot, there was even a handicap portapotty! The only disadvantage is that it is a little pricey. The cost for an adult is 14.95, and for a child, 10.95. That included the safari ride and the feed and a separate petting zoo to explore either before or after the ride. Total we spent about two hours there. On the bright side, if you go to their website, you can print a coupon for $2 off each admission. (http://www.wagontrails.com/) I think I can say this is a trip that the kids will remember!