story by JULIE CAMPBELL
As night falls and the air cools, something magical happens inside Wolf Park, located in the tiny town of Battle Ground, near Lafayette. The wolves grow lively, and so do the visitors.
“Howl Nights” showcase the wolf’s signature behavior—the howl—after dark. “Visitors get to experience the wolves’ powerful and hauntingly beautiful howls under the evening sky,” explains Wolf Park Executive Director Shaunna Costicov-McCombe. “This event creates a connection to the wild that stays with people long after they leave.”
Lisa Burnett-Butzow and her daughter, Madison Burnett, are two of the many visitors who have been impacted by their visits to Wolf Park. “Howling with the wolves is a very special experience,” said Lisa. “It’s exciting when the packs howl back at you!”
For over a half century, the staff at Wolf Park has been educating and inspiring people of all ages to connect with and understand wildlife, particularly wolves and other native species. Visitors can expect an unforgettable, up-close experience with wolves, foxes, bison, and more fascinating creatures in a beautiful, natural setting. “I think what impresses me most is their commitment to educating the public on wolf behavior,” Lisa explained.
“Their talks are very informative. There is a fence up, of course, but you really get a close-up look at these magnificent animals.”
If you’re looking for another up-close and personal experience with animals in the area, look no further than Columbian Park Zoo, located in Lafayette. From wallabies and kookaburras to spider monkeys and porcupines, the animals are a hit with young visitors as well as the young-at-heart. At the IU Health Family Farm exhibit inside the zoo, kids can get an up-close look at a llama, miniature horse, pot-bellied pig, and even feed the goats. The zoo is closed during the winter but opens back up in the spring.
Up in the northern part of the state, animal lovers will find a plethora of opportunities for exciting animal adventures. Peaceable Primate Sanctuary in Winamac provides a retirement home for baboons and macaques that have been retired from universities or rescued from roadside zoos and private ownership. Although it is a private sanctuary, the facility hosts multiple events through the year as well as being open for tours.
Nestled on 18 acres in northern Indiana’s Noble County, the Black Pine Animal Sanctuary is the forever home to more than 60 captive-raised exotic and wild animals. In 2019, the sanctuary became the only multi-species Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries accredited sanctuary in Indiana. More than a half-mile of paved trails pass habitats for wolves, foxes, tigers, bobcats, and bears. There’s also a primate house, reptile house, and avian building. They offer guided tours and special events during the season. Call ahead to confirm open dates and ask about behind-the-scenes tours.
If a bison sighting is on your bucket list, head over to Kankakee Sands Nature Conservancy in Morocco. In October 2016, the Nature Conservancy introduced a herd of 23 bison to its Kankakee Sands prairie restoration project. Today more than 90 bison graze on 1,100 acres of prairie. Just off U.S. Highway 41, which runs through Kankakee Sands, a viewing area has been set up for visitors. Its slight elevation provides a natural “platform” where wildlife viewers should be able to see the bison grazing on the prairie.
In nearby Lake Village, at the Sandy Oak Ranch Wildlife Adventure, you can stay in your vehicle and drive through a tree-covered pathway to view animals in their own landscape. Or, do a walk-through adventure and feed animals.
Another place to see the buffalo roam is Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, located in Fremont in Steuben County. Featuring more than 400 acres of rolling Indiana prairie, natural waterways, and lakes, Wild Winds is home to approximately 250 bison. Tours are available via open-air vehicle. For a unique overnight experience, book a room at their log-hewn bed and breakfast, where morning coffee on the back porch offers potential viewing of these amazing creatures. Or, you can choose to spend the night in a safari tent out in the fields. There’s also a gift shop with buffalo-related items and handcrafted gifts.
Is a safari on your bucket list? No need to travel all the way to Africa! Down in southern Indiana, visitors can experience a safari at Wilstem Wildlife Park in Paoli. See everything from aoudads and zebra and even some animated dinosaurs on the self-guided drive through Wildlife and Dino
Safari. For a closer encounter, Wilstem offers a guided wagon tour.
Curious about life on the farm? Head over to Fair Oaks Farms to witness the intricate workings of a 21st century dairy and pig farm. The main attractions are the three farm adventures that await Fair Oaks visitors: The Crop Adventure, where you’ll learn all about modern crop farming practices; The Dairy Adventure, where you’ll ride through the cow barns and see how robots play a vital role in the milking process; and The Pig Adventure, with its thousands of little pink squealers and mama sows around every corner. Just a note: Fair Oaks Farms is not a petting zoo. It’s a working farm, which means visitors never come in contact with the animals for health and safety reasons, but they still get a great view of everything that goes on at the farm. Fair Oaks also has a dog park and a pet-friendly patio at its restaurant.
If petting a camel has always been your dream, River Jordan Camel Dairy hosts special events throughout the year and tours by appointment. Located in Milford, the dairy’s main business is its artisan soaps and lotions made from raw camel milk, which is known for its antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. While in the area, dog owners will love staying at Oakwood Resort, a historic resort located on the shores of beautiful Lake Wawasee. Oakwood’s pet friendly policies make it a breeze to travel with your favorite four-legged friends.
Pet packages are also available at Hotel Elkhart, where dog owners can book overnight accommodations with a deluxe pet bed and pet bowl for use during your stay. A custom keepsake Elkhart Hotel dog bandana and specialty dog treats are also included in the package.
The Lighthouse Lodge on beautiful Lake Shafer in Monticello also offers pet-friendly stays in its deluxe suites and private cottages. A historic stone lighthouse built in the 1930s adds charm and ambience to the large park-like lawn complete with two fire pits, a sandy beach, children’s play
area and a scenic dry creek bed that runs through the property.
Indiana’s “South Shore” in northwest Indiana offers a multitude of pet friendly options, whether you want to grab a bite to eat, relax on the beach, or just explore with your four-legged friends. At Crown Brewing in Crown Point, they’ll set up a beer for you and a water bowl for your furry friend out on their patio. In Valparaiso, buy a beer and get a treat for your dog at Ironwood Brewing.
They don’t serve food, so dogs are allowed indoors and out. And, many of the
beaches along Lake Michigan’s South Shore are dog-friendly or have special areas
designated for your pup to play.
