Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Who knew that a close encounter with large predators was possible less than two hours from the cities of Cleveland and Pittsburgh?
Pymatuning Deer Park, an institution in Jamestown, Pennsylvania, since 1953, is home to more than 250 animals and birds from around the world.
The park, on the western edge of Pennsylvania near Youngstown, Ohio, is open daily from mid-May through October. It boasts Siberian tigers, African lions, camels, black bears and primates, as well as exotic animals such as rheas, emus and oryxs. It wouldn’t be a deer park, of course, if it weren’t also home to numerous deer.
The Kiddie Zoo is a highlight of a visit to the park, and you won’t find any dangerous mammals lurking here. This enclosure is filled with both baby and farm animals. Children can revel in close encounters with the animals while feeding them regulation food purchased at the park.
In Western Town, located at the epicenter of the park, visitors roam through Wild West-style shops while enjoying concessions that include popcorn, ice cream and pop. For a complete lunch menu, check out the concession stand located at the entrance to the park.
Afterward, a leisurely ride on the Deer Park Express miniature train is a wonderful way to view the vast array of wildlife while allowing your lunch to settle before embarking on a Wild West pony ride down the wilderness trail.
Pymatuning Deer Park is large and navigating through all of it can take an hour or more, so bring your walking shoes. Strollers are available.