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Getaways for
WILDLIFE WONDERFUL WILDLIFE IN MISSOURI
WILDLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES IN KANSAS
Weekend getaways to Springfield, MO, are an easy family overnight or even day trip for the ambitious. We love visiting Wonders of Wildlife, the “largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!” This fantastic natural history museum and aquarium is a phenomenal attraction and requires most of a day to visit and enjoy thoroughly. The attraction was created by Bass Pro founder Johnny Morris. His love for nature is contagious, and his passion comes across in every aspect of this attraction. The museum includes, first, a natural history museum, with breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and wildlife from around the world. From sheep to bears, deer to antelope ... we saw thousands of animals. The centerpiece of this half of the museum is the Great African Hall with beautiful displays showcasing African animals. The aquarium is truly spectacular. This is unlike any aquarium we have ever visited. The displays include not only aquariums, but swamp exhibits, fishing exhibits and history exhibits celebrating the history of fishing, the sport of fishing and even the passion America’s presidents have held for the sport. On your trip, be sure to visit Dogwood Canyon Nature Park that straddles the Missouri-Arkansas border. At this beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts and savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that boasts breathtaking views of the waterfall. Our family enjoyed a bike tour through the park’s paved trails (you may bring bikes for free or rent bikes on site). They also offer Segway tours, horseback riding, fishing and walking tours (attraction availability is subject to change). On the trail, we viewed beautiful waterfalls, crossed bridges, explored a small cave and spied a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds. Consider purchasing the Explorer Pass (WondersOfWildlife.org/ explorer-pass) for savings on five Springfield attractions, including Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon, Fun Mountain, Lost Canyon Cave and the Ancient Ozark Natural History Museum.
Have you ever wanted to swim with penguins? Pet a sloth? Hold a lemur? Believe it or not, there is a magical zoo right in the heart of Kansas (near Wichita) where you can do all that and more! Tanganyika Wildlife Park is unlike any other zoo we’ve visited— this privately owned zoo is small and intimate, but every exhibit is beautiful, immaculate and spacious and offers the most natural habitat possible for the animals. Visitors customize their park experience with the activities they book. You may elect to participate in all their “Wildly Different Experiences” or purchase the opportunities a la carte. The park offers more than 15 experiences hand-crafted by Tanganyika keepers. Each animal encounter deepened our understanding of and appreciation for the animals and how to care for them. This is truly the perfect getaway for all ages and makes a wonderful multigenerational vacation. We visited with grandparents, parents, teens and children, and all eight of us highly recommend this trip! The ultimate animal lovers’ bucket list getaway is the Ultimate Weekend Experience. Families spend three days learning about animals through unique experiences, meeting wonderful zookeepers—all of whom have a contagious passion for animals and for making unforgettable memories.
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SOME OF OUR FAVORITE EXPERIENCES INCLUDED: The Otter Meet & Greet where we met three Asian smallclawed otters. We watched as they ate and played, participated in training and even posed for a picture. During this, our first animal encounter, we learned the park uses only positive reinforcement training for all the animals. At the Giraffe Encounter, we went behind the scenes for a tour of the African/Asian barn. The giraffe exhibit at Tanganyika Wildlife Park is especially beautiful. The zoo uses as many natural barriers as possible to create the best habitat for its animals and the best viewing space for visitors. Each member of our family
