I never thought I’d find myself scrubbing an elephant in southern Indiana, but here we are. Wilstem Wildlife Park in Paoli, Indiana is the kind of place that makes you do a double-take when you first hear about it.
Over 1,100 acres of rolling hills and forest, exotic animals roaming open land, zip lines cutting through the treetops, and encounters you’d normally have to fly halfway around the world to experience. For those of us who grew up in Indiana thinking the most exciting outdoor adventure nearby was a state park hike, Wilstem genuinely changes the game.
It sits just off US-150 in Orange County, close enough for a day trip from Louisville, Indianapolis, or Bloomington, but big enough to fill an entire weekend. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a unique anniversary trip, or just need something wildly different to do, this place delivers in ways most Indiana attractions simply don’t.
Elephant Encounters You Won’t Find Anywhere Else in Indiana
There are not many places in the entire Midwest where you can stand next to a living, breathing elephant and actually interact with her. At Wilstem, the elephant encounters are the crown jewel of the whole experience.
Guests can book private sessions that include feeding, touching, and even bathing the resident elephants, Cindy and Vicki, under the guidance of a trainer named Joey who clearly loves his job.
Visitors who have done the elephant spa encounter consistently describe it as one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. One guest shared that she had been obsessed with elephants her whole life and described the moment she finally met them as magical.
That kind of reaction is not unusual here. The staff is deeply knowledgeable about each animal’s personality, preferences, and history.
The private encounter format means you get real one-on-one time rather than a rushed group photo. You learn about elephant behavior, conservation, and what it actually takes to care for animals of this size.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended because these slots fill up fast, especially on weekends and during summer months. If you have even a passing love for elephants, this experience will stay with you for years.
It is genuinely unlike anything else available in Indiana.
Safari Wagon Tours That Put You Right in the Middle of the Action
Forget sitting in a car and watching animals from a distance. The guided wagon tours at Wilstem are a completely different level of experience.
You ride through the open safari grounds on a wagon that stops regularly so animals can come right up to you. Camels lean in and steal cups of food without warning, giraffes stretch their long necks toward outstretched hands, and the whole thing feels wonderfully unpredictable.
Multiple reviews mention that the wagon tour is far superior to driving through in your own vehicle. When you’re on the wagon, the guide adds context and stories that make each animal feel like a character rather than just something you’re passing by.
Kids absolutely love it, but adults consistently say they had just as much fun. One reviewer laughed about camels sneaking food right out of the cup without anyone noticing until it was already gone.
The wagon also stops at areas where interaction is possible, giving everyone a chance to get photos and feed animals at a relaxed pace. The staff running the tours are clearly passionate and well-trained, which makes the whole ride feel educational without feeling like a classroom.
Plan to arrive early and book your wagon slot ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. It is consistently one of the highest-rated parts of the Wilstem visit.
Zip Lining Through 1,100 Acres of Rolling Southern Indiana Forest
Southern Indiana has some genuinely beautiful landscape, and Wilstem sits right in the heart of it. The zip line experience here takes full advantage of those rolling hills and dense forest canopy, sending riders flying above the treetops with views that stretch across the property.
It is the kind of adrenaline rush that feels totally out of place in Indiana until you actually do it, and then it makes perfect sense.
One family shared that their nine-year-old had an absolute blast on the zip line and that it was the perfect way to cap off a full day at the park. The combination of wildlife encounters in the morning and outdoor adventure in the afternoon gives Wilstem a full-day rhythm that most attractions simply cannot match.
You are not just watching things here. You are doing things.
The terrain at Wilstem is genuinely impressive for the region. Orange County sits in the hilly southern part of the state, and the property takes advantage of every ridge and valley.
Whether you are a first-time zip liner or someone who has done it before, the scenery alone makes this version worth it. It pairs especially well with an ATV tour or horseback ride if you want to make a full outdoor adventure day out of your visit.
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must.
The Dinosaur Safari That Kids (and Adults) Absolutely Love
Nobody expects to encounter a T-Rex in Orange County, Indiana, but Wilstem has a way of surprising people. The Dinosaur Safari is a drive-through or wagon-accessible trail lined with large, realistic animatronic dinosaurs that move, make sounds, and genuinely startle unsuspecting passengers.
For kids who are deep in their dinosaur phase, this is basically a dream come true.
One grandmother wrote that her grandson was absolutely thrilled by the dino section and that she wished they had been given more instruction about where to find it, since they almost missed the barn of animals at the end. That tip alone is worth keeping in mind: explore everything and do not rush past any section of the property.
The dinosaur trail is seasonal, but when it is open, every animatronic is reportedly well-maintained and working properly.
What makes this feature especially fun is that it blends seamlessly into the broader safari experience. You go from feeding real camels to spotting a Triceratops through the tree line, and somehow it all works.
Adults who visited as part of couples or friend groups mentioned it gave them a fun excuse to tap into their inner kid for a while. The Dinosaur Safari is included with certain ticket packages, so check the Wilstem website at wilstem.com before your visit to confirm availability and current pricing.
Unique Animal Encounters Beyond the Obvious Stars
Everyone hears about the elephants first, but Wilstem is packed with encounters that are just as memorable once you start looking. The otter encounter has a devoted fan base among visitors who love the idea of spending up close time with these energetic, curious animals.
A couple who visited for Valentine’s Day described their otter guide as incredibly informative and said they also got to witness the very first encounter with an alligator snapping turtle, which was a genuinely rare experience.
Luna the sloth has her own following too. Multiple visitors have mentioned the sloth encounter as a highlight that they did not expect to love as much as they did.
Sloths have a way of being unexpectedly charming in person, and the staff clearly knows how to make these moments feel special rather than rushed. The indoor animal area, which comes with certain ticket packages, includes squirrel monkeys and other species that add real variety to the visit.
For anyone visiting with a curious mind or a love of wildlife that goes beyond the usual zoo experience, the range of available encounters at Wilstem is genuinely impressive. From otters to sloths to primates, the variety keeps the experience fresh no matter how many times you visit.
Booking specific encounters ahead of time is always the smart move, as popular sessions sell out quickly on busy weekends and holidays.
ATV Tours and Horseback Rides Across Stunning Indiana Terrain
Not every adventure at Wilstem involves an animal encounter. The property offers ATV tours and horseback rides that let you explore the sheer scale of the 1,100-acre landscape in a hands-on way.
Southern Indiana’s terrain is genuinely underrated, and Wilstem’s land showcases the best of it. Forested ridges, open meadows, and winding trails give these tours a sense of real wilderness that is hard to find this close to everyday life.
Horseback riding has a timeless appeal that works for first-timers and experienced riders alike. The guided format means you don’t need to come in with any particular skill level.
ATV tours add a bit more speed and excitement for guests who want something with a little more edge to it. Both options give you a perspective on the property that you simply cannot get from the wagon tour or the safari drive.
Pairing one of these outdoor adventures with an animal encounter makes for an incredibly full and satisfying day. Many families and couples split their visit into a morning wildlife session and an afternoon of outdoor activity.
The property is large enough that you genuinely feel like you are exploring rather than just moving between attractions. Wilstem is located at 4229 US-150 in Paoli, Indiana, and the staff at the main entrance can help you map out the best combination of experiences for your group size and interests.
On-Site Lodging That Turns a Day Trip Into a Full Weekend Getaway
One of the most underrated things about Wilstem is that you don’t have to leave at the end of the day. The property offers on-site lodging options that let you stay right in the middle of everything.
Waking up on 1,100 acres of Indiana countryside, knowing that elephants and giraffes are just a short walk away, is a genuinely different way to experience this part of the state.
Staying overnight also means you can spread your activities across two days without feeling rushed. Day one might be the safari wagon and the elephant encounter.
Day two could be the zip line, horseback ride, and a slower walk through the indoor animal area. That kind of pacing makes the whole visit feel more relaxed and immersive, which is exactly what a getaway should feel like.
Paoli and the surrounding Orange County area have plenty to explore beyond Wilstem itself. The French Lick Resort at 8670 W State Road 56 in French Lick is just a short drive away and offers spa services and historic hotel architecture worth seeing.
The West Baden Springs Hotel at 1 West Baden Avenue in West Baden Springs is another stunning nearby landmark. Patoka Lake, located in nearby Dubois County, is perfect for a morning of hiking or fishing before heading back to Wilstem for an afternoon encounter.
The whole region rewards slow, curious travel.
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