A wild drive: Nebraska’s very own safari
As winter closes in, the outdoor activity options start to dwindle. While it may be getting too chilly to comfortably explore a new park or stroll through a farmers market, Nebraska still has plenty to offer during this new season. As we wait for the inevitable snow to fall and mark the official start of winter experiences, there are still new places that can be explored. One that might be perfect for this awkward, in-between-seasons phase that we are currently in can be enjoyed from the warmth and comfort of your own car.
Hidden about 35 minutes northeast of Lincoln is the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park. This conservation park offers a unique way to explore American wildlife. The warmest option is their four-mile drive-through wildlife safari. This allows you and your friends to stay in your car, yet still experience the nine different exhibits that the park offers. The animals are very used to visitors, and it is common to have close encounters with them as you cruise. The wildlife that calls this vast property home includes bison, wolves, elk, deer, prairie dogs and numerous species of birds.
If you are less fazed by the cold than I am, then driving through the wildlife park might not be enough adventure for you. If that is the case, there is also the option to hike throughout the conservation. There are multiple trails that vary in level of difficulty and add up to a total of two miles if you decide to traverse them all. Whether you hike through the Wolf Woods or around Frog Lake, the natural beauty of the preserve might just make the chilly weather worth it.
The Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park also offers a few backstage experiences for anyone wanting an inside look at how the conservation is operated or a closer encounter with the animals. Guided bus tours, hosted by one of the caretakers, are an educational way to see the park. The Cheetah Conservation tour is another behind-the-scenes encounter that allows you to meet some of the animals and take a tour of the cheetah breeding center that they run with the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. While both of these premium options are very neat experiences, they do cost extra.
The wildlife park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for the drive-through option and hiking trails is only $8 per person, making it a great activity for broke college students. If you choose to visit the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, make sure to respect the property and the animals that call it home.
By Kelina Rodgers