Another annual visit for us is Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari in Ashland. Sitting on what used to be farmland, the original intent was to operate a research and conservation facility not open to the public.
Only after planing the park did its namesake and the director of the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Lee G. Simmons, realize it would make for an enjoyable drive-through facility that offered views of scenic prairies and wetlands while showcasing North American animals including bison, elk, black bears, eagles, cranes, wolves and many more. In total, the park has more than 350 animals.
The 440-acre, 4-mile long drive-through park has steadily grown since it first opened to the public in 1998 and now attracts more 400,000 visitors each year. Those visitors get a glimpse of what Nebraska looked like hundreds of years ago when pioneers were riding covered wagons across the Great Plains.
While it is primarily a drive-through, there are opportunities to get out and take a hike, listen to educational talks and demonstrations or possibly the opportunity to interact with an animal.
Recognized as one of the best safari parks in the country, its mission is to promote live viewing, educational activities and conservation programs surrounding native animals and to enhance the public appreciation for and actions on behalf of wildlife and wild places.
The park is typically open from 9 am to 5 pm starting at the end of March through the end of October. It also features a visitor center and tram rides if you’d rather not drive.
If you’re in the area, you may also want to stop and visit other nearby attractions such as Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum – both of which we’re sure to explore in the future.
Content written by Omaha Exploration – follow my page for more! Please also feel free to leave a comment. If there’s something you want to learn more about, let me know. In the meantime, keep exploring!
Omaha Exploration is sponsored by @Rockbrook Mortgage Inc.
Click here to learn about opportunities to sponsor Omaha Exploration!
More pictures
Follow OE on Facebook for more
Get an email when new content is posted
Omaha Exploration, 2024. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links can be used, if full and clear credit is given to Omaha Exploration with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Omaha Exploration proudly supports
Contact me to learn more about M4K!
Omaha Exploration 
Leave a comment