Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Are you looking for a wild day trip in Kentucky? While you can certainly enjoy animal encounters in Kentucky at places like Big Bone Lick State Resort Park and the Louisville Zoo, there’s a little-known wildlife center in the Bluegrass that’s a hidden treasure worth discovering. Come along with us to Salato Wildlife Education Center, a wild and wonderful day trip in Kentucky!

Kentucky is a wild and wonderful place full of wild and wonderful things, but if you want to get up-close with some fascinating creatures you might not encounter in the wilds of the Bluegrass State, there's a wild and wonderful day trip that checks all the boxes... and more!
Shawn Burkhart/Google Local
Welcome to Salato Wildlife Education Center, a wholly unique and wondrous wildlife preserve in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Gary In Paradise/Google Local
Open seasonally, Salato Wildlife Center is managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and aims to provide folks with an up-close-and-personal experience with nature.
shawn murphy/Google Local
The wildlife center hosts regular events offering guests the rare opportunity to touch and interact with some of the world's most fascinating animals including snakes, snapping turtles, and even skunks! (Don't worry, the skunks are "unscented.")
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources/Facebook

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That's just the beginning; in addition to the indoor exhibits, there are a multitude of outdoor habitats that house some of the animal kingdom's largest and most commanding members, from bald eagles, elk, and bison...
Daniel Tierney/Google Local
Who knew Kentucky had so many beguiling bison?
...to bobcats...
Kevin Morgan/Google Local
...to black bears!
Elizabeth Noonan-Thacker/Google Local
In addition, Salato Wildlife Center has four miles of hiking trails perfect for adventurers of all skill levels and abilities, making this is a great place to immerse yourself in the flora and fauna of the Bluegrass State!
Kevin Morgan/Google Local
Nowadays, we're all so disconnected with the natural world. Time spent in nature is always time well spent -- as is a day trip to this delightful wildlife center in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Salato Wildlife Education Center/Facebook

If you’re looking for a sneak peek at what to expect when you visit Salato Wildlife Center, check out this fun video c/o Our Family of Four on YouTube:

Have you visited Salato Wildlife Education Center before? This little-known wildlife center in Kentucky offers visitors a fun and immersive experience with the animal kingdom’s coolest creatures. 

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Featured Addresses
Salato Wildlife Center, 1 Sportsman's Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA