From an aquarium restaurant to a heart-pounding shark encounter, as well as zoos like the Dallas Zoo and Fort Worth Zoo, Texas boasts all sorts of unique animal encounters – but only one as incredible as this. Whitehorse Steakhouse at Oak Meadow Ranch lets you get up close and personal with exotic animals like lemurs and sloths after enjoying a five-course, gourmet meal.

Perhaps the most unique animal encounter you'll ever have in Texas is waiting for you at Oak Meadow Ranch.
Google/Alvin Achterhof
The ranch is a real working ranch nestled in the tiny Dallas suburb of Valley View. It is home to the Whitehorse Steakhouse, a fine dining establishment that lets you play with exotic animals after enjoying an unforgettable four or five-course meal.
Immediately upon entering the restaurant, you'll know you're in for a memorable experience.
Google/Angel
The atmosphere is reminiscent of an enchanted forest, with tree trunks wrapped in lights and elegant greenery hanging from the ceiling. Seating is available both indoors and out, so feel free to grab a patio table and watch the animals if the weather is nice!
The menu is constantly changing, so you don't know exactly what will be on your plate until it arrives - but the mystery is part of the appeal.
Facebook/Oak Meadow Ranch
You can always expect fresh, seasonal ingredients and gourmet flavor pairings that will make your taste buds sing with delight. The courses usually consist of an appetizer, soup and/or salad, a steak entrée, and dessert.

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After dinner, it's time to get up close and personal with the four-legged residents of Oak Meadow Ranch.
Facebook/Oak Meadow Ranch
Your complimentary tour of the grounds includes a meet and greet with animals such as kangaroos, lemurs, alpacas, and several other furry friends.
You'll get to feed them, hold them, and pose for photos in front of an animal-themed background.
Oak Meadow Ranch Facebook Page
If you've never had a sloth wrap its arms and legs around you before, get ready for a cuteness overload.
Keep the fun going a little while longer by extending your visit.
Google/Anthony Davis
The ranch also offers overnight accommodations, including cabins, RVs, and Conestoga covered wagons.
The address for the Oak Meadow Ranch is 440 Red Top Rd, Valley View, TX 76272.
Google Maps
Valley View is about a 45 minute drive north of the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

For more information including current pricing for the animal experience, visit the Oak Meadow Ranch website or Facebook page

Have you ever done this animal encounter? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to check out our previous article for another unique animal experience you can only have in Texas.

Do you still want to enjoy other adventures in Texas? Then check out this video:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Texas

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | February 14, 2023

Where can we enjoy other animal encounters in Texas?

  • The Janda Exotics Animal Ranch located in Kingsbury is a family-owned and operated private zoo and breeding facility with exotic animals like ostriches, kangaroos, and coatimundi.
  • The Exotic Resort Zoo in Johnson City has over 600 animals from all over the world, including camels, kangaroos, and zebras.
  • The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in New Braunfels is a drive-through ranch with giraffes, zebras, and a host of endangered species from around the world.

Read on to learn more about the many animal encounter opportunities in Texas.

 

Where can we find hidden gems in Texas?

  • Campbell's Hole in Austin is a fun swimming hole that feels more like a creek or river not far from the Mopac/360 access point.
  • Tonkawa Falls in Crawford is a beautiful natural area with a refreshing swimming hole and waterfall set against a backdrop of huge rock formations.
  • Bracken Cave in San Antonio is a cave that is home to the world's largest bat colony that take to the skies in the evening hours.

Read on to learn more about hidden gems in Texas.

 

Where can we go fishing in Texas?

  • The Choke Canyon Reservoir located on the Frio River features Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and White Bass.
  • Port Mansfield in Laguna Madre is the place to go for the best Speckled Trout.
  • Lake Texoma is an 89,000-acre reservoir brimming with Channel Catfish and Bass.

Read on to learn more about some of the best fishing spots in Texas.

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Featured Addresses
Oak Meadow Ranch, 440 Red Top Rd, Valley View, TX 76272, USA