Shalom Wildlife Zoo’s drive-through experience is back! Saturdays and Sundays, February 1 through April 14, 2023.
Pulling into a drive-thru for a quick bite to eat is pretty ordinary, but what if the drive-thru brought you past chatty lemurs, pouncing tigers, and sneaky little raccoons instead? Yes, it’s true, so buckle up, grab a snack, and get ready for a wild ride!
The Shalom Wildlife Zoo, located in West Bend, allowed families to get out of the house during the pandemic through their innovative drive-thru concept. It was so well received that they’ve kept the new visiting option in place!
Put Shalom on your list of Holiday things to do! The zoo gets festive with lights, displays, music, and Santa!
What to Expect at the Drive-Thru Zoo
Visitors remain in their vehicles while venturing along four miles of gravel roads and beautiful, natural terrain spanning 100 acres.
During a typical tour, which lasts approximately two hours, individuals can stop and catch a glimpse of over 75 different species and 750 animals in various habitats.
Each turn reveals even more fascinating animals to observe. The wildlife park is home to albino whitetail deer, bobcat, mouflon sheep, red fox, camel, Bison, tarpan horses, emus, coyote, mink, and more. They even proudly care for our short-legged state mascot, the badger!
Beyond the already-impressive exhibits, one popular stop will drop some jaws: the ginormous brown bears! To see these creatures up close is not only magical, but everyone will be in awe of their sheer size and clumsy playfulness.
You won’t just see animals roaming and playing, you’ll also find educational opportunities along the way. Around the various pathways, informative signage features interesting facts, statistics, and thought-provoking questions—making it the perfect combination for learning and fun for animal enthusiasts and little minds alike. Driving through the zoo is truly an exceptional experience!
Dubbed “America’s Largest Petting Zoo,” the sanctuary is open on weekends only throughout the winter. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the entrance of the park, and gift certificates are available for purchase on their website. Are you ready to drive thru the wild side?
Visit Again in the Warmer Months!
Shalom welcomes families to come and enjoy a scenic walk through the park or rent a golf cart to cruise along at their own pace. Children can also feed many animals for a truly personal encounter with nature.
The park also features a playground, spacious picnic area, learning center, gift shop, and the Grizzly Grill for delicious meals and treats.
Rain or shine, the sanctuary is an entertaining and affordable day trip for Wisconsin families.
Dubbed “America’s largest petting zoo,” the sanctuary is open on weekends only throughout the winter. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the entrance of the park, and gift certificates are available for purchase on their website. Are you ready to drive thru the wild side?
Hours
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
- Last entry into the zoo is at 3 pm
- Closed on Easter Sunday
Admission
Current Admission Rates
Children 2 and younger are FREE!
Shalom Wildlife Zoo
1901 Shalom Drive
West Bend, WI 53090
Did you check out the zoo drive-thru? Let us know your favorite animal below!
Other Wisconsin Zoos and Wildlife Centers to Visit in the Winter
- Milwaukee County Zoo
- Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison
- FREE admission for all!
- NEW Zoo, Green Bay
