20 Amazing U.S. Wildlife Reserves That Will Satisfy Your Safari Wanderlust
For those who dream of embarking on an exotic safari but want to stay closer to home, the U.S. offers a wealth of wildlife reserves that provide a safari-like experience. From vast open plains to wetlands teeming with rare species, these wildlife reserves offer the chance to observe animals in their natural habitats, much like you would on a traditional African safari.
Whether you’re spotting bison, wolves, or rare birds, these 20 U.S. wildlife reserves offer unforgettable adventures for nature enthusiasts. Pack your camera and binoculars—your next wildlife safari might be closer than you think!
1. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming, Montana, Idaho
Yellowstone is one of the best places in the U.S. to experience a safari-like adventure. The park is home to bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves, which roam freely in its vast landscapes.
Visitors can explore the park by car or on guided tours, offering ample opportunities for wildlife sightings.
2. San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge – Washington
The San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for marine life and exotic birds. Visitors can embark on boat tours to spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles in their natural environment.
This scenic reserve offers a coastal safari experience with stunning ocean views.
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3. Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge – North Carolina
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge provides an adventurous safari experience in the wetlands. The reserve is known for its population of red wolves, black bears, and, of course, alligators.
Visitors can explore the area via guided boat tours, hiking, or paddling along the water trails.
4. Denali National Park and Preserve – Alaska
Denali National Park offers an awe-inspiring safari experience in the rugged Alaskan wilderness. The park is home to caribou, moose, Dall sheep, and grizzly bears, with stunning views of Mount Denali in the background.
Visitors can join wildlife tours or take scenic drives to observe animals in their natural habitat.
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5. Everglades National Park – Florida
The Everglades is a unique safari-like destination, known for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by airboat to spot alligators, manatees, and rare bird species.
This subtropical wilderness provides an exotic wildlife experience unlike any other in the U.S.
6. Custer State Park – South Dakota
Custer State Park offers a classic American safari experience with its roaming herds of bison, pronghorns, and elk. The park’s wildlife loop road allows visitors to drive through the grasslands and observe animals up close.
For a true safari feel, opt for a guided jeep tour to get even closer to the wildlife.
7. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge – New Mexico
Bosque del Apache is famous for its seasonal migrations of sandhill cranes and snow geese. Visitors can experience a birdwatching safari with thousands of birds gathering in the wetlands.
The reserve offers a serene and exotic atmosphere, perfect for wildlife photography and nature walks.
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8. Channel Islands National Park – California
Channel Islands National Park offers a unique island safari experience with its diverse wildlife and marine life. The islands are home to species like the island fox, sea lions, and dolphins, along with a variety of seabirds.
Visitors can kayak, hike, or take boat tours to explore the wildlife-rich surroundings.
9. National Bison Range – Montana
The National Bison Range provides a glimpse into the majestic herds of bison that once roamed the Great Plains. Visitors can drive through the refuge to observe bison, elk, pronghorns, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
The wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife make it a perfect destination for a safari-like adventure.
10. Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge – Georgia
Okefenokee offers an exotic safari experience with its vast wetlands and eerie cypress forests. The refuge is home to alligators, black bears, and rare birds like the wood stork.
Visitors can paddle through the swampy waters or take guided boat tours to experience the wildlife up close.
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11. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge – Montana
Red Rock Lakes offers a remote and serene safari experience with its pristine lakes and marshlands. The refuge is known for its population of trumpeter swans, along with elk, moose, and grizzly bears.
Its unspoiled wilderness provides a peaceful setting for wildlife viewing and photography.
12. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Florida
This coastal refuge is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a safari-like experience with its diverse bird species. Visitors can spot roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and ospreys while exploring the mangrove-lined waters by kayak or boat.
The refuge also offers guided tours and interpretive programs for a more immersive experience.
13. Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge – Alaska
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is home to the famous Kodiak brown bear, one of the largest bear species in the world. Visitors can take guided tours to observe these magnificent creatures along with other wildlife like foxes, otters, and bald eagles.
The rugged, remote landscape adds to the sense of adventure and wilderness.
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14. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge – Florida
St. Marks offers a diverse landscape of marshes, coastal areas, and woodlands, providing habitats for various wildlife. The refuge is known for its alligator sightings, along with white-tailed deer, otters, and numerous bird species.
Visitors can explore the area by car, on foot, or by kayak for a safari-like wildlife experience.
15. Yellowstone National Wildlife Refuge – North Dakota
Yellowstone National Wildlife Refuge offers a safari-like adventure with bison, elk, and pronghorns roaming the grasslands. The refuge is also home to waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors, making it a perfect destination for birdwatchers.
Visitors can drive the scenic routes or hike the trails to experience the wildlife up close.
16. Arctic National Wildlife Refuge – Alaska
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most remote and untouched wilderness areas in the U.S. It offers a safari-like experience with herds of caribou, polar bears, and migratory birds.
Visitors who make the journey to this pristine landscape are rewarded with stunning scenery and rare wildlife sightings.
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17. Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge – Oklahoma
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is home to American bison, elk, and Texas longhorns. Visitors can explore the scenic grasslands and granite peaks while observing wildlife on self-guided or ranger-led tours.
The refuge’s diverse terrain and roaming herds provide a safari-like experience in the heart of Oklahoma.
18. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Florida
Merritt Island is known for its vibrant birdlife, manatees, and alligators. Visitors can explore the refuge on foot, by kayak, or along scenic drives, offering plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife.
This coastal refuge is perfect for a peaceful safari-like experience with diverse ecosystems.
19. Kofa National Wildlife Refuge – Arizona
Kofa National Wildlife Refuge is a desert paradise offering a safari-like adventure with its rugged terrain and unique wildlife. The refuge is home to desert bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and a variety of reptiles and birds.
Visitors can hike or drive through the dramatic landscapes to spot wildlife against the stunning backdrop of the Sonoran Desert.
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20. Necedah National Wildlife Refuge – Wisconsin
Necedah is a hidden gem for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering sightings of whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and white-tailed deer. The refuge’s diverse wetlands and forests provide a picturesque setting for a wildlife safari experience.
Visitors can hike, bike, or take scenic drives to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of this serene reserve.
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