If you ever wanted to get up close to animals–wolves, bobcats, foxes, and lynx in particular—in their natural habitat, the Lakota Wolf Preserve needs to be on your list of things to do. Although it may not be a traditional zoo, it is a treasured destination for animal lovers of all ages. Lakota Wolf Preserve is the largest location in the Northeast where you can experience the beauty and grace of these endangered creatures. From taking a guided tour to spending time in an observation area surrounded by four packs of wolves, this is an incredible experience that will leave you in awe. Read on for more information about visiting the Lakota Wolf Preserve. (featured photo credit: NJ MOM)

Spend the day at Lakota Wolf Preserve

The history of the preserve

Lakota Wolf Preserve first opened in 1998, and since then, it has become an attraction that draws visitors from all over to experience these endangered animals up close. Located in the beautiful Delaware Water Gap, the nonprofit’s purpose is to care for and educate the public about wolves, bobcats, foxes, and lynx. But there’s more to Lakota Wolf Preserve than just wolves. Owners Jim and Becky not only raise and care for all the animals that call the preserve home, but they also provide daily educational tours, so that everyone who visits can learn more about the habits and facts about these fascinating animals. 

Take a guided tour and observe wolves in their habitat

When you first arrive at the preserve, you can choose between a half-mile walk through nature or grab a ride on the available shuttle bus. Either way, take a moment to appreciate the stunning natural surroundings around you, including the wooded and mountainous areas. After you arrive, you’ll be ushered into the observation area, where four packs of wolves live and interact in their natural habitat. At this point, your tour guide will give an informative guided presentation, during which you will learn about the social structure of wolf packs, some of their habits, how they communicate, and many other interesting facts. Make sure to take photos and videos of the gorgeous creatures during your visit, and don’t be surprised by the occasional howls.

Learn more about the other animals

Wolves aren’t the only animals that call Lakota Wolf Preserve home—it’s also a place where rescued foxes, bobcats, and lynx live. When you walk through to the other section of the preserve, you will have the opportunity to not only see these animals up close, but you will also learn more about their backgrounds, species, and habits.

How you can support the preserve

As a nonprofit, the Lakota Wolf Preserve relies on public support to ensure it can care for the wolves and other animals at the preserve. There are several ways you can support the preserve, including making a monetary donation or purchasing items from an Amazon wishlist, such as supplements, a generator, and large trash bags. Another way to show your support is by purchasing one of the wolf-themed items, such as a calendar or mug, on the website. Feel connected to one of the wolves at the preserve? You can purchase a sponsorship for a specific wolf and receive an item, such as a photo of the wolf, along with free admission. 

What to know before you go

There are a few things to note about booking a guided tour at the preserve. Specifically, the tours are booked three months in advance, and they sell out quickly, so be sure to book your time slot when the calendar opens. Each tour is non-private, meaning you will be with other visitors during your time with the animals, and they are approximately 75 minutes in length. Lakota Wolf Preserve is an outdoor preserve with no shelter from inclement weather, so be sure to plan accordingly with appropriate clothing, shoes, and any other necessary items. The cost for a tour is $16 per adult and $7 per child up to 11 years old. While the preserve is open year-round, during the winter months, please call ahead to confirm that it is open. 

Find out more about Lakota Wolf Preserve on their website, Facebook, and Instagram.

Lakota Wolf Preserve
89 Mount Pleasant Road
Columbia, NJ 07832

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