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Out & About: Animal Parks Spring 2010
by Lynette Johnson
The Shenandoah Valley and the surrounding mountains are, of course, home to all sorts of native wildlife—it’s not unusual to have to stop your car on winding road here while a mama bear and her cubs cross in front of you. (A great place to learn more about—and get up close and personal with—animals native to the area is at the West Virginia Wildlife Center, west of the Valley in Upshur County—a nice day trip from Harrisonburg.)
But you may not know that the Valley is also home to a number of great animal parks, ranging in size from just a couple of acres to 180 acres. There are petting zoos to delight preschoolers, rescue zoos, and zoos with educational and species-preservation focus; there are wagon rides and jalopy jaunts and even a drive-through zoo—where animals will lean right in your car window and give you a sloppy kiss!
In Winchester, Wilson’s Animal Park welcomes area residents and visitors alike, to see more than 200 animals of 50 species, including leopards, bears, and an African lion.
An hour or so south and east, the Luray Zoo, an exotic animal rescue facility, boasts the largest collection of reptiles in Virginia. It’s a well-kept small zoo; you’ll find the owners actively involved in educational programs and animal care. Enjoy exotic cats, monkeys, a petting zoo, and some amazing dinosaur replicas. This zoo gets high marks on Trip Advisor.
Rockbridge County is home to two quite different animal parks. The Natural Bridge Zoo is a traditional walk-around zoo, with animals in caged exhibits or fenced pens. There’s a nice petting area, and you’ll have the chance to feed baby animals, as well—a lot of fun! From a huge, rare white tiger to bears, cougars, camels, and talking parrots, this zoo offers a great experience for the entire family. Enjoy a weekend elephant ride, too!
Just four miles away, Virginia Safari Park is the only drive-through animal park in the state, with three miles of winding safari roads to drive in your own car or, on the weekend, explore on a guided safari ride. You’ll encounter friendly bison, antelope, llamas, elk, zebras, camels, ostriches, and other critters anxious to take a snack from your feed bucket. The Safari Village here features monkeys, giant tortoises, ‘creature feature’ animal talks, and a large petting area. Don’t miss Lorikeet Landing, a free-flight aviary; Aussie Adventure, a kangaroo walkabout; Tiger Territory, with orange and white tigers; the Giraffe Feeding Area; and a new Reptile Building!
Continue your journey south to Roanoke. At the top of Roanoke’s Mill Mountain you’ll find the famed star, breathtaking views, a wonderful animal park, and a host of fun activities for the entire family. The awesome Mill Mountain Zoo is a park with a very special mission—education about and support of endangered species. Adults and children love Mill Mountain Zoo, because it’s home to some lesser-known species, and there’s action everywhere you look along the paths. It’s interactive, educational, and international in its scope and impact. You’ll be impressed by how much there is to do and learn in such a small zoo—only five acres!—as well as the part this zoo plays in the International Species Survival Plan. A definite highlight of your visit will be a ride on the Zoo Choo. Ask for a ladybug pass, and hop aboard the zoo’s Norfolk & Western Mini Railroad—the views from the train ride are spectacular!
In Max Meadows, near Wytheville, is ‘the biggest little zoo in Southwest Virginia’—the Fort Chiswell Animal Park. Take a safari ride (aboard an exotically painted bus!) through this 45-acre zoo, and go nose to nose with zebras, camels, bison, ostriches, and more. There’s a petting area here, as well. Reptiles are the particular focus for Fort Chiswell’s educational programming this year, so think scaly and slithery!
Finally, in very far southside Virginia, in tiny Ridgeway (better known as the home of the Martinsville Speedway!), enjoy an animal park with a farm focus, Infinity Acres Alpaca Farm and Petting Ranch, and a small zoo, the Purple Cow Zoo, known as much for its hand-dipped ice cream as for its animals!
Spring opening dates for these Valley animal parks vary, so call or visit their websites before you begin your trek!
Article text ©2010.
May be printed for personal use only.
Caverns of the Valley: Inner-Earth Adventure
Spring 2010
Why not take a theme vacation in the Shenandoah Valley? Co caving! There are eight caverns located in the Valley region, filled with exotic scenery, crystal clear waters, and balmy temperatures. They’ve been growing formations for millions of years, and they are ready for your visit!
Start your caving in the south at Dixie Caverns in Salem (I-81, Exit 132). The cave was discovered in 1922, when a dog disappeared into the mountain… two young boys found the dog—and a cave, too. This cavern is unusual because the tour goes into and up the interior of the mountain rather than down. Once you’re inside, the path opens into the huge Cathedral Room, then you head to the Turkey Wing. At the Magic Mirror (a pond) is the magnificent Wedding Bell, a bell-shaped speleothem (formation), where many weddings take place.
Your cavern tour is just the start of your visit—Dixie Caverns also includes a pottery shop, rock and mineral shop, gift shop, and an antique mall. If it sounds like you might not have time to do all this in one day, you can camp here, too!
Shenandoah Caverns is up the road at I-81, Exit 269. This is the only Valley cavern with elevator service and no stairs to climb, and most of the tour is wheelchair-accessible. The rooms are spacious, so it is easy to see all the beautiful formations, like Bacon Hall—named for the breakfast food. The color is perfect, and the whole thing looks like a side dish for a giant. Since 1922 visitors have enjoyed looking at the Grotto of the Gods, the Capitol Dome, the Diamond Cascade, and Rainbow Lake.
Shenandoah Caverns is part of a family of attractions, all of which are worth a visit. American Celebration on Parade is home to huge parade floats—used in ‘big name’ parades, like Macy’s, the Rose Bowl, and even Presidential Inaugurals. The Big Yellow Barn highlights Valley agricultural life with exhibits, displays, & shops, and Main Street of Yesteryear showcases store window displays from years gone by.
You’ll also want to visit Crystal Caverns in Strasburg, Endless Caverns near New Market, Grand Caverns in Grottoes, the world-famous Luray Caverns over the mountain in Luray, and Natural Bridge CavernsNatural Bridge Caverns in Natural Bridge. Spend some quality time inside (the earth, that is!) this spring!
Article text ©2010.
May be printed for personal use only.
Shenandoah Valley Attractions
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