Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
A sanctuary for rescued big cats and exotic animals, offering unique overnight stays and educational tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued big cats and exotic animals, offering unique overnight stays and educational tours.
"This is an experience like none other! Incredible organization supporting rescued animals."
🎯 Book Overnight Stays Early
Popular cabins & suites fill up fast! Plan ahead for a unique experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the refuge.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 3,415 reviews
Type
Wildlife Refuge
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Big Cats
Various enclosures
See lions, tigers, cougars, and more, each with a unique rescue story.
+1
Overnight Stays
Lodging options
Sleep in a cabin or suite with big cats as your neighbors.
+1
Educational Tram Tours
Guided tour route
Learn the individual rescue stories of the animals from knowledgeable staff.
Bear Encounters
Bear enclosures
Meet resident bears like Huggy Bear and learn about their rehabilitation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Stay for an Immersive Experience
+2Understand the Mission: Rescue, Not a Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Overnight Stays Early
Popular cabins & suites fill up fast! Plan ahead for a unique experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the refuge.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Educators share incredible rescue stories; they're a wealth of knowledge!
📸 Respect Animal Space
Animals have large habitats. Patience is key for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Overnight Stays Early
Popular cabins & suites fill up fast! Plan ahead for a unique experience.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the refuge.
🗣️ Engage with Staff
Educators share incredible rescue stories; they're a wealth of knowledge!
📸 Respect Animal Space
Animals have large habitats. Patience is key for great photos.
🚗 Check for Car Shows
Annual Mopar and Best Friends car shows are a fun bonus! +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge for its dedication to animal welfare and the educational value of its tours. The staff's passion and the unique overnight experiences are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some accommodations have minor drawbacks, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many planning return visits.
"This place is wonderful I’ve been coming here for years. They have a variety of animals (although obviously mostly big cats) and they will tell you their stories on the free tram ride you get with general admission. It’s a great place for all ages, and not a ton of walking like a zoo would have. The gift shop is also very cute. This place does great things."
Bethany Arnold
"Incredible! This is such an amazing organization that allows you to support them by staying there! We had a wonderful stay in the tree house. The views were stellar and we would have coffee(provided) and muffins(also provided) on the deck overlooking a forest and to the sounds of the big cats calling to each other. This is an experience like none other!"
mARY Ponder
"Stayed on site at the tree house on the 1st night. Fantastic view, listened to the cats roar through the night (it was great!). The tree house was 50' from a tiger enclosure. Draw backs was the tiny bathroom. The second night, we stayed at the Bengal Suite, and the room was great. The park and the animals were well maintained. Many animals to see outside the enclosures, we saw a turtle, Summer Tanager, a rabbit, chipmunks, squirrels, etc. What made the park for us were the animals and the staff. The staff was over the top knowledgeable about the animals. They were personable and kind. It's very impressive, and we are already working on a revisit. I highly recommend this park and can't say enough good things about it!!"
greg allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It's accessible by car, and many visitors make it part of a road trip through the Ozarks.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors.
Absolutely! It's a popular day trip destination, offering tours and educational experiences.
Public transportation options are limited in Eureka Springs. Driving is the most common way to reach the refuge.
Routes vary depending on your starting point, but scenic drives through the Ozark Mountains are common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary, but generally include access to the educational area and a tram tour. Check their official website for current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular times or if you plan to stay overnight.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Discounts may be available for certain groups like children, seniors, or military personnel. Inquire directly or check their website.
General admission typically includes access to the refuge, educational talks, and a guided tram tour to learn about the animals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The refuge primarily houses rescued big cats like lions, tigers, cougars, and also bears and other exotic animals.
Not always. The animals have large, natural habitats, so they may be resting or exploring. Patience is key!
The tram tour is a highlight, where knowledgeable staff share the individual rescue stories and provide insights into animal welfare.
Yes, it's a great destination for families. Children can learn about conservation and animal rescue in an engaging way.
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of the animals and avoid flash photography, which can disturb them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The refuge typically has a gift shop that may offer snacks and drinks. It's advisable to bring your own food or plan to dine in Eureka Springs.
Yes, visitors are usually welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in designated areas.
Eureka Springs offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes like Mud Street Cafe to BBQ at Bubba's BBQ and Thai House.
There isn't a full-service restaurant on-site, but the gift shop often has grab-and-go items.
While not explicitly mentioned, many visitors bring their own food, suggesting picnic-friendly spots might be available or that enjoying food outside the main visitor area is common.
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals.
Avoid using flash photography, as it can startle and distress the animals.
A telephoto lens is useful for capturing clear shots of animals from a distance.
While you can get relatively close in some areas, remember these are wild animals and their enclosures are designed for their safety and well-being.
The overnight stays offer unique dawn and dusk photo opportunities with the sounds of the big cats.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit