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.
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.
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Overnight Stays
Lodging options
Sleep in a cabin or suite with big cats as your neighbors.
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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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking an overnight stay for an extra special family adventure. Waking up to the sounds of big cats can be a thrilling experience for kids!
Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there's a good amount of walking involved. ❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Imagine cozying up in a cabin or suite with the distant roars of big cats as your soundtrack. +1 Many accommodations offer stunning views and a sense of seclusion, perfect for a romantic escape. Spend your days exploring the refuge, learning about the animals' inspiring rescue stories together.
Enjoy a quiet morning coffee on your deck, listening to the wildlife, before heading out to explore the charming town of Eureka Springs. 🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It offers a compelling break from driving, providing an enriching experience that's both educational and entertaining. Combine your visit with other attractions in Eureka Springs, such as Thorncrown Chapel or the historic downtown area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission: More Than Just a Sanctuary
+1 Their work goes beyond simple housing; they focus on rehabilitation, both physical and mental, for animals that have often endured severe mistreatment. This commitment is evident in the spacious habitats and the passionate care provided by their staff. Visitors can learn about the harsh realities these animals face through educational talks and the tram tours.
By supporting Turpentine Creek, visitors directly contribute to the well-being of these rescued animals and help fund their ongoing rescue and care operations.
It's a place where education meets compassion, offering a profound experience for anyone interested in wildlife conservation. Overnight Stays: A Unique Wildlife Experience
+1 Options range from rustic cabins and suites to more adventurous choices like treehouses, all situated to provide an immersive wildlife encounter. +1 Imagine waking up to the roars of lions and tigers just outside your window – it's an experience that many visitors describe as 'incredible' and 'like none other.' These overnight packages often include access to the refuge's educational areas and a guided tram tour, allowing guests to learn about the animals' stories and the refuge's mission.
The proximity to the animal enclosures means you can enjoy the sounds of the big cats caroling at night and greeting them in the quiet of the early morning. +1 It's a chance to connect with nature and these magnificent creatures on a deeper level, all while supporting a vital cause. Popular accommodations like the Siberian Suite or the treehouse offer fantastic views and a memorable stay.
While some reviews mention small bathrooms in certain units, the overall consensus is that the unique experience and the opportunity to support the refuge make it well worth it. The Stories Behind the Roars
Through guided tram tours and interactions with the passionate staff, visitors learn about individual animals like Luna, a white tiger rescued from a dire situation, or Huggy Bear, a Russian Brown Bear. These narratives are not just sad tales; they are powerful testaments to the resilience of these animals and the dedication of the refuge staff.
It transforms a visit from simple animal viewing into an educational and emotionally resonant experience. The staff, often referred to as 'educators,' are central to sharing these stories.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit