Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania
A safe haven for over 50 rescued wolves and wolf-dogs, offering educational tours and a unique glimpse into their lives.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See wolves active before feeding
Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania
Best Time
See wolves active before feeding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A safe haven for over 50 rescued wolves and wolf-dogs, offering educational tours and a unique glimpse into their lives.
"The wolves are majestic and their howling beautiful."
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours sell out fast! Check the website on the 1st of each month for new releases.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Trails are hilly and gravelly. Leave the chairs at home; benches are available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Gray Wolves
Various enclosures
Witness over 50 rescued gray wolves and wolf-dogs in a safe, naturalistic environment. Their presence is truly awe-inspiring.
Enthusiastic Volunteer Guides
Throughout the sanctuary
Learn about wolf behavior, conservation, and the sanctuary's history from passionate guides who deeply care for the animals.
The Sound of Howling
Throughout the sanctuary
Experience the hauntingly beautiful sound of wolves howling together, a natural and unforgettable auditory spectacle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Prepare for the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours sell out fast! Check the website on the 1st of each month for new releases.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Trails are hilly and gravelly. Leave the chairs at home; benches are available.
🐺 Respect the Wolves
Some wolves are shy. Guides ensure they aren't stressed by visitors.
📚 Learn from Guides
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wolf conservation.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours Early!
Tours sell out fast! Check the website on the 1st of each month for new releases.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
Trails are hilly and gravelly. Leave the chairs at home; benches are available.
🐺 Respect the Wolves
Some wolves are shy. Guides ensure they aren't stressed by visitors.
📚 Learn from Guides
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about wolf conservation.
🚫 No Kids Under 16 (Moon Nights)
Full Moon events have an age restriction for a more focused experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania for its dedicated volunteers and the majestic presence of the wolves. Many highlight the educational value of the tours and the passion of the guides. However, some reviews mention issues with over-selling tickets leading to large crowds and concerns about the hilly, gravel terrain, particularly for evening events.
"We went for our dad's 75th birthday on a full moon night. I would not recommend taking your older loved ones here. Hilly, gravel trails are what you walk on. We loved the enthusiasm and knowledge of the volunteers. We hated that more tickets were sold than expected (which we know helps the wolves) and we didn't get the small group tour to learn.
The wolves are majestic and their howling beautiful.
We did not get to see the entire sanctuary because there was not enough volunteers, that made the trails clogged with too many people.
We took chairs and carried them. That sucked. You DO NOT NEED CHAIRS. There are benches and a fire pit by the gift store at the end of everything.
My suggestion: bypass the moon nights and go when you can score a small group tour of the ENTIRE facility.
We were thankful for all the knowledge the pony-tailed volunteer dropped on our large group of about 100 people.
We appreciated the no kids under 16 rule for the moon night's too.
There's such a rich, wonderful history to this place and we wanted to hear all of it.
5 stars for the wolves. 5 stars for the volunteers. 1 star for over selling tickets.
Bottom line: go for a day time visit with a small group."
Kris K
"We had a private tour with Denny; he was such a knowledgeable tour guide and passionate about the sanctuary. We got to see the beautiful wolves before their feedings, so they were active and eager to be fed. Hearing the wolves howling was amazing! In the 2 hours we really got to know most of the 55 wolves the sanctuary cares for. Denny was amazing and made this experience unforgettable. Highly recommend this experience!"
Ellen Iorio
"What an amazing facility! Did the public tour today with my husband and it was such a great experience. There are about 60 wolves total on the whole property, and they’re SO well taken care of. Our tour guide, Kristin, was very friendly and informative, and shared so much info about the sanctuary, the different wolves on site, and wolves in general. You can tell all of these wolves are very loved and cared for in the best way to allow them to live a peaceful and safe life, as close to “normal” as possible considering that they can’t survive in the wild anymore. They also do their best to ensure that the wolves are respected and that the anti-social or anxious ones aren’t surrounded by visitors often or at all. This place is a hidden gem in the area and we’ll definitely be back again!"
Samantha Petrus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road, Lititz, PA. It's best accessed by car. Many visitors mention it's a scenic drive through the Lititz area.
Yes, there is parking available at the sanctuary. It's usually sufficient for visitors attending scheduled tours.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania due to its rural location. Driving is highly recommended.
The sanctuary has hilly, gravel trails. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. While there are benches, you won't need to bring chairs.
Yes, the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is located near Lancaster, specifically in Lititz, PA. It's a popular attraction for those visiting the Lancaster County area. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked in advance online. Tours are the only way to see the wolves, and they often sell out. Check the sanctuary's website for tour availability and booking.
Yes, the sanctuary offers scheduled public tours and private tours. Private tours offer a more in-depth and personalized experience.
New tours are typically released on the 1st of each month at 10 AM. It's advisable to check the website then for availability, as popular dates sell out quickly.
The sanctuary is open for scheduled tours and events. Specific hours vary depending on the tour type and season. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date schedule.
While general tours are open to all ages, the Full Moon Night events have an age restriction, typically no children under 16.
🎫 🐺 Onsite Experience
You'll see over 50 rescued gray wolves and wolf-dogs in their enclosures. You'll also learn about their individual stories and the sanctuary's conservation efforts from knowledgeable guides.
The wolves are wild animals and are kept in secure enclosures. Visitors are always accompanied by guides and maintain a safe distance. The sanctuary prioritizes the wolves' well-being and safety.
No, visitors are not permitted to feed the wolves. Feeding is handled by the sanctuary staff and volunteers as part of their care routine.
The Full Moon Night event offers a unique atmosphere with the chance to hear wolves howl under the moonlight. It's a popular event, often with a larger group size.
The sanctuary has hilly, gravel trails, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. One visitor compared it to rough hikes. It's best to contact the sanctuary directly to discuss specific needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Many visitors capture stunning photos of the wolves. However, always be mindful of your surroundings and follow guide instructions. +1
Early morning or late afternoon tours might offer better lighting. Seeing wolves before their feeding times can also result in more active and photogenic animals.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Always prioritize the well-being of the wolves over a photo opportunity.
You'll maintain a safe distance from the wolves, but guides can often point out individuals and provide information that helps you capture great shots.
You can find many photos and videos shared by visitors on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram using hashtags like #WolfSanctuaryofPA. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that the trails are hilly and gravelly, so ensure children are wearing appropriate footwear and are comfortable with a moderate walk. Consider booking a private tour if you have younger children or a larger family group, as this can offer a more personalized and manageable experience.
🚶♀️ Seniors and Those with Mobility Concerns
For those who can manage the terrain, the experience is incredibly rewarding. The guides are passionate and informative, and seeing the wolves in their sanctuary is a unique opportunity.
Opting for a private tour might offer more flexibility in terms of pace and rest stops. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
To get the best shots, consider visiting during daytime tours, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the wolves may be more active before or after feeding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of the Wolf Sanctuary
By visiting, you contribute directly to the well-being of these magnificent creatures. The sanctuary emphasizes that these animals are not pets and require specialized care. The guided tours are designed not only to showcase the wolves but also to educate visitors about wolf behavior, social structures, and the challenges they face in the wild.
This educational aspect is a core part of the sanctuary's commitment to conservation and dispelling myths surrounding wolves. The sanctuary's dedication to the wolves' welfare is evident in how they manage visitor interactions. They ensure that the wolves' natural behaviors are respected and that shy or anxious individuals are not overly exposed to crowds. This thoughtful approach allows visitors to witness the wolves in an environment that is as close to natural as possible, fostering a deeper appreciation for these often-misunderstood animals.
Navigating the Sanctuary Trails
Despite the terrain, the trails lead you through the beautiful woodland setting where the wolves reside. Benches are strategically placed along the routes, offering opportunities to rest. Contrary to some assumptions, visitors do not need to bring chairs, as seating is provided, especially near the gift shop at the end of the tour.
The hilly nature of the sanctuary is a natural part of its environment, contributing to the wolves' habitat. While it requires a bit more effort from visitors, it also means you're experiencing the sanctuary in a way that respects its natural landscape. Planning ahead by wearing appropriate shoes will significantly enhance your comfort and enjoyment of the tour.
The Full Moon Night Experience
Due to the nature of these evening events and the desire for a more focused experience, there's typically an age restriction, often meaning no children under 16 are permitted. This policy helps ensure a more tranquil environment for both the wolves and the adult visitors.
While the Full Moon Night offers a special experience, some visitors suggest that daytime tours might be preferable for a more in-depth learning experience. This is because the larger crowds on moon nights can sometimes limit the intimate interaction with guides and the ability to see all areas of the sanctuary.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit