
Garlyn Zoo
An enchanting wildlife sanctuary in Michigan's UP, offering intimate animal encounters and hands-on experiences in a beautiful forest setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate

Garlyn Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An enchanting wildlife sanctuary in Michigan's UP, offering intimate animal encounters and hands-on experiences in a beautiful forest setting.
"Absolutely a must stop on US2 across from beautiful Lake Michigan. This place gets better every year!"

🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal in the pavilion or grab tasty BBQ from the food truck .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the natural forest setting with ease. You'll be doing a lot of walking!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Parakeet Encounter
Parakeet Room
Feed parakeets from your hand with a seeded stick; they'll land all over you!

Majestic Big Cats
Various Enclosures
Marvel at lions, tigers, and snow leopards in their naturalistic forest habitats.

Free-Roaming Wildlife
Throughout the Zoo
Watch peacocks and chickens wander freely, adding a unique charm to your visit.

Timberwolf's Home
Wolf Enclosure
See Kodiak the Timberwolf, a beloved resident that visitors fondly remember .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds, Maximize Your Visit
Pack Smart for a Wild Day
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal in the pavilion or grab tasty BBQ from the food truck.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the natural forest setting with ease. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for stunning photos of big cats and unique birds.
✋ Hand-Feed Parakeets
A highlight for all ages! Get up close with these friendly birds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Enjoy your meal in the pavilion or grab tasty BBQ from the food truck.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the natural forest setting with ease. You'll be doing a lot of walking!
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera for stunning photos of big cats and unique birds.
✋ Hand-Feed Parakeets
A highlight for all ages! Get up close with these friendly birds.
🚗 Easy Access on US-2
Conveniently located right off the highway, making it a perfect stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Garlyn Zoo for its intimate atmosphere, friendly staff, and engaging, hands-on animal encounters, especially the parakeet feeding. The natural forest setting and the convenience of food options, including a great BBQ truck, add to its appeal. While generally loved, some may find the animal selection smaller compared to larger zoos.
"Absolutely a must stop on US2 across from beautiful Lake Michigan. This place gets better every year with lots of hands on activities for the kids! We love it and go 1-2 times a year. Bring your lunch and dine in the pavilion or eat from the yummy food truck!"
Joni Mccracken
"This 55 year old had a blast at the Garlyn Zoo. The parakeet room where you feed a seeded peanut butter stick to the birds. They will land all over you just to get to your stick. Fun for all ages, lots of great animals to see. The many different peacocks roam wherever they want. Great gift shop and friendly staff. A+"
Sherri Stone
"The staff was friendly. The family had a blast at the zoo. You can feed animals such as bears, goats, and parakeets. They also have free roaming chickens, peacocks etc that were fun!"
Ashley Rohr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Garlyn Zoo is conveniently located in Naubinway, Michigan, right off US-2. It's a straightforward drive, making it an accessible stop for those traveling through the Upper Peninsula.
Absolutely! Many visitors consider it a must-stop on US-2. It's a charming wildlife sanctuary tucked into the woods, perfect for a break during a longer journey.
There is parking available at the zoo. Some visitors mention food trucks being in the parking lot, indicating ample space for vehicles.
Yes, Garlyn Zoo is an excellent destination for a day trip, especially if you're staying in nearby areas of the Upper Peninsula. It offers a fulfilling experience without requiring an overnight stay.
While not directly adjacent, Garlyn Zoo is a feasible day trip or stopover if you're in the Marquette area and exploring the surrounding UP. Plan for driving time, but the experience is well worth it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Garlyn Zoo is reasonably priced, with one review mentioning it's only $17. This offers great value for the experience.
Generally, advance booking isn't necessary for Garlyn Zoo. It's known for having no lines, making spontaneous visits easy.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Information on specific discounts isn't widely available, but the general admission price is considered affordable by visitors. Look for potential family packages or seasonal promotions.
Typically, zoos allow re-entry on the same day, but it's advisable to confirm this with staff upon arrival or check their policies beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Garlyn Zoo houses a diverse range of animals, including lions, tigers, wolves, snow leopards, cougars, and various bird species like New Guinea Singing Dogs and peacocks. You can also get up close with animals like bears and goats.
Yes! Visitors rave about the hands-on activities, especially feeding the parakeets and the opportunity to feed animals like bears and goats. It's a key reason families love it.
Garlyn Zoo is highly recommended for families with children. The hands-on feeding opportunities and the chance to see animals up close make it an engaging experience for all ages.
The zoo is set in a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by pine and cedar forests. This creates an enchanting and immersive wildlife sanctuary experience.
Yes, Garlyn Zoo is known for allowing visitors to get up close and personal with many of the animals, including opportunities for feeding.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Garlyn Zoo offers food options. You can enjoy delicious BBQ from the Erben Street Grille food truck or bring your own lunch to eat in the pavilion.
The Erben Street Grille is known for its excellent pulled pork sandwiches and other BBQ favorites, making it a popular choice for visitors.
Absolutely! Visitors are encouraged to bring their own lunch and dine in the provided pavilion, which is a great way to save money and enjoy the surroundings.
Specific vegetarian or vegan options are not detailed, but the focus is on BBQ. Bringing your own food might be a better option if you have strict dietary needs.
Yes, Garlyn Zoo has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and mementos from your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The enclosures for the big cats like tigers and snow leopards offer dramatic photo opportunities. The parakeet room is also a fun spot for candid shots, and the free-roaming peacocks provide colorful subjects.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged at Garlyn Zoo. Capture the beauty of the animals and the natural setting.
While not explicitly stated, standard zoo etiquette applies. Avoid using flash directly at animals, especially nocturnal ones, and be mindful of other visitors.
You can expect to photograph a variety of animals, from majestic big cats and wolves to colorful birds and smaller mammals. The naturalistic enclosures provide a good backdrop.
The zoo's design allows for relatively close viewing, which aids in photography. However, animals can be active and sometimes elusive, so patience is key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to make the day even more budget-friendly and relaxed. Comfortable shoes are essential for little legs exploring the natural forest setting. It's a place where kids can truly connect with animals and create lasting memories.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Consider combining your visit with a stop at the nearby Erben Street Grille for some fantastic BBQ or bring your own lunch to enjoy in the pavilion. It's a well-managed attraction that offers a refreshing change of pace on your journey.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Garlyn Zoo Experience: More Than Just Animals
The zoo is particularly celebrated for its interactive experiences. The parakeet room, where visitors can feed the birds from their hands with a seeded stick, is a highlight for all ages. Beyond that, opportunities to feed animals like bears and goats add an exciting dimension to the visit. This hands-on approach fosters a deeper appreciation for wildlife and makes Garlyn Zoo a memorable destination for families and animal lovers alike.
Beyond the direct animal encounters, the zoo's setting contributes significantly to its charm. The presence of free-roaming peacocks and chickens adds an element of surprise and delight as they wander through the grounds. Coupled with a friendly staff and a well-stocked gift shop, Garlyn Zoo provides a comprehensive and heartwarming experience that leaves visitors wanting to return.
Culinary Delights at Garlyn Zoo
For those who prefer to bring their own provisions, Garlyn Zoo offers a convenient pavilion area perfect for picnics. This allows visitors to enjoy their packed lunches in a pleasant setting, surrounded by nature. It's a practical option for families or budget-conscious travelers looking to make the most of their day.
Combining the food truck's savory offerings with the option for a picnic lunch ensures that visitors can enjoy a satisfying meal while exploring the zoo. This flexibility in dining options adds to the overall positive experience at Garlyn Zoo.
Capturing the Wild: Photography at Garlyn Zoo
Beyond the big cats, the diverse bird species provide colorful subjects. From the vibrant peacocks that roam freely to the unique New Guinea Singing Dogs, there are plenty of opportunities for unique wildlife photography. The parakeet room, while chaotic, can yield fun, candid shots of interaction. Remember to be patient, as animals can be active and sometimes elusive, but the natural forest backdrop enhances the quality of your photos.
While photography is generally encouraged, it's always wise to adhere to standard zoo etiquette. Avoid using flash directly on animals, especially those that might be sensitive to it. The goal is to capture the beauty of the animals in their environment respectfully, creating lasting memories of your visit to this enchanting Upper Peninsula gem.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit