Oswald's Bear Ranch
See rescued black bears up close, feed adults apples, and pet cubs at this unique Upper Peninsula attraction.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bears are very active
Oswald's Bear Ranch
Best Time
Bears are very active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
See rescued black bears up close, feed adults apples, and pet cubs at this unique Upper Peninsula attraction.
"It was a one of a kind experience! One of my favorite things we did and we will definitely be back!"
Bring Cash for Everything!
Admission, apples, and cub photos are cash-only. ATMs may be scarce. :moneybag:
Apple Bags for Feeding
Buy bags of apples to feed the adult bears; they're a big hit! :apple:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Feeding the Adult Bears
Viewing platforms
Purchase bags of apples to toss to the adult bears; they'll eagerly sit up for a treat.
Cub Photo Opportunity
Designated cub enclosure
Get up close and personal for a memorable photo op and to pet a bear cub.
+1
Observing Bear Habitats
Enclosed habitats
See over two dozen rescued bears, including adults and cubs, in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cash is King Here
Timing Your Visit for Active Bears
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Cash for Everything!
Admission, apples, and cub photos are cash-only. ATMs may be scarce. :moneybag:
Apple Bags for Feeding
Buy bags of apples to feed the adult bears; they're a big hit! :apple:
Cub Photo Experience
A unique chance to pet and photograph a bear cub for a memorable souvenir. :camera:
Check Bear Activity
Bears are more active in cooler weather. September visits are often recommended. :hibiscus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Cash for Everything!
Admission, apples, and cub photos are cash-only. ATMs may be scarce. :moneybag:
Apple Bags for Feeding
Buy bags of apples to feed the adult bears; they're a big hit! :apple:
Cub Photo Experience
A unique chance to pet and photograph a bear cub for a memorable souvenir. :camera:
Check Bear Activity
Bears are more active in cooler weather. September visits are often recommended. :hibiscus:
Gift Shop Treasures
The gift shop accepts cards and has a good selection of bear-themed items. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Oswald's Bear Ranch offers a unique experience with rescued bears, allowing visitors to feed adults apples and interact with cubs for photos. While many praise the friendly staff and memorable interactions, some concerns have been raised by animal welfare organizations regarding animal treatment and close cub contact. +3
"Oswald's Bear Ranch was incredible. When you get there you can buy some apples to feed the bears. The bears definitely know when you have the apples and would sit up looking extra cute so you would throw them more apples. At set times throughout the day, they have it set so you can go in a certain pen and feed one of the cubs and get your pictures taken with the bear. The cub we fed was 8 months old and was already incredibly strong! I highly recommend visiting the bear ranch! I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there."
Bobbie Wood
"During our road trip around the Great Lakes, we stopped at Oswald Bear Ranch and I’m glad we did. It’s a cute little place with a very friendly staff that makes you feel welcome right away. We got to learn a little about bears, which was both fun and educational, and of course couldn’t resist doing the photo op where you actually get to pet a bear. 🐻
It’s a unique experience you don’t come across every day, and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. Highly recommend for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a memorable stop along their trip."
Damian Reyes
"My husband and I visited the ranch 3 days ago for the first time. It was a one of a kind experience! One of my favorite things we did and we will definitely be back! Feeding the bears was so cool and feeding/petting the cub was a dream. The staff was super friendly, all of the bears are adorable. Thank you!"
Jenna Schalm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oswald's Bear Ranch is located in Newberry, Michigan, in the Upper Peninsula. It's a bit of a drive, so plan your route accordingly. Many visitors arrive by car, and some RV travelers use it as a stop. +1
Yes, the ranch is accessible for RVs, and some visitors mention it as a good stop for RV travel.
The nearest town is Newberry, Michigan. The ranch is located a short drive from there.
A small toll may be encountered when driving into the Upper Peninsula, but it's generally minimal.
No, feeding is done from designated viewing platforms or within specific enclosures. Do not attempt to feed bears from outside the designated areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but one review mentioned $40 for a car in September 2025. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current pricing.
No, admission, apple bags for feeding, and cub photos are strictly cash-only. The gift shop does accept cards.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Information on advance ticket purchases is not readily available. It's generally advised to arrive with cash and be prepared to pay upon entry.
Yes, you can purchase bags of apples to feed the adult bears for an additional fee. Cub photo opportunities also have a separate charge.
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
You can observe rescued bears in their habitats, feed adult bears apples from viewing platforms, and take photos with and pet bear cubs for an additional fee.
You can pet and take photos with the bear cubs for an additional fee. Petting adult bears is not permitted.
Yes, Oswald's Bear Ranch states that many of their bears are rescued, having been orphaned or found in situations where they couldn't survive in the wild.
The ranch is home to American black bears, including adults and cubs. Some bears may have variations in color, such as cinnamon.
Yes, it's highly recommended for families. Kids often have a memorable experience seeing and interacting with the bears.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Many visitors share photos and videos of their experience. +1
Yes, there's a specific photo opportunity where you can take pictures with a bear cub for an additional fee. +1
The viewing platforms offer great vantage points for photographing the adult bears. The cub interaction area is also popular for photos.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of your surroundings and any specific instructions from staff to ensure the safety of yourself and the bears.
It's advisable to avoid using flash photography, especially when close to the animals, as it can startle them. Check with staff if unsure.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a unique experience that creates lasting memories. Remember to bring plenty of cash for admission, apples, and the cub photo opportunity, as these are typically cash-only. 🚗 Road Trippers & RV Travelers
❤️ Animal Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bear Rescue Aspect
This rescue mission is a key part of their narrative, offering visitors a chance to see animals that might not have otherwise survived. While the ranch highlights its rescue efforts, it's important to note that there have been criticisms and concerns raised by animal welfare organizations regarding the practices at Oswald's Bear Ranch.
Despite controversies, many visitors report positive experiences, appreciating the opportunity to see bears up close and learn about them. The ranch aims to provide an educational and engaging experience for its visitors, showcasing the lives of these rescued animals.
Visitor Experience and Activities
A significant draw is the opportunity to pet and take photos with bear cubs. This 'cub club' experience is a paid activity and is often described as unforgettable and a dream come true by visitors.
+1 The ranch houses various age groups of bears, including yearlings that are often seen playing. Beyond the direct animal interactions, the ranch offers a gift shop with a variety of bear-themed merchandise.
Social
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