Yellowstone Bear World
Experience North American wildlife up close on a drive-thru safari, bottle-feed baby cubs, and explore a dinosaur park!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beat the heat
Yellowstone Bear World
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beat the heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience North American wildlife up close on a drive-thru safari, bottle-feed baby cubs, and explore a dinosaur park!
"Expensive but so much fun and more to do than I thought!"
🎯 Choose Your Safari Seat Wisely
For feeding tours, sit on the right side of the vehicle for better views of bears and other animals.
🎟️ Consider Family Passes
Family passes can be more affordable than individual tickets, especially for groups.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Drive-Thru Safari
Main park area
See grizzly bears, bison, elk, and moose up close from your car. A thrilling wildlife encounter!
Baby Animal Feeding
Petting zoo area
Bottle-feed adorable bear cubs and other baby animals for an unforgettable experience.
Jurassic Creek
Dinosaur exhibit
Step into a prehistoric world with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Feels like Jurassic Park!
Petting Zoo & Rides
Amusement area
Interact with farm animals and enjoy carnival rides, perfect for younger visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Feeding Frenzy & Pricing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Your Safari Seat Wisely
For feeding tours, sit on the right side of the vehicle for better views of bears and other animals.
🎟️ Consider Family Passes
Family passes can be more affordable than individual tickets, especially for groups.
🍼 Bottle-Feed the Cubs!
A highlight for many, but can be pricey. Book in advance if possible!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the petting zoo and rides. [:athletic_shoe:]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Your Safari Seat Wisely
For feeding tours, sit on the right side of the vehicle for better views of bears and other animals.
🎟️ Consider Family Passes
Family passes can be more affordable than individual tickets, especially for groups.
🍼 Bottle-Feed the Cubs!
A highlight for many, but can be pricey. Book in advance if possible!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the petting zoo and rides. [:athletic_shoe:]
📸 Windows Up for Photos
You can't roll down car windows in the drive-thru, so be prepared for reflections. [:camerawithflash:]
🦕 Jurassic Creek Fun
Don't miss the dinosaur exhibit; it's a unique and immersive experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Yellowstone Bear World is a popular family destination offering a unique drive-thru safari with close encounters with bears and other wildlife. Visitors enjoy the baby animal feeding, petting zoo, and the Jurassic Creek dinosaur exhibit. While some find it a bit pricey, especially for feeding experiences, the overall consensus is that it's a fun and memorable outing for all ages.
"Expensive but so much fun and more to do than I thought. If you are traveling to Yellowstone and really want to see bears, this is definitely a must stop!
There were a ton of bears as well as Elk, Deer, Bison, Goats, and birds. You can see most animals in the drive through section. In the park, they have a petting zoo where you can pet the goats, deer, pigs, and ducks. They also have a spot you can see the baby bears pretty close up and they are really fun!
The dinosaur world is really cool and feels like you are walking into Jurassic park. My kids had a blast there.
They also have about 6 rides you can go on. My son enjoyed it and was happy he could ride all the rides (have to be at least 36" to ride with an adult on some rides). We went on a weekday and they only had one attendant running the rides so we had to wait around a bit for them to go ride to ride.
They also have a fun gift shop with different souvenirs including a build a bear experience. My son really loved the cotton candy machine.
Overall, I definitely think it is a place to check out and you could spend all day there if you wanted"
Kayli Fuller
"This place was okay. The best part was the bear cubs! They were so cute! 😍 It is a very kid friendly place with carnival rides and dinosaurs. The drive through the bear area was okay as well. Couldn't see many cause they were too far away, wish you could have your windows down to take pictures but I understand why you can't. It would have been cool to feed a bear cub but it was kind of pricy at $75 a person. They had some bison and elk before you go into the bear driving area. Overall fun experience but definitely geared more for younger kids."
Stephanie
"This is a little out of the way for most people. But it was a blast! Great for families. We saw so many bears, they walk right by the car. They also have bison, elk,deer, and much more. They also have a small amusement park, which is great for kids and adults. And then there is Jurassic River where they have a couple dozen life size animatronic dinosaurs... this was very cool. Oh, and you can feed/milk baby bears. These were 8 months old as of this post"
Thomas Peterson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yellowstone Bear World is located in Rexburg, Idaho, about a 3-hour drive north of Salt Lake City, Utah. Take I-15 North for most of the journey.
Yes, it's a convenient stop for those visiting Yellowstone National Park, located a few hours away. It's often considered a 'hidden gem' near the park.
From most major cities in the surrounding states, you'll likely use I-15 North. Rexburg is a well-known city in eastern Idaho.
Public transportation options are limited. It's best to drive your own vehicle or rent a car for easy access.
The drive time varies depending on your starting point. From Salt Lake City, it's approximately 3 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but as of recent information, adult tickets are around $26.95 and child tickets are around $14.95. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes, family passes are often available and can be more affordable for groups. Look out for potential deals or package options.
It's recommended to check their official website for online ticket purchasing options to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during peak season.
Yellowstone Bear World is typically open from April to October. Hours can vary daily, so it's essential to check their website for the most up-to-date operating schedule.
Yes, the baby animal feeding experience, especially bottle-feeding cubs, usually comes with an additional cost, which can be significant.
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including grizzly bears, black bears, bison, elk, deer, moose, foxes, and more in the drive-thru safari. The petting zoo features goats, deer, pigs, and ducks. +1
No, for safety reasons, you must remain in your vehicle with your windows up during the drive-thru portion of the park.
The park offers carnival-style rides suitable for younger children, generally those 10 and under. A minimum height of 36 inches is often required to ride with an adult on some attractions.
Yes, the 'Jurassic Creek' exhibit features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and is a popular attraction, offering a unique experience.
During feeding tours, sitting on the right side of the vehicle (when facing forward) provides a better view of the animals as they are fed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park offers food options, including snacks and meals. Cotton candy is a popular treat.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the park's policy on outside food and beverages. Packaged snacks are usually permitted.
Expect typical park fare like snacks, drinks, and possibly some quick meal options.
There are food stands and concession areas within the park, rather than a formal sit-down restaurant.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's best to inquire upon arrival or pack your own suitable snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru safari offers unique opportunities to photograph wildlife right outside your car. The dinosaur exhibit and baby animals in the petting zoo are also great photo ops.
A zoom lens is highly recommended for capturing clear shots of the animals during the drive-thru safari, as they can be at a distance.
While generally allowed, be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially with the animals.
Reflections can be a challenge. Try to shoot at an angle or use a lens hood to minimize them.
Typically, drone usage is prohibited in wildlife parks for the safety and well-being of the animals. Always check park regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving early to avoid crowds and the midday heat, especially during summer. The Jurassic Creek dinosaur exhibit is also a big hit with kids, adding a prehistoric adventure to the day. While some rides are geared towards younger ones, the overall experience is designed to be engaging for the whole family.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It's a great way to break up a long drive and experience something different. Plan for at least a few hours to fully enjoy the drive-thru safari, petting zoo, and rides. The drive-thru aspect is particularly appealing for road-trippers as you can experience it without leaving your vehicle.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
The drive-thru safari itself provides a significant amount of value for the admission price, offering close-up views of wildlife. Prioritize the attractions that are most important to you and your group to get the most out of your visit without overspending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Drive-Thru Safari Experience
Many visitors rave about the close encounters with the bears, with some noting how they walk right by the car. However, a common tip from travelers is to strategically choose your seating if you're on a guided feeding tour. Sitting on the right side of the vehicle (when facing forward) is often recommended for better visibility of the animals, especially during feeding times when they are most active. This ensures you don't miss out on key moments and get the most out of the drive-thru experience.
While the drive-thru is a highlight, some reviews mention that seeing animals can depend on their activity levels and distance. To maximize your chances of seeing animals and enjoying the experience, arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can be beneficial, as animals are often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Baby Animal Encounters & Petting Zoo
Beyond the bear cubs, the park features a petting zoo where visitors can interact with a variety of domestic animals. You can pet goats, deer, pigs, and ducks, offering a more hands-on experience for younger children. This area is a great complement to the drive-thru safari, providing a different kind of animal interaction.
When planning your visit, consider that the baby animal feeding is a popular attraction, and it's wise to inquire about booking or availability in advance, especially during peak season. The petting zoo is generally accessible and provides a fun, engaging environment for children to learn about and interact with farm animals.
Rides and Jurassic Creek
Adding to the excitement is Jurassic Creek, an exhibit that transports visitors to a prehistoric era with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. This area is often described as feeling like stepping into 'Jurassic Park,' offering a visually impressive and engaging experience. It's a unique addition that appeals to both children and adults, providing a fun contrast to the live animal encounters.
While the rides cater to a younger demographic, the dinosaur exhibit has broader appeal. Visitors should be aware that during busy periods, there might be waits for rides, and sometimes only one attendant manages multiple attractions, requiring some patience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit