Wisconsin Deer Park
A 40-acre sanctuary where you can walk among and feed hundreds of friendly deer, elk, and bison. A magical wildlife experience for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, eager deer
Wisconsin Deer Park
Best Time
Cooler temps, eager deer
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 40-acre sanctuary where you can walk among and feed hundreds of friendly deer, elk, and bison. A magical wildlife experience for all ages.
"This was our favorite thing to do in Wisconsin Dells!! Tons of deer walking around, you can touch and feed them."
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat for the best deer interaction.
💰 Bring Quarters for Corn
Corn machines offer a budget-friendly way to feed deer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Up-Close Deer Feeding
Throughout the park
Walk among hundreds of deer, feeding them by hand and experiencing their gentle nature. A truly magical interaction for all ages.
Diverse Wildlife Encounters
Various enclosures
Beyond deer, meet elk, bison, and other fascinating wildlife in spacious, naturalistic habitats.
Interactive Animal Habitats
Park pathways
Wander through the park as deer approach, follow, and interact with you, creating unforgettable memories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Deer Encounters
Snack Strategy for Happy Deer
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat for the best deer interaction.
💰 Bring Quarters for Corn
Corn machines offer a budget-friendly way to feed deer.
🧼 Hand Washing Stations
Sanitize your hands before and after interacting with animals.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Plenty of time for kids to enjoy feeding and exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds and heat for the best deer interaction.
💰 Bring Quarters for Corn
Corn machines offer a budget-friendly way to feed deer.
🧼 Hand Washing Stations
Sanitize your hands before and after interacting with animals.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Plenty of time for kids to enjoy feeding and exploring.
🚼 Toddlers are FREE!
Children under 2 get in free, making it budget-friendly. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wisconsin Deer Park for its magical and unique experience, especially the opportunity to get up close and personal with friendly deer. It's highly recommended for all ages as a highlight of a Wisconsin Dells trip, offering great value and memorable interactions. Some minor concerns were noted regarding the well-being of other animals in enclosures.
"We had more fun than we expected! Absolutely enjoyable for all ages.
We went right as they opened and I highly recommend doing that. It was nice and cool, the deer were happy to see us with the snacks we purchased for them, and it wasn’t crowded. Plenty of places to get more snacks for the deer and a clearly marked area to wash and sanitize your hands."
Melissa Collins
"We had a great time at Wisconsin Deer Park- it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip!
Before visiting, we saw reviews online saying not to waste money on the crackers sold at the entrance, but we didn’t have any issues with the deer eating them. We visited just after Labor Day weekend (off-season), around noon, and the deer were still very interested in food. Reviews often recommend coming earlier in the day when they’re hungrier, which makes sense, but we found them friendly and eager to interact even at midday.
The setup was really special: you walk right through their habitat and the deer will come up to you, follow you around, and even let you pet them while feeding. They clearly preferred food to pets, but the experience was still magical and very safe. The second half of the park especially was full of friendly deer eager for snacks.
There are also other animals in the park. Most seemed fine, but the lemurs looked a little understimulated, and the rabbits didn’t make a lot of sense to us since you can’t pet them (they bite). Their enclosures were large enough, but they didn’t have access to grass or roaming space- hopefully they get some time outside of their cages occasionally.
Tips for visiting:
• Definitely buy the crackers, we had a great experience with them.
• Bring lots of quarters for the corn machines scattered throughout the park.
• Plan to spend at least an hour or two walking through slowly, especially if you have kids.
Overall, it’s a unique and memorable experience that we’d recommend to families visiting the Dells. Getting that close to the deer, and having them walk alongside you is something you won’t forget."
Christine Fifarek
"So fun and highly recommended! This was our favorite thing to do in Wisconsin Dells!! There's tons of deer just walking around and you can touch and feed them. I recommend buying the $1 deer food cups (inside of the deer park), because the deer will come to you. So fun and great for all ages."
David Nagel-Nunez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wisconsin Deer Park is conveniently located about an hour's drive from Madison, Wisconsin. You can reach it via I-90 E and US-12 E.
Most visitors drive to Wisconsin Deer Park, as it's a popular stop for road trips in the Wisconsin Dells area. Parking is available on-site.
Public transport options are limited in the Wisconsin Dells area. Driving is the most common and recommended method of transportation to reach the park.
The park is located at 2183 Wisconsin Dells Parkway, Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965. Use GPS or mapping apps for the most direct route from your starting point.
Absolutely! It's often cited as a highlight and a unique attraction for families and animal lovers on a Wisconsin Dells road trip. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices typically range from $14-$18 for adults, with children under 2 entering for free. Prices can vary slightly, so it's always good to check their official website or call ahead. +1
While online ticket purchasing options may vary, it's generally recommended to purchase tickets upon arrival at the park.
Some visitors mention looking for coupons or discounts, especially for the Wisconsin Dells area. It's worth checking local tourism sites or asking at your hotel.
The park is typically open from April through October. Hours can vary seasonally, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, there is a separate cost for deer food, which can be purchased inside the park. This is highly recommended for the best interaction experience. +1
🎫 🦌 Onsite Experience
The park is home to a large population of deer, as well as other wildlife like elk and bison. +1
Yes, you can pet the deer! They are very friendly and will often approach visitors, especially if you have food.
Most visitors recommend spending at least one to two hours at the park to fully enjoy the experience, especially with children.
Yes, the park features other animals such as elk and bison, offering a broader wildlife viewing experience.
The best way to interact is by purchasing deer food and offering it to them. They will often come right up to you and follow you around.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, you can purchase snacks for the deer, such as crackers and corn, within the park. There are also corn machines scattered throughout.
It's generally recommended to purchase the food sold at the park to ensure it's safe and appealing to the deer.
The park primarily focuses on animal interaction and feeding. While there might be limited snack options, it's not a full-service dining establishment.
The Wisconsin Dells Parkway is lined with numerous restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines to choose from after your visit.
Yes, buying the deer food is highly recommended as it significantly enhances the interaction experience and the deer's eagerness to engage with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo ops are when the deer approach you for feeding, allowing for close-up shots and memorable interactions. +1
Absolutely! Most visitors use their phones to capture the magical moments of feeding and interacting with the deer. +1
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the animals' space. +1
Expect close-up shots of deer eating from your hand, them following you, and candid moments of interaction. +1
Yes, the deer are very approachable, making it relatively easy to get great photos, especially if you have snacks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring plenty of quarters for the corn machines, as this is a cost-effective way to keep the deer engaged. The park also has hand-washing stations, which are essential for maintaining hygiene after interacting with the animals.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are costs associated with deer food, the overall admission price is often highlighted as being quite affordable compared to other attractions in the Wisconsin Dells. It's a highly recommended stop for those looking for an enjoyable and memorable experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting. The natural interactions, combined with the scenic park setting, provide a rich environment for both amateur and professional photographers looking to capture the essence of wildlife encounters.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Deer Feeding
It's important to note that while the deer are friendly, they are still wild animals. The park is designed to facilitate safe interactions, but it's always wise to follow any posted guidelines and supervise children closely. The experience is often described as magical and unique, providing a chance to connect with nature in a very personal way.
Many reviews highlight that the deer are particularly eager for food in the morning, making an early visit highly recommended. This ensures the animals are hungry and more receptive to interaction, leading to a more engaging experience for everyone.
Beyond the Deer: Other Wildlife
These additional animals provide a broader educational opportunity, showcasing the diversity of wildlife found in the region. It's a chance for visitors, especially children, to learn about different species and their characteristics. While the focus is on deer, the presence of other animals makes the park a more comprehensive wildlife attraction.
It's worth noting that while most animals are a delight to observe, some reviews mention that certain animals, like lemurs, might appear understimulated, and rabbits can be less approachable due to their skittish nature. However, the overall consensus is that the park provides a good variety of animals for viewing and interaction.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
When it comes to feeding the deer, bringing quarters for the corn machines is a popular suggestion. While official deer food is available for purchase, the corn machines offer a more budget-friendly option for continuous feeding. This tip is particularly useful for families looking to maximize their interaction time without overspending.
Finally, dedicating at least an hour or two to explore the park is highly recommended, especially for families with children. This allows ample time for leisurely walks, feeding the deer, and observing all the animals. Hand sanitizing stations are also readily available, which is a thoughtful touch for a petting zoo environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit