- Attraction: DeYoung Family Zoo
- Location: N5406 County Road 577, Wallace, MI 49893
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://thedeyoungfamilyzoo.com/
When most people think of unforgettable animal encounters, bottle-feeding a baby bear cub or getting slobbered on by a friendly hippopotamus named Wallace probably isn’t what comes to mind first.
But tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula wilderness, the DeYoung Family Zoo delivers exactly these kinds of once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else.
This family-owned zoo opened to the public in 1990 and operates seasonally from May through October. With over 400 animals from around the world, DeYoung’s isn’t your typical big-city zoo experience. Instead, you’ll discover a hands-on adventure where getting up close and personal with exotic creatures is not just allowed—it’s encouraged.
Ultimate Animal Encounters
Baby Animal Bottle Feeding: You’ll have the incredible opportunity to bottle-feed adorable baby animals including fawns, bear cubs, and various farm animals. The experience of holding a tiny bear cub while it drinks from a bottle creates memories that will last a lifetime.
Big Cat Feeding Shows: The zoo’s most popular attractions include tigers, leopards, lions, and even a rare liger. During feeding times, you can watch these magnificent predators up close as they receive their meals. The DeYoung Family Zoo proudly houses the largest big cat family in the Midwest.
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Keep Exploring →Hippo Encounters: Meet Wallace, the zoo’s famous hippopotamus! The hippo feeding experience draws long lines, but they move quickly, and you might even get to meet the friendly owner Bud during the morning feeding time.
Hands-On Wildlife Experiences: You can hold wolf cubs, baby porcupines, roosters, and even baby sloths. The zoo allows visitors to hold and feed many baby animals including kangaroos, raccoons, and tiger cubs. You’ll be licked and slobbered on by cows, horses, goats, alpacas, zorses, and zonkies in the most delightful way possible.
Ultimate Experience Package: The comprehensive animal encounter package includes meetings with all available animals at the zoo. This extensive experience might include otters, sloths, monkeys, tortoises, capybaras, and if you’re incredibly lucky, even petting a baby bear.
Exotic Animal Collection: Beyond the big cats, you’ll discover Russian grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, ring-tailed lemurs, white Bengal tigers, coatis, camels, yaks, chimpanzees, spotted and striped hyenas, and an impressive collection of reptiles including boa constrictors, Burmese pythons, and anacondas.
Wilderness Setting & Natural Habitats
Upper Peninsula Location: The zoo is nestled in the wilderness of Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula, offering a natural setting that’s far from any concrete jungle. This isn’t a polished urban zoo—it’s a genuine wilderness experience.
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Discover MoreLarge Natural Enclosures: The animals live in large natural habitats that blend seamlessly with the surrounding Upper Peninsula landscape. You’ll feel like you’re exploring animals in their natural environment rather than viewing them through traditional zoo barriers.
Intimate Scale: Unlike big city zoos, you can get within just a few feet of animal enclosures, allowing you to really observe and connect with the animals. The smaller scale creates a more personal and educational experience.
Conservation Focus: The zoo emphasizes conservation, education, rescue, and rehabilitation. The DeYoung family participates in local wildlife rehabilitation, helping white-tailed deer, raccoons, and other animals in need.
Practical Considerations
Seasonal Operation: The zoo operates with limited fall hours, typically weekends only in September and special events in October. Plan your visit during the main season from May through October for the full experience.
Family-Friendly Pricing: Adult admission is $12, seniors (65+) pay $10, children (5-16) cost $8, and kids 4 and under get in free. Veterans receive free admission with military ID. The pricing is quite reasonable considering the unique hands-on experiences offered.
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Keep Exploring →Rural Adventure: Located about 15 miles north of Menominee, this is definitely a destination that requires some travel planning. The rural location means you should come prepared with everything you need, though there’s a small gift shop with cold drinks and snacks available.
Feeding Schedule Planning: Animal feedings happen every half hour throughout the day, so you’ll want to check the schedule when you arrive and plan your visit around these special times. Grab a bucket of corn at the petting zoo to make instant friends with the farm animals!
Parking & Amenities: Free parking is available, though it can get crowded on busy days. Port-o-potties are available throughout the grounds, and you can pack a lunch to eat under the pavilion or visit the small restaurant across the street.
DeYoung Family Zoo
📍 N5406 County Road 577, Wallace, MI 49893
