The excitement of a road trip is unlike any other experience. The open road, unexpected adventures, and the joy of exploring new places—especially when you have dogs with you—make for unforgettable memories. Recently, we embarked on a journey from Massachusetts to Ohio, and it’s safe to say it was an adventure-filled trip from the get-go.
Day 1: The Long Drive to Ohio
The first leg of our trip was a marathon drive of 14 hours from Massachusetts to Ohio. As tiring as that sounds, road-tripping with dogs makes even the longest drives more enjoyable. Hunter (or “Moose,” as we like to call him) and Kelso, our loyal companions, were our constant travel buddies, eagerly watching the changing landscapes from the van windows.
We ended our day at a TA truck stop in Ohio. Spending the night in a simple, yet convenient rest stop might not sound glamorous, but it’s all part of the road trip adventure. It provided the rest we needed to gear up for our next day of exploration.
Day 2: The African Safari Wildlife Park – A Unique Experience for Dogs
On the second day, we decided to treat the dogs to an unexpected adventure by visiting the African Safari Wildlife Park in Port Clinton, Ohio. Now, Ohio might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of safaris, but this park provides a unique and interactive experience—and, to our delight, it’s dog-friendly!
The park has both a walk-through zoo and a drive-through safari, and we had the freedom to explore both with Hunter and Kelso. It’s rare to find places that allow dogs in such close proximity to exotic animals, so we were excited to see how our furry friends would react.
The Drive-Through Safari: A Wild Ride with Bison and Deer
Hunter, or “Moose,” lived up to his nickname during the drive-through safari. His excitement was almost too much to contain as we drove through fields filled with bison, deer, and other large animals. At one point, we had to remind ourselves to secure anything attached to the van, like bike racks or kayaks. Pro tip: if you’re planning to visit the park and have anything on the exterior of your vehicle, make sure to remove it before entering the safari. The animals, especially the bison, have no qualms about using your gear as a mid-afternoon snack!
The bison and deer roamed freely, often approaching vehicles with curiosity. Seeing these massive animals so close up—literally sticking their heads into car windows—was thrilling. Hunter, however, took the prize for the most enthusiastic passenger, practically vibrating with excitement every time we passed another group of animals.
Kelso’s Adventure: The Zoo and His Kangaroo Encounter
While Hunter was fully engaged in the safari, Kelso took a different approach. He spent most of the drive-through safari curled up in the back of the van, clearly less interested in the giant animals poking around outside. However, when we got to the walk-through zoo portion, Kelso’s mood shifted dramatically.
The zoo itself offers an intimate experience with a variety of animals, and Kelso’s favorite exhibit by far was the kangaroos. His curiosity knew no bounds, as he peered at the kangaroos hopping around their enclosure. We joked that if Kelso got too close, the kangaroos might challenge him to a boxing match—one we knew he wouldn’t win.
Sadly, not all the animal exhibits were as uplifting. The spider monkeys, in particular, left a lasting impression for the wrong reasons. Their small, enclosed cages seemed far too restrictive, and they appeared visibly distressed. It was a sobering reminder that not all zoos offer the best environments for their animals.
The Dinosaur Experience: A Surprise for the Husband
As an added bonus, the park was hosting a temporary dinosaur exhibit during our visit. While our dogs were indifferent to the life-sized dinosaur replicas, my husband was thrilled. It’s hard not to get excited about dinosaurs, and the exhibit added a bit of playful fun to our day. Though small, the dinosaur experience was a hit with our family, offering a short but enjoyable detour from the main attractions.
Should You Visit the African Safari Wildlife Park?
The African Safari Wildlife Park offers a unique, albeit mixed, experience. While it’s not the largest or most impressive wildlife park you’ll ever visit, it is incredibly dog-friendly, and the novelty of sharing such an experience with your pets makes it worth the trip—especially if your dogs are as adventurous as ours.
For those traveling without pets, the park might not offer the same allure. In comparison to renowned institutions like the San Diego Zoo, the African Safari Wildlife Park feels small and somewhat lacking, especially when considering the welfare of some of its animals, like the spider monkeys. If you’re looking for a world-class zoo experience, San Diego would be a better option.
However, if you find yourself in Ohio with dogs in tow, the park provides a fun, memorable adventure for both two-legged and four-legged visitors alike.
On to the Next Adventure
After a day filled with wild encounters and new experiences, we loaded up the van and hit the road again, eager to see what the next stop on our road trip would bring. With Hunter and Kelso by our side, every day is an adventure, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Safe travels, and here’s to more road trips and unexpected discoveries!