Explore Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
When you're a guest at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks, you'll be six miles from this spectacular USDA-licensed Big Cat refuge. Discover rescued lions, tigers, cougars, and bears living in natural habits on the 459-acre refuge that boasts impressive views of the Ozark Mountains. Take the guided and self-guided tours, which will put you as close as ten feet of the animals. Stop by the Education Station with hands-on displays and have a family picnic at one of the tables or benches.
Events
- Father's Day Membership Picnic
- Eureka Springs Blues Festival
- Keeper Talks
Activities
- Animal Exhibits
- Guided Tours
- Self-Guided Tours
- Education Station
- Gift Shop
- Picnicking
What will I see on a guided tour?
Guided tours, which take place daily every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., will give you a chance to see the big cats in their natural habitat doing everything from running and playing to stalking. Led by a Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge biologist or zoologist intern, the tours cover such details as rescues and construction of the habitats.
Are there any kid-friendly activities?
Education Station Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a great place for young ones to gain invaluable insights into the animal kingdom. The "Touch and Feel" center will allow them to get hands-on with cat fur, whiskers, and even toys. There's also a medical display where ailments are highlighted, like abscessed cougar teeth and ingrown lion claws.