You’re driving down Route 20A in Wyoming County, New York, and suddenly there’s an ostrich staring into your soul through the driver's side window. It’s weird. It’s a little bit chaotic. Honestly, it’s exactly why people keep flocking to Hidden Valley Animal Adventure.
Most people expect a standard zoo experience where you walk past iron bars and squint at a sleeping lion three hundred yards away. This isn't that. It’s a 60-plus acre sprawl in Varysburg where the animals are essentially the hosts and you are the slightly confused guest in a trolley. If you’ve ever wanted to be mugged by a camel for a handful of grain, you’ve come to the right place.
The reality of this place is a mix of high-intensity animal interaction and a surprisingly polished lodge atmosphere. It was born from the vision of Hans Boxler, a local dairy farmer who decided that cows weren't enough and that Western New York needed a touch of the Serengeti. He wasn't wrong.
What Actually Happens on the Safari?
Basically, you have two choices: take the guided trolley or stay home. Okay, there are walking paths too, but the trolley is the heartbeat of the "adventure" part of the name. These are open-air, tractor-pulled wagons that haul you through rolling hills that look more like the Swiss Alps than the outskirts of Buffalo.
The animals know the routine.
As soon as that tractor engine rumbles, the water buffalo, bison, and elk start closing in. It’s not a "glimpse from a distance" situation. It is a "get used to animal drool on your sleeve" situation. You get a cup of feed, and the rules are simple: don't feed the zebras by hand (they bite) and try not to drop the cup when a massive Watusi bull with six-foot horns leans in for a snack.
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The Watusi cattle are the stars here. Their horns are architectural marvels, used for thermoregulation in the wild, but at Hidden Valley Animal Adventure, they're mostly used to nudge you for more pellets. It's intimidating at first. You're sitting there, and this prehistoric-looking creature with a head the size of your torso is just... there. But they’re remarkably gentle for their size. Usually.
The Dynamics of the Wild Game Safari
The tour takes about an hour, depending on how stubborn the camels are feeling that day. Camels are notorious road blockers. They will stand in front of the tractor like they’re protesting a highway expansion until they get their tribute.
- The Bison: Thick, woolly, and surprisingly fast when they want to be. They tend to hang out in the lower meadows.
- The Elk: Majestic, especially in the fall when the bulls are bugling and looking for a fight.
- The Ostriches: These are the agents of chaos. They peek over the top of the trolley and move with a jerky, caffeinated energy that keeps everyone on their toes.
Hidden Valley Animal Adventure Beyond the Wagons
Once you survive the gauntlet of hungry emus, the experience shifts gears. The property features The Lodge, which is a massive timber-frame building that feels like it belongs in a Colorado ski resort. It’s all stone fireplaces and taxidermy.
It’s an interesting juxtaposition. One minute you’re being licked by a goat, and the next you’re sitting down for a high-end wedding or a corporate retreat. The catering here is actually legit—not "zoo food" legit, but "legit" legit. They serve bison burgers, which feels a little awkward after you just made friends with one in the field, but that’s the circle of life in Varysburg.
The Small Animal Adventure area is the walking portion of the park. This is where you find the lemurs, monkeys, and those perpetually grumpy-looking tortoises. It’s much more controlled and great for kids who might have been traumatized by the sheer scale of the bison out on the range.
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The Boxler Family Legacy
You can't talk about this place without mentioning the Boxlers. This isn't a corporate-owned franchise. It’s a family operation rooted in the Boxler Dairy Farm. That matters because the infrastructure is built on agricultural expertise. The fences are solid, the animals are well-fed (clearly), and there’s a sense of pride in the land that you don't get at a state-run facility.
Hans Boxler Sr. started this because he loved exotic animals. He passed away in 2016, but his family kept the dream running. They’ve expanded it into a year-round destination, even doing "Winter Wonderland" events where the animals look particularly striking against the New York snow.
Common Misconceptions and What to Watch Out For
Let's be real for a second. Some people come here thinking it’s a serene, educational nature documentary. It’s not. It’s loud, it’s dusty, and if it rained recently, it’s muddy.
It is a farm. If you wear your brand-new white sneakers, you’re going to have a bad time. The animals have zero respect for your personal space or your fashion choices. Also, the "Hidden" part of the name is literal. If you’re driving from Rochester or Buffalo, you’ll feel like you’re lost in the middle of nowhere. Keep driving. When you see the giant wooden gates, you’ve made it.
Another thing: the animals are seasonal. In the heat of July, some of the big guys might be lounging under trees far from the path. The best time to go is usually a slightly overcast morning when the temperature is cool and the animals are active.
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Practical Advice for Your Visit
- Buy the extra feed. You think one cup is enough. It isn't. You will be bullied out of your supply by the first three animals, and then you’ll spend the rest of the tour feeling guilty as the elk look at you with sad, empty eyes.
- Timing matters. Show up early. The first tours of the day usually get the hungriest, most engaged animals. By 3:00 PM, the bison are often "full" and couldn't care less about your grain.
- The Lodge is worth it. Even if you aren't staying for a full meal, go inside. The craftsmanship of the building is genuinely impressive.
- Check the schedule. They aren't open seven days a week year-round. Always check their official site or call ahead, especially in the "shoulder seasons" of spring and fall.
Why It Matters for Western New York
Economically, Hidden Valley Animal Adventure is a powerhouse for Wyoming County. It brings thousands of people into a rural area that might otherwise be overlooked. It bridges the gap between the agricultural world and the tourism industry.
For many kids growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, this is the first time they see an animal larger than a golden retriever. There’s something visceral about that. It’s one thing to see a picture of a zebra; it’s another thing to hear it breathe and see the texture of its coat from six inches away. It creates a connection to wildlife that a textbook simply can't replicate.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your time at the park, follow these specific steps:
- Book Online: Especially on weekends. The trolley tours have limited capacity and they do sell out. Don't be the person who drives two hours only to find out the next available tour is at 4:00 PM.
- Pack Wipes: You will get animal saliva on your hands. It’s part of the deal. Have baby wipes or heavy-duty hand sanitizer in the car.
- Dress for the Wagon: It’s an open-air trolley. If it’s windy, you’ll feel it. If it’s 90 degrees, you’ll feel it. Layers are your best friend.
- Camera Settings: If you’re using a real camera, use a fast shutter speed. The animals move their heads quickly when they're eating, and the trolley is often in motion. To capture the texture of the bison's fur or the eyelashes of a camel, you need to be ready for sudden movement.
- Combine the Trip: If you're coming from far away, pair Hidden Valley with a trip to Letchworth State Park. They are relatively close, and it makes for a full day of "outdoorsy" Western New York greatness.
This isn't just a zoo; it’s a bizarre, delightful, and slightly messy encounter with the animal kingdom. Go in with an open mind, old clothes, and plenty of grain. You’ll leave with a few stories and probably a new appreciation for just how big a water buffalo’s tongue actually is.