You’re driving down I-80, somewhere between Lincoln and Omaha, and you see the signs. Most people just keep driving. They assume it’s just another roadside attraction or maybe a small overflow pen for the famous Henry Doorly Zoo. Honestly? That is a massive mistake.
Lee Simmons Conservation Park, officially known as the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park, isn't just a "zoo lite." It is a 440-acre chunk of reclaimed Nebraska prairie that feels surprisingly wild. You aren't looking at animals through glass here. You’re driving through their living room.
The park opened back in 1998. It was the brainchild of Dr. Lee Simmons, the longtime director of the Omaha zoo who basically decided that some animals just needed more space than a city lot could ever provide. What started as a vision for a private research and breeding facility eventually turned into this four-mile drive-through adventure.
It's rugged. It's dusty. And if you go at the right time, it’s one of the best wildlife experiences in the Midwest.
Why the "Drive-Through" Label is Kinda Misleading
When people hear "drive-through safari," they often think of those places where monkeys rip the windshield wipers off your car. This isn't that. You’re in your own vehicle, windows up (mostly), moving through massive enclosures that mimic the actual Great Plains.
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The first thing you hit is usually the Elk Meadows. These aren't your average park deer. We're talking about bulls with racks that look like they could flip a sedan. They wander across the road whenever they feel like it. You wait for them; they don't wait for you.
Getting Out of the Car (Yes, You Can)
Despite being a driving park, you actually should get out at certain spots. There’s a central hub called Wolf Canyon and the Eagle Aviary.
- Wolf Canyon: This is where the Grey Wolves and American Black Bears live. You walk across a series of boardwalks and overlooks.
- The Hands-On Corral: If you have kids who are losing their minds in the backseat, this is the reset button. It’s a petting area with goats that are aggressively friendly.
- The Eagle Aviary: It’s a half-acre enclosure. Seeing a Bald Eagle from five feet away without a bar in your line of sight is... well, it's humbling.
The wolves can be tricky. They’re shy. If it’s 95 degrees out, they’re going to be under a rock or deep in the brush. You’ve gotta be patient. If you just rush through the boardwalk in five minutes, you’ll leave thinking there weren't any wolves at all.
The Secret Mission: Cheetahs and Tigers
Here is the thing most visitors never realize about Lee Simmons Conservation Park.
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Behind the scenes, past the public roads, this place is a powerhouse for genetic diversity. It houses world-class breeding facilities for Cheetahs and Amur Tigers.
These aren't for public viewing on the standard drive-through. Why? Because breeding endangered cats is stressful work. They need privacy. However, the park occasionally offers "Backstage Safari" tours. If you can snag one, do it. Seeing the conservation work firsthand explains why this place exists in the first place. It’s not just for our entertainment; it’s a genetic lifeboat.
What to Actually Expect on the Bison Plains
The grand finale is the Bison Plains. It’s 40 acres of wide-open grassland.
Bison are huge. Like, "weighs as much as a small truck" huge. When a herd of fifty of them decides to stand in the middle of the gravel road, your afternoon plans just changed.
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Pro Tip: Don't honk. It doesn't work, and it just makes you look like a jerk. Just sit there and watch them interact. You'll see calves (orange "red dogs") in the spring and massive bulls squaring off in the late summer.
Survival Tips for Your Visit
- Go early or late. The park opens at 9 a.m. and usually closes around 5 p.m. (April through October). Mid-day in a Nebraska summer is brutal. The animals will sleep. Go when it’s cool.
- Bring the "Good" Camera. Your phone zoom is going to struggle when a Sandhill Crane is 50 yards out in the marsh.
- Check the Dust. The roads are gravel. If it hasn't rained in a week, your car will be covered in white limestone dust. Don't go to the car wash before you visit.
- The Hiking Trails. Most people skip the Pawnee Creek Trail. Don't be "most people." It's a two-mile loop that gives you a much better feel for the local flora than the car seat does.
Is It Worth the Price?
In 2025/2026, admission is roughly $12 for adults and $10 for kids. Honestly, compared to a movie ticket or a theme park, it’s a steal. If you’re already a member of the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo, you might even get in for free or a steep discount depending on your membership level.
It’s a different kind of day out. It’s quiet. It’s slow. It’s a reminder that Nebraska used to be a place where millions of these animals roamed without fences.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check the Weather: If it’s raining, some of the hiking trails get muddy, but the animals (especially the bears) are often more active.
- Pack a Picnic: There are designated picnic areas near the Visitor Center and Wolf Canyon. Eating lunch while watching bison is a core Nebraska experience.
- Exit 426: Remember that exit number. It’s the same one for Mahoney State Park and the SAC Museum. You can easily make a full weekend out of this one tiny corner of the state.
Pack some binoculars, leave the "hurry up" attitude at the gate, and just drive slow. The elk will move when they're ready.