Oswald Bear Ranch

If you're ever in Newberry, Michigan and you have a few hours to spare you should stop by Oswald Bear Ranch. The largest bear only ranch and it was the home of the largest black bear in the U.S., Tyson (died July 2, 2000). He weighed in at a certified 880 Ibs.

Owned and operated by Dean and Jewel Oswald, as you walk threw out the Ranch you can see and feel the love they have for their bears all throughout. They have been raising American black bears at the ranch since 1984 and opened it to the public in 1997. Every year they welcome rescued bear cubs into their Ranch and they hold a contest with area children to name the newborn cubs.

Opens Friday before Memorial Day through September 30th, from 10 A.M. until 6 P.M. located just 20 minutes South of Tahquamenon Falls. $15.00 per carload, $10.00 for motorcycle or individuals, and free for Active Military. While you're at it make it a day and go to both the Ranch and the Tahquamenon Falls.

With four large enclosed habitats both kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing the black bears freely roaming in a natural environment, climbing up into trees, running around, napping, and playing in the falls they built specially for the bears. As you walk along you'll also learn little facts about bears with the signs they have hanging from the fences. But word of caution it is a walk threw and there is a lot of walking. So wearing comfortable shoes and clothing is a must. The terrain isn't exactly stroller or wheelchair friendly. But they do offer a golf cart for those with disabilities. They also offer a trolley for large senior groups and bus tour groups (free with the purchase of admittance into the Ranch). If you can you should bring a camera. They have platforms to get a bird's eye view and they also have holes threw out the fences for pictures.

There is a Bear Ranch Cafe where you can get something to and drink and you can also pick up some apples there to feed the bears too. Also while you are there for $5.00 you can go into the bear cubs' keenel and have bunch of photos taken with the cubs. Before you leave make sure you stop by the gift shop it has batteries, stuff toys, postcards, shirts, and more. For more information check out their website at http://www.superiorsights.com/oswaldsbearranch.