Up Close and Personal with the Deer at the Wisconsin Deer Park. (A Review)

Do you love deer, goats, pigs, emus and more? Are you planning a trip in or near the Wisconsin Dells? Well, if you answered yes to any of these questions, than the Wisconsin deer park might be for you.

The deer park is home to several species of deer, most of which are closed in fenced off areas. You can, however throw some food in to them, or perhaps wedge a cracker through the bars and hand feed them, if they are willing to come close enough. There are also white tailed deer and a paler, whiter species of deer. Both of these species run in the open in the park. They will come right up to you and you can feed and pet them as you see fit. This is always a wonderful experience for animal lovers and children a like.

The rules of the park are that you can feed any of the animals, and you can feed an pet the deer that you walk in with. You, however as a visitor are required not to go into the fenced off refuge areas after the deer, and you are also asked to allow the deer to walk to you. They will, believe me.

There are also some raccoons, rabbits, ring tailed lemurs, horses, birds, and other varied animals here. Heavy emphasis is on the varied species of deer, though. However, if you are like us, you might find that the goats do a wonderful job of upstaging the star deer.

If you are the type to want to take back some souvenirs, you'll be happy to browse the large gift shop of varied items. A friendly warning here, the gift shop has stuffed deer heads and antlers on the walls. As noted in the FAQ section of the official site of the deer park, these deer in the shop are ones that died of old age or health complications in the park. They were not killed intentionally. Still, some adults (like myself) and children might find this disturbing. You must go through the gift shop to get into the park, so this is unavoidable.

Some Tips

Grab enough packs of crackers when you pay your admission fee. It's a long way back to the gift shop if you run out and want more.

Depending on the age of any children that you might be in attendance with, it's best to feed smaller bits of crackers at a time. This will make the food last, trust me, it's not cheap food either. If you have young children break off slightly larger pieces. Long enough that they can feed the deer without worry of accidentally getting a finger in their mouths too.

If you do happen to run out of food, try the cones. They are a bit more at around fifty cents a cone, but the deer go ga-ga over them. Also the feed in the machines is a favorite treat. We've seen a deer reject the crackers, but run over for the cones and pellet feed.

The white tailed deer always seem more friendly and less skittish than spotted deer.

We've noticed that the later in the day that you go, the less interested in food the deer are. So, if possible, go here sometime in the afternoon, earlier if possible.

In the spring you are very likely to see some kids born. We happened to walk up to the goat corral one year right as a baby goat was being born. It was a rather interesting experience watching their first steps on wobbly legs and watching the mother groom them.

Be advised that the deer park has and will close without prior notice if the weather turns rainy. They might be open if it's just a short drizzle, but anything more and they very well could close up early. Plan your trip there accordingly.

Cost of admission is $8.50 per adult, children $6.50, children 2 and under are free. Last I was aware the crackers were $1 per bag. This is a bit costly to do often, but it's not terribly bad as a one time tourist visit.

The Bottom Line

While a bit pricey the Wisconsin Deer Park is a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.