Which Is Best: Dickerson Park Zoo Or Endangered Wolf Center. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA

Explore the wildlife wonders of Missouri, USA at two of its premier zoological parks - Dickerson Park Zoo and Endangered Wolf Center.

Walk through 70 acres of Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, housing over 450 species for your family day out, featuring tigers, elephants and more, ensuring a delight of close encounters with animals.

Compare with the expansive 2000 acres at the Endangered Wolf Center, Eureka, focused on wolf rescue and conservation.

Discover accessibility, cost and scenery differences, restrictions, amenities and the unique animal attractions each has to offer.

Which Is Best: Dickerson Park Zoo Or Endangered Wolf Center. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Missouri, USA

At A Glance

The Dickerson Park Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center are both notable animal havens located in Missouri, USA, offering unique experiences for visitors.

The Dickerson Park Zoo, situated in Springfield, spans over 70 acres, houses over 450 animals, and is best known for hosting a range of animals including tigers, giraffes, elephants, and lions.

It champions close encounters with animals, conservation, and is ideal for families with children of all ages, including those with disabilities.

On the other hand, the Endangered Wolf Center, located in Eureka, has a sprawling 2000 acres dedicated primarily to the rescue and conservation of wolves and foxes.

Although it may not be easily accessible for wheelchairs, it offers a detailed 90-minute tour, making it an ideal spot for families with older children.

Both venues offer parking and have a no-animal-holding policy, but while the Dickerson Zoo has food stalls and restricts bringing in of outside foods, the Wolf Center allows guests to bring their own food and drink but does not have food stalls.

Dogs are welcome visitors at the Dickerson Zoo, unlike the Endangered Wolf Center, which only allows service animals.

Size

In comparing Dickerson Park Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center, one of the most notable contrasts is their respective sizes.

The Dickerson Park Zoo, based in Springfield, covers a family-friendly tract of 70 acres and it takes visitors roughly 2-3 hours to experience all attractions this zoo offers.

On the other hand, the Endangered Wolf Center, located in Eureka, boasts a vast landscape spanning 2000 acres, serving its mission as a wolf rescue and conservation center.

Given its size, tours of this immense area take around 90 minutes, offering a relatively faster-paced visit compared to the extended experience at Dickerson Park Zoo.

More About Dickerson Park Zoo

About Dickerson Park Zoo

Size (acres) 70
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $17
Child Price $12
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $58
Parking Free
Number Of Animals Over 450 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food? No

Information from https://dickersonparkzoo.org/

Price

Dickerson Park Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center, both located in Missouri, USA offer different price points for animal enthusiasts.

An adult ticket at the Dickerson Park Zoo costs $17, while at the Endangered Wolf Center it costs a dollar more at $18.

A child ticket at Dickerson Park is somewhat cheaper at $12, compared to the Wolf Center where it stands at $15.

Concession ticket prices at Dickerson Park are again lower at $14, while they are priced the same as an adult ticket at the Wolf Center i.e., $18.

At both places, the youngest visitors can enjoy free entry if they are under a certain age, two years old in the case of Dickerson Park Zoo and three years at the Endangered Wolf Center.

Finally, for an average family of four, a trip to Dickerson Park Zoo would cost $58 compared to $66 at the Endangered Wolf Center.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Dickerson Park Zoo is $58 compared to 66 at Endangered Wolf Center.

Dickerson Park Zoo and Endangered Wolf Center, both located in Missouri, offer a remarkable assortment of creatures to appreciate.

Dickerson Park Zoo, on one hand, has a more diverse range of animals on exhibit with over 450 animals spanning numerous species.

Tigers, Giraffes, Elephants, and Lions are among some of the notable animals in the 70-acre zoo.

On the other hand, the Endangered Wolf Center, though larger at 2000 acres mainly specializes in caring for and conserving wolves, with the inclusion of foxes as part of its animal inhabitants.

The vast disparity in the species type signifies the different focus of each establishment, with Dickerson primarily being a zoo with a variety of animals while the Endangered Wolf Center is a dedicated conservation center primarily for wolves. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-endangered-wolf-center”>

More About Endangered Wolf Center

About Endangered Wolf Center

Size (acres) 2000
Time To Walk Around Tours last around 90 mins Hours
Adult Price $18
Child Price $15
Infant Price Free Under 3 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $66
Parking Free
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://www.endangeredwolfcenter.org/

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Accesibility

When it comes to accessibility for visitors with mobility difficulties, there are distinct differences between Dickerson Park Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center.

Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri is designed with favorable conditions for wheelchair users or those who have trouble walking as it provides walkways suitable for wheelchairs.

This makes it a very inclusive environment for families who might have members with disabilities.

On the other hand, the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Missouri, presents some accessibility challenges as their trails may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Therefore, depending on individual abilities and needs, visitors may find Dickerson Park zoo more suitable for a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Pefect For

Both Dickerson Park Zoo and the Endangered Wolf Center offer unique experiences suited for certain types of trips.

Dickerson Park Zoo, offering close encounters with a wide range of animals such as tigers, giraffes, and elephants, is a fantastic option for a family day out with children of all ages.

The walkways are suitable for wheelchairs and the zoo even welcomes pet dogs, making it notably inclusive.

Toddlers will enjoy the variety of sights and sounds to observe, while older kids will be interested in the protection and conservation efforts.

In contrast, the Endangered Wolf Center primarily houses wolves and foxes and is more suited for families with older children due to the zoo’s expansive terrain.

Though the trails may be unsuitable for wheelchairs, the focused approach to wolf rescue and conservation offers an educational experience.

Bringing pet dogs is not permitted which might be a consideration for families planning their visit.

Both zoos provide exciting educational opportunities, though the best choice between the two depends on the specific needs and interests of each family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Dickerson Park Zoo and Endangered Wolf Center in Missouri offer unique experiences.

The Dickerson Park Zoo is a more traditional family-friendly day out, featuring a wide range of animal species and accessibility for families of all ages.

The zoo places special emphasis on close encounters with animals and their protection and conservation.

It’s also convenient for those with disabilities and welcomes pet dogs.

On the other hand, the Endangered Wolf Center is a more specialized adventure, best suited to families with older children and individuals passionate about wolf rescue and conservation.

The spacious grounds and allowance for self-catering add a touch of the wild and freedom to the outing.

Although the Center may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments or pet dogs, the authorities are considerate towards service animals.

Prices for both locations are fairly similar, though you’ll spend a bit more for a family outing at the Endangered Wolf Center.

In terms of size, the Wolf Center far exceeds Dickerson Park Zoo.

However, the specific choice between these two depends largely on personal preferences and the unique offerings each location provides to its visitors.

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