While most people have some idea of what to expect when they visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge – well over 100 lions, tigers, and bears, all rescued and now given a home – many do not know that their visit here doesn’t have to be just one day. You can stay overnight here as well.
“We have several lodging options at Turpentine Creek,” says Lodging Coordinator Lori Hartle. “The Siberian and Bengal suites are family friendly and right up alongside the main habitat area. You can see tigers right out your window or off your porch. Our Zulu safari lodges – the Okavango, Kilimanjaro, Kalahari, Serengeti, and Congo – are set back further and are more private, with an astonishing view of the Ozarks. These lodges are decorated with rare art and center on a hot tub and fire pit. Each has its own private back deck, and all the lodges there are adult only. The Okavango is also handicap accessible.”
There are yet more options for those interested in getting up close and personal with the big cats. “There’s the tree house,” Hartle says. “It’s pretty cozy and the children love feeling like they are sleeping up in the trees. It has a full wraparound deck so you can sit up in the trees and listen to the lions roaring.”
Turpentine Creek also offers six RV/tent spots with electric and water hookups, and some with septic.
For information about lodging at Turpentine Creek or to make your reservation online, go to:
https://www.turpentinecreek.org/lodging/