Oswald's Bear Ranch
While Staying at Northland Outfitters on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, one of the most unique experiences you can have is at Oswald's Bear Ranch. Located just north of Newberry, MI, Oswald's is a place where you can experience the North American Black Bear up close and personal.
Most bear ranches and parks have other animals and are relatively small. Oswald's focuses on the protection and education of only bears and is the largest bear ranch in the United States.
Location and Contact Information
Address: Oswald's Bear Ranch is located at 13171 East Highway 13, Newberry, MI, 49251
Phone: (906) 932-9580, or online at www.oswaldsbearranch.com
Hours:
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m, during the months of April through October
How much does it Cost?
The cost of visiting Oswald's Bear Ranch is $15 for adults and $10 for children aged 7 to 12. Children aged 6 and under are free.
The ranch also offers a family package for $30 for 2 adults and 2 children.
What to Expect at Oswald's Bear Ranch
Oswald's Bear Ranch is set up as both a bear rescue and a bear experience facility. All of the bears were originally rescued from a variety of situations, from abuse and neglect to being orphaned.
The bears are kept in large pens that are the size of a football field and are in excellent condition. The pens are surrounded by a large moat, which is intended to protect the animals and the humans. While the bears are in rehabilitation, they are not available for public viewing. Once they are deemed healthy and ready to be released, they are moved to the pens ready for public viewing.
The facility is operated as a non-profit organization, and 100% of the proceeds are used to help bears in need.
The Best Activities at Oswald's Bear Ranch
Petting Bears
If you are lucky enough to visit when a bear is available for viewing and petting, it is an experience you will never forget. But you must remember that these are wild animals that have been abused and neglected and must be treated with respect. The bears are very gentle and affectionate, and most of them enjoy being scratched on their head, ears, and back.
Feeding Bears
Feeding the bears is allowed in certain specific areas, but only certain types of food are permitted. Oswald's provides you with the food at no additional charge.
Rafting the River
A river runs through the center of the bear ranch, and you can choose to raft down the river with a guide. The guide will tell you about the history of the ranch, how the bears were rescued, and answer any questions you may have.
Viewing the Bears from the Observation Deck
This is perhaps the best way to see the bears when there are no other activities going on. From the observation deck, you can view the bears as they swim in the river, climb trees, and play in the surrounding fields.
About the North American Black Bear
The black bear is North America's most common bear and is the main species of bear found at Oswald’s. It can be found in Canada, Alaska, and all of the contiguous states, except Florida.
The black bear is a large mammal that can grow up to 600 pounds and stand up to 3 feet tall when standing on its hind legs. It can live up to 25 years in the wild and 35 years in captivity. Black bears are omnivorous, eating both plants and animals.
Their diet varies depending on the time of year and what is available. Black bears can be aggressive when surprised or cornered, and frequent encounters with humans result in many bear encounters each year.
Oswald's Bear Ranch is set up as both a bear rescue and a bear experience facility. All of the bears were originally rescued from a variety of situations, from abuse and neglect to being orphaned. The bears are kept in large pens that are the size of a football field and are in excellent condition. The facility is operated as a non-profit organization, and 100% of the proceeds are used to help bears in need. Visitors can view the bears from an observation deck, go for a ride on a lazy river, and feed the bears. If you are visiting Northland Outfitters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, one of the most unique experiences you can have is at Oswald's Bear Ranch.