Safari

8 Best Places to See Wildlife in the U.S.

There won't be any lions, but the U.S. has some pretty mighty wildlife of its own.

April 23, 2018

In Swahili, the word safari means “journey” or “trip.” Yet in English, the term implies an African tour with the express purpose of observing native fauna—lions, elephant, antelopes, oh my! But if you wanted to see the United States’ "Big Eight" in their natural habitat, where would you go? Here, eight destinations (and the creatures therein) across the country.

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To see bison: Custer State Park, South Dakota
Located in western South Dakota among the Black Hills, Custer State Park provides a peaceful home for America’s “First National Mammal” (thus named by President Obama in 2016). Herds of bison—more than 1,000 strong, in total—wander the grounds, munching on ample rangeland. Visit in autumn to witness the annual Buffalo Roundup, where cowboys initiate a stampede to corral the 1,400-pound animals to sort and brand them; or visit year-round to view the bison from the safety of a jeep tour.
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To see Kodiak bears: Kodiak archipelago, Alaska
Full of fjords, towering mountains, and glacial valleys, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 for the specific purpose of protecting Kodiaks, the largest subspecies of brown bear. Today, the 1.9 million acres of protected land serve as the habitat for some 3,000 bears, which are best seen in summer months—when the temperatures aren’t frigid and the Kodiaks aren’t deep in hibernation—via local groups like Kodiak Wildlife Tours.

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To see moose: Northern Maine
The Pine Tree State has the largest population of moose in the mainland U.S., with estimates near 75,000. The Maine Highlands and Aroostook County in the north provide more remote areas specifically worth exploring—especially from May through the fall, when moose are more prone to wander. Increase your odds of spotting the shy giants by booking a tour, like one with Northeast Whitewater, where you can observe moose from a canoe alongside a registered tour guide.
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To see alligators: the Everglades, Florida
Both American alligators and crocodiles can be found in Everglades National Park, the only place in the world the species cohabitate in the wild. Still, gators—who prefer freshwater marshes and swamps, but can also thrive in the brackish Glades—are the more plentiful species. With males growing up to 15 feet in length, and females up to ten feet, these massive reptiles won’t be hard to spot with the help of a guide (like those at Down South Airboat Tours). To avoid clouds of mosquitoes, impromptu thunderstorms, and insufferable humidity, think about visiting the Everglades outside of the summer months, as the gators can be seen year-round.

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To see bald eagles: Klamath Basin, California/Oregon border
The bald eagle has served as an official symbol of the U.S. since the Continental Congress put it on the Great Seal in 1782. Today, one of the best places to catch the majestic birds in action is the Upper Klamath Basin, which straddles the Oregon/California border. Plan a trip between November and March, when bald eagles flock for feeding. Before you go, check with the Klamath Basin Audubon Society for information on upcoming birding trips with expert guides.
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To see dolphins: Oahu’s West Coast, Hawaii
Unlike the other animals in this list, which are best viewed from a distance, travelers can get up close and personal with the dolphins that congregate off the western coast of Oahu. (If you don't want to leave your beach chair, though, the jumping spinner dolphins—present in the waters year-round—can even be seen some days from shore.) For a truly immersive experience, consider an eco-friendly boat excursion with a group like Wild Side Specialty Tours, where you can swim with a pod after some simple training.

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To see mountain goats: Glacier National Park, Montana
What can jump 12 feet in a single bound—and will trek up to 15 miles to lick a natural salt deposit? Chances are the snow-white mountain goat was not your first guess, but these nimble creatures that wander the steep cliffs of Glacier National Park are well-worth your attention. Plan your expedition with the resources available from the National Park Service, and aim to go between May and October, when trails are least likely to be obstructed by snow. A good place to start? Logan Pass, via Going-to-the-Sun Road, where the goats are especially prevalent.
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To see elephant seals: Point Reyes National Seashore, California
In the heat of mating season (December through March), up to 2,500 elephant seals crowd the beaches of the Point Reyes National Seashore, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco. Named after their short, elephant-like snout, these marine creatures can weigh as much as 5,500 pounds. Prior to visiting, check for seasonal closures, as some beaches overrun with seals may have restricted access—although you can still view the pinnipeds from a distance at the Elephant Seal Overlook, near Chimney Rock.