safari drive thru pa

• Meetings & Conventions
• International
• Sports & Events

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

• 760 Tobias Road Halifax, PA 17032
• Phone: (717) 362-9126

In the heart of Central Pennsylvania live hundreds of wild and exotic animals where a real safari adventure awaits you. Travel over 150 acres of rolling hills on a guided Safari Tour , where you will view herds of roaming animals and flightless birds, such as yak, buffalo, watusi, emus, and new this year - giraffe!. Stroll along fifty acres of zoo-type settings where monkeys, tigers, zebras, and many interesting creatures continuously educate and entertain park visitors. For those who wish to get even closer, visit the Petting Zoo filled with friendly African pygmy goats, alpacas, and camels. The Reptiles & Exotics facility will thrill you with such creatures as a tree sloth, pythons, tamarins, and tropical birds. And eye-opening presentations given throughout the day will enlighten you on these fascinating creatures. You can even touch an alligator if you dare! And don' miss the J. R. Tobias Museum & Education Center with the history of the park, hands-on activities for children, and a 500-gallon aquarium with stingrays. Come, join us for a day of wild adventure. Open May through October. For more information visit our website at laketobias.com and check out our facebook . See you at the zoo!

E-newsletter Signup

Get info about events, news, special offers & more right in your inbox!

Free Travel Guide

Request a free Visit Hershey & Harrisburg Travel Guide!

Visit Hershey Harrisburg 3211 North Front Street, Suite 301-A, Harrisburg, PA 17110

(877) 727-8573 (717) 231-7788

Cookies are used for optimization and tracking. By continuing to use our site you agree to our privacy policy .

Keystone Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Keystone Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Keystone Safari zoo near Grove City adds hour-long drive-thru tour

The wildlife scene has increased at Keystone Safari near Grove City.

Just up the road from Keystone Safari’s walk-thru park is their latest expansion: a self-guided drive-thru safari tour, offering interaction with more than 100 animals and 25 species.

Keystone Safari opened in 2019 and is family-owned by Adam and Tanis Guiher.

Adam Guiher, a member of the Zoological Association of America, has worked since 2012 developing the 144-acre Keystone Safari facility. It encompasses two separate interactive animal parks, located Liberty Township, Mercer County.

Billed as both educational and entertaining, guests can expect to spend about an hour driving their personal vehicle during the drive-thru option, which provides a covid-19 friendly activity, said general manager Josh Vasbinder.

“This is a really good alternative for people that want to space themselves out among others and use their own vehicles to drive through our safari area,” Vasbinder said.

Roll down the car windows and choose to feed or simply watch animals such as emus, bison, elk, zebras, donkeys, llamas, Highlander cattle, yak and more.

But hold that feed bucket tightly, the hungry mouths of the inquisitive animals don’t hold back as they chomp away on the high-fiber grain sold for $5 per bucket.

“They didn’t bite or anything,” said first-time visitor Bryce Pryor, 11. “I liked the camels and buffaloes.”

“We’re in the car, we’re all safe. We have hand sanitizer and we don’t have to worry being around other people,” said first-time visitor Leslie Stephens from Pittsburgh’s Brookline neighborhood. “The emus and ostrich — they actually came into the car — that was fun and exciting.”

The drive-thru is open daily from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. during September.

A new sunset safari option was added Saturdays from 6 p.m.-8 p.m., with the last vehicle admitted in at 7:15 p.m.

“Driving through as the sun is perfectly setting and watching all of the animals graze the fields is stunningly beautiful,” Vasbinder said.

No outside food is permitted.

Safari rules are enforced, such as remaining in your vehicle; not hanging out of your vehicle; driving 2 mph; and no pets of any kind.

The walk-through park features beginner and moderate zip-line courses, treetop adventure, pony rides, gift shop, animal feedings, butterfly garden, reindeer barn, bounce house and more.

Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at [email protected]

Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.

Get Ad-Free >

If you go What: Keystone Safari Where: 2284 Mercer Butler Pike, Grove City (Liberty Township) When: Open Daily 10 a.m- 6 p.m. during September Check the website for operating hours in October Operating season runs April-January Admission: $15 adults (ages 13-61), $12 child (ages 3-12), $12 senior (age 62+), free (age 2 and under) Combo pass for both parks: $25 adult; $22 child/senior The drive-thru safari is cash only at the ticket booth unless purchased in advance at the Keystone Safari gift shop. Details: keystonesafari.com

TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.

News Spotlight

• Watching the Solar Eclipse at Foggy Mountain Lodge: What You Need to Know Foggy Mountain Lodge Partner News
• How to Choose the Right Martial Arts Program for Your Child Norwin Ninjas Partner News
• Allegheny County exec candidate Joe Rockey unveils economic plan TribLive
• Are Ceramic Coatings Good For Your Car's Paint? Elusive Auto Shine Partner News
• From White to Black Belt: A Child's Journey to Building Confidence and Discipline Through Karate Norwin Ninjas Partner News
• Biden-Trump rematch comes into view with dueling visits to Georgia TribLive
• What is the Role of Museums in Preserving History? Bradford House Historical Association Partner News
• Plum equipping school buses with cameras to catch drivers passing illegally TribLive
• St. Alexis Festival returns in July with carnival rides, midway, food and kiddie land TribLive
• Pirates A to Z: Alika Williams showed smooth defense at shortstop but was a streaky hitter TribLive

North Side favorite Gus & Yiayia’s to open for the season

Adventure Awaits At This Drive-Thru Safari Park Near Pittsburgh

Beth Price-Williams

A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.

More by this Author

Can you think of a better way to spend a lovely day than meeting – and even feeding – an assortment of wild animals at a safari park near Pittsburgh? When you visit Keystone Safari Park, you can take a leisurely drive around the park that’s home to an impressive number of animals, including bison and llamas. If you’re up for more fun after that, head to the walk-thru park.

Related Stories

Welcome Autumn With A Visit To Trax Farms Harvest Days Near Pittsburgh

There’s A Sunflower Maze Near Pittsburgh That’s Just As Magnificent As It Sounds

Triple B Farms Near Pittsburgh Promises A Socially Distant & Safe Good Time

Have you been to this drive-thru safari park near Pittsburgh? What did you like best about it? Share your experience in the comments! Check out these four out-of-place animals in Pittsburgh . Have you seen any of them?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Want more Pittsburgh in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Pittsburgh!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• Summon All Of Your Courage To Visit Fright Farm Near Pittsburgh, A Terrifying Haunted Destination
• Drive Through A Magical Winter Wonderland At Zoo Lights In Pittsburgh This Winter
• Cut Your Own Tree, Go On A Hayride, And Meet Santa At Flemings Farms Family Fun Weekends Near Pittsburgh
• Escape To Latodami Nature Center For A Beautiful Pittsburgh Nature Scene
• Cool Down With One Of The Biggest Milkshakes You've Ever Had At Fudge Farm In Pittsburgh
• Go On A Virtual Field Trip With The Whole Family To The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
• Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve In Pittsburgh Is One Of The Most Stunning Lesser-Known Places In The City
• Sample Beer And Play Games At Pour 'N Play Hosted By Trax Farms Near Pittsburgh

Featured Addresses

Visitor information

Plan your visit to Lake Tobias in Central PA

More information:.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park brings the excitement of exotic animals to adventurers of all ages. Take an open-air safari journey through our 150 acres of rolling hills, pasture and woodlands to see more than 500 mammals and flightless birds roaming free. You can also explore our reptile and exotics habitat building , petting zoo , park museum , and the best zoo in the area featuring all of the animals you love in educational exhibits and realistic habitats. Presentations throughout the day give you extra insight into the lives and habits of the fascinating creatures you encounter.

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park Vision

At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we believe in providing an accessible, affordable way for people to learn more about the natural world and the creatures that live in it. Interacting directly with our animals helps foster a love of nature that can last a lifetime, and enjoying wildlife makes a great family activity that creates a bond between generations. We’re a family-owned and operated business, and we have more than 50 years of experience giving residents and visitors up-close encounters with wildlife.

Hours of Operation

Lake Tobias Wildlife Park is open every day from May through Labor Day and on weekends only in September and October. We also open on Columbus Day from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and sometimes hold special events during normal operating hours. Safari tours run 45 minutes, so there’s plenty of time for you to take a tour and then spend the rest of the day exploring the zoo and other exhibits. For more information, please visit our hours page.

Keep our animals safe and healthy by following park rules.  Alcohol and weapons are strictly prohibited on the property to protect the animals and fellow guests. For a more detailed list of the rules at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, check out our rules page .

Handicap Accessibile Tours

At Lake Tobias Wildlife Park, we want to give everyone the best zoo experience possible. That’s why our zoo exhibits are wheelchair accessible , and we operate a special wheelchair-accessible safari bus and offer golf cart services for visitors with limited mobility. We recommend using a wheelchair with large rear wheels because transport or companion wheelchairs may be more difficult to push over sloped or gravel-covered areas of the park. For visitors’ safety and health, we also have a certified first-aid assistant on staff and operate two first-aid stations at the park.

Best Zoo For Events

We strive to make Lake Tobias Wildlife Park the best zoo in the area for corporate outings, family reunions, and other events. Whether you’re renting a table for your scouting group to use during a visit or booking a prepaid package deal for a child’s birthday party, we offer special  group rates and reservations to make your event successful.

Fishing Fun

Practice your angling skills at our lake, where you can do catch-and-release fishing for an additional fee of $3 per person over age 13. The lake is stocked with bass, trout, and bluegill. Younger kids fish free with a paying guest over age 16. Don’t forget to bring your own rod and bait.

Local Accommodations

If you’re coming to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park from out of town, or if you have family members and friends visiting the area from afar, there are plenty of accommodations options nearby. Some popular area hotels near Halifax, Pennsylvania, include Ramada Inn, Days Inn and Red Roof Inn. There are also plenty of local camping options within a short driving distance of the park, including Camp Hebron and Ferryboat Campground. Check out our  Accommodations page for more information on local lodging.

Attractions

Zoo Exhibits

Safari Tours

Petting Zoo

Reptiles & Exotics

Baby Animal Program

J.R. Tobias Museum & Education Center

Catch & Release Fishing

Dining & Food

New Giraffe Exhibit

Visitor information.

Directions/Parking

Handicapped/Accessibility

Table Reservations

Groups & Parties

Accommodations

About/History

Educational Outreach

ZooVenture Summer Camp

Affiliations

Site Map |  Employees

Search LakeTobias.com

MEET THE WILD FROM YOUR CAR OR WAGON.

View over 50 species of animals...all from the comfort of your own vehicle! You'll be able to see animals roam freely on our gorgeous property  Drive your vehicle on our maintained gravel road and see the animals through your windows! See everything from Auodad to Zebra and lots in between!  

Drive-Thru Safari Park .

Visit anytime between  9:30 AM and 4:00 PM,  7 days a week. No reservations necessary!

*Pricing above is subject to change.

*Feed IS NOT included, subject to an additional charge.

Adults - $23.00 Seniors (65+) - $20.00 Children (3-12) - $17.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Our Pricing .

Experience the self-guided Drive Thru Safari in your personal vehicle and see over 50 different species!  

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SAFARI!

OPEN AIR VEHICLES are NOT allowed.  Vehicles must have tops and solid doors to participate in the safari.

Guided Wagon .

Experience the guided Drive Thru Safari on wagon and see over 50 different species!  Go off the path and get up close and personal with the animals! Reservations highly suggested!

Adults - $37.00 Seniors (65+) - $34.00 Children (3-12) - $31.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Available seasonally from Mid-March-October 1 Hour Experience 9:30, 10:45, 12:00, 1:45, 3:00- peak season 10:00, 12:00, 2:00- non-peak season

+SAFARI FEED: INCLUDED

*Safari Feed IS included!

Also Included .

ROOS & CREW

​ Don't miss the variety of small animals at our Roos and Crew Barn.  View our animals in an intimate setting and learn all about their personalities. 

Complete with a variety of small animals, kangaroos, and our iguana it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Save Time .

Save Time by clicking the link below and completing your waiver prior to arrival!

Important Info .

ALL car occupants must purchase a full price ticket.  All safari park purchases are non-refundable!

Have any  Questions ?

4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454

[email protected]     //  812-936-4484

Proudly created by: fuhscreative.com

Grove City Area Chamber of Commerce

Rooted in tradition, branching towards tomorrow

What To Do Wednesday: A Safari Drive-Thru

July 22, 2020 By execdir

Every Wednesday we make a suggestion of something to do in our community. These might be new ideas you haven’t considered before, or they might be reminders of what you have been missing out on. They don’t have to be completed on a Wednesday, any time will do! For this week’s What To Do Wednesday, we suggest experiencing a Safari Drive-Thru! This is something exciting to do right here in Grove City, PA!

Keystone Safari has provided our community, and visitors alike, to some wild entertainment! They opened in Grove City not that long ago, but they have already brought so much joy and education to our area. Recently, they opened their newest and largest addition yet, a Safari Drive-Thru! This provides the opportunity to drive-thru and see over 100 animals of 25 different species in large open spaces. The animals can come right up to your vehicle and windows! They are just as curious about us as we are about them! But, do not get out of your vehicle or hang out of your windows, this is for your protection and that of the animals.

Buckets of feed are available for $5 each from Keystone Safari that may be fed to most of the animals you encounter. Please do not feed the animals any food except what is available through Keystone Safari. This is to protect the animals. Also, do not bring animals of any kind with you. This is unsafe for everyone and is not permitted, no exceptions.

The Safari Drive-Thru is located just up the road from Keystone Safari’s walk-thru park. You can pay by card online in advance, or at the gift shop at the walk-thru park. Cash is accepted at the Safari Drive-Thru entrance. Admission is only $10 per person, or $40 per car load, whichever is cheaper. The exciting experience you will have and the memories you will make, will be simply priceless! Imagine being a child and getting to feed an emu as it walks up to your window and peers in….incredible!

Animals included in the Safari Drive-Thru: Llamas, Guanacos, Donkeys, Ponies, Highlander Cattle, Emu, Rhea, Gayal, Banteng, Oryx, Waterbuck, Blackbuck, Nilgai, Pere David’s Deer, Fallow Deer, Bison, Yak, Gyr, Eland, Turkeys, Zebras, Elk and more!

The Safari Drive-Thru is open daily from 10 AM – 6 PM, with the last vehicle admitted at 5:15 PM. Before you go, be sure to check their website to ensure you are able to follow all of the Safari Drive-Thru Rules. This will make your experience more enjoyable and memorable. We hope you will take our What To Do Wednesday suggestion and enjoy A Safari Drive-Thru right here in our own Grove City, PA!

Keystone Safari

2284 Mercer Butler Pike, Grove City, PA 16127

724-748-6777

Visit their website: http://www.keystonesafari.com

Call Us! 724-346-3771

• Attractions
• Request A Quote

Outdoor Adventure

• Historic Landmarks
• Restaurants
• Wine / Brew / Spirits Guide & Tour Information
• Bed and Breakfast
• Romantic Getaways
• Venues: Meetings, Conferences, Destination Weddings
• Golf Outings
• Transportation / Tours
• Group Travel Itineraries
• Order Coupon Book
• Adventure Guide
• Wine, Brew & Spirits Guide
• Plan Your Golf Outing
• Greenville, PA
• Grove City, PA
• Hermitage, PA
• Jamestown, PA
• Sandy Lake, PA
• Stoneboro, PA
• Our Community
• TRAVEL BLOGS

Travel Blogs

Winter adventures, keystone safari holiday tours.

Visit Mercer County to see the lights and sights at Keystone Safari! Enjoy the walk-thru holiday lights, where the entire park is lit up with Christmas cheer!

There will also be live ice carvings to watch as well as the opportunity to visit Santa at the Reindeer Barn! You may also get to meet the Grinch as he slinks around the park and get a photo with a baby Kangaroo!

Hours for the Holiday Lights Walk-Thru:

• Friday-Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm
• Walk-Thru closed: Monday-Thursday

Note: Only the gift shop is open Monday through Thursday, 9 am-5 pm

Santa, The Grinch, and the baby kangaroo photo opportunity are available from 5 pm-9 pm.

Guests can also enjoy the Drive-Thru Live Nativity Scene from December 16th-18th, Friday-Sunday from 5 pm- 9 pm. They will admit the final car for the nativity scene 45 minutes before closing time.

To learn more about Keystone Safari’s holiday lights, visit their website today!

• Recent Posts

• Experience an inspiring ride on the Underground Railroad Tour on June 14, 2024 - April 25, 2024
• Join us for the Shenango River Watcher’s “Where the River Runs” 10-Mile Trail Race in May! - April 5, 2024
• Party in the Path Eclipse Fest at Gatehouse Winery - March 6, 2024

Art And History Lovers

Travel Guides

Mercer County History

Featured Members

Spring Adventures

Major Annual Events

Autumn Escapes

Couples Getaway

Wine, Brew & Spirits Trail

Mercer County Shopping

Stay and play in mercer county, pa.

Privacy Overview

SEASON PASSES

Adult (ages 13+) season pass: $58.00.

Child (Ages 3-12) and Senior (ages 62+) Season Pass: $48.00

Military/First Responder: $48.00

*with valid ID*

*  When buying 3 to 5 passes together you will receive 5% off. *

* When buying 6 or more passes together you will receive 10% off. *

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PASSES