Black bears are not something you expect to see up close on a normal road trip.
But tucked away in the forests of Michigan, there’s a place where dozens of these massive animals roam, climb trees, and wrestle with each other.
This spot is home to more rescued black bears than anywhere else in the United States, and you can walk through the property to see their large habitats.
It’s one of the most unusual wildlife experiences you can find in the Midwest.
And unless you know where to look, you would never guess the largest bear ranch in America is hiding here.
Where Is It?
You’ll find Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a short drive on M-123 followed by about 4.5 miles on County Road 407.
It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Mackinaw City, 2 hours from Marquette, 5.5 hours from Grand Rapids, and roughly 5.5 hours from Detroit.
If you’re visiting from Canada, Sault Ste. Marie is about a 1.5-hour trip across the International Bridge.
About
Oswald’s Bear Ranch in Newberry is the largest bear-only ranch in the United States.
It first opened in 1997 and now spans about 240 acres, dedicated to giving rescued black bears a safe place to live.
About 40 American black bears live here, and when you arrive, you’ll follow a dirt path through the woods that passes four large bear habitats.
Each habitat is enclosed by tall fencing and surrounded by woods, with raised viewing platforms so you can easily watch the bears roam, climb, and splash around.
Seeing them up close really shows how massive these animals are, with some of the biggest bears here weighing over 900 pounds.
And one of the coolest parts of the visit is that you can feed them by buying apples at the ranch and tossing them over the fence.
That’s when you’ll notice that many of the bears have their own personalities, especially the playful ones that pace along the fence looking for treats.
If you can’t resist their charm, you can take a photo with a cute little cub and even pet it, which is a highlight for many visitors.
It’s a really fun experience that feels like walking through the woods with surprise bear sightings waiting around every corner.
So if you love wildlife and want to see American black bears up close while learning about their rescue and care, this place is definitely worth a stop.
Know Before You Go
Seasonal Hours
Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a seasonal attraction that opens the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and stays open through October 6th.
During the main season, the ranch is open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with shorter hours of 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM after Labor Day.
Admission Prices
Admission is $30 per vehicle, or $15 if you’re visiting on your own.
If you’re arriving in a van with more than six people, admission is $10 per person.
Tips for Visiting
- Bring a few extra dollars if you want to buy apples to feed the bears, which is easily one of the most fun parts of the visit.
- The ranch is mostly outdoors along a wooded walking path, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.
- Summer days in the Upper Peninsula can be warm, so be sure to wear sunblock while exploring.
- Mosquito spray can also come in handy during the middle of summer since the ranch is surrounded by thick forest.
Things to Do Nearby
If you’re planning a full day of exploring, there are some great stops nearby.
You can swing through the small town of Newberry to grab gas, find a restaurant, or pick up a quick bite before continuing your Upper Peninsula adventure.
If you’re craving more time outdoors, the Newberry State Forest Area is about a 10-minute drive away and offers hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
There’s also Tahquamenon Falls State Park, just 30 minutes away and home to the famous Upper Falls, which drop about 50 feet and stretch 200 feet across.
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