Storybook Gardens and Timbavati Wildlife Park

We made it to Wisconsin Dells.

I wanted to get in a few tourist attractions before we checked in to our hotel. 

Our first stop was Storybook Gardens and Timbavati Wildlife Park. 

Sounds strange, I know. But I had a feeling it would be awesome. 

I was right. 

This place began in the early 50's as Storybook Gardens.  It was one of the first tourist spots in the area, and a nice spot to take pictures and picnic.  You can walk around and see the old plaster statues of Humpty Dumpty and The Old Woman in the Shoe here.  I love this kind of stuff.

They also have a nice little train ride that takes you through the park.  Interspersed throughout the park, in between the 50's nursery rhyme characters,  are different cages of exotic animals.  Almost like a mini zoo.  Odd combination, but you just have to go with it.  After our train ride,  we sat down for a Wildlife show.

The animal show was really good.  I was pleasantly surprised.  They showcased a lot of different animals, including a baby tiger.  (Maddie loved that.  She is obsessed with wild cats this year.)  To the left is a baby spider monkey.  To the right is Max and Maddie with a baby wombat and the Storybook Garden Princess.  Yes, there was a princess wandering around the park and helping with the show.  I told you it was an awesome place.

After the show, we walked over to the giraffe compound.  We were able to feed and pet the giraffes!  It was such a cool up close experience.  It kind of made our day!  

We enjoyed ourselves here.   I think it is a fun place to come once.  Just call ahead to see if they are doing camel rides first!

*Know Before You Go:  The only problems were the cashier who sold us tickets and animal food was not full of information about the park and there was no map.  We had to wander around and figure it out ourselves.  She sold us animal food, but didn't tell us where to use it.  I am glad we saw other people feeding the giraffes, because that was a highlight.  There was supposed to be camel rides.  No one seemed to know when that would happen, so we missed that.