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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, Eureka Springs

4.7
#1 of 27 in Wildlife in Arkansas
Wildlife Area Nature / Park Must See
A peaceful sanctuary for big cats, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is home to leopards, tigers, cougars, and even black bears and ligers. Many of these animals came to the refuge wounded or neglected. The staff nurses the animals back to health and provides comfortable habitats. Volunteers staff the refuge and help care for the public access areas; they're also available to answer your questions. Use our Eureka Springs day trip site to visit Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge on your trip to Eureka Springs, and learn what else travelers and our writers recommend seeing nearby.
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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Reviews
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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating 4.5
2,072 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • By StL_travel_light
    Our tour guide was Jason and he did a great job on a not so great day. It was rainy and pretty cold but most of the cats were out under trees and we learned so much. I am glad there are places like th...  more »
  • By Tanya B
    I visited here over 20 years ago. It was wonderful to see the growth and improvements. They have met so many of their goals and keep going strong. Highly recommend taking the bust tour around the prop...  more »
  • By hpgent
    Just to let you know this wasn't our first visit to Turpentine Creek. Came here on our vacation in 2014 and our youngest daughter who was still in high school said "I would like to pursue wildlife stu...  more »
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Google
  • By Kayla Wostal
    My husband and I had such a great time. The big cats were lounging around in the sun, and some walked up to the fence. Our guide was very knowledgable and friendly. They have other exotic animals to see besides the cats. You can also stay there overnight in the lodges. It would be a great place to stay while visiting Eureka Springs. Loved it!
  • By Pey Stephen
    Staff was very knowledgeable and respectful of all their animal residents. They are doing an exceptional job caring for the rescues and I honestly cannot recommend them enough. If you go, please donate! They definitely deserve it.
  • By Craig Mix
    Very nice, animals looked as if they were cared for wonderfully. We really enjoyed our visit and will definitely visit again in the future. I would recommend a stroller if you are bringing small children since there is going to be quite a bit of walking involved.
  • By DJ Plumlee
    The family really enjoyed our time walking the grounds and on the guided tour. The animals just seem so content. Will definitely be going back. Would love to spend a night in one of the lodges and watch the cats all evening.
  • By Natalie Rice
    My family and I absolutely love it here! This refuge is home to many large cats and a few other animals... all rescues. The work they do is wonderful. Many of these animals came from bad situations, and now they have a permanent safe, healthy, happy home. This is a great place to take anyone who loves big cats.
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