Garlyn Zoo | Naubinway, Michigan
We stopped at the Garlyn Zoo and Wildlife Park during one of our Upper Peninsula drives a few years back — one of those spontaneous “why not?” detours that ends up being a highlight. I didn’t write about it at the time (rookie mistake), but I’m fixing that now so it doesn’t stay a three‑word ghost post forever.
Garlyn Zoo Wildlife Park is tucked along US‑2 in Naubinway, Michigan, just across from the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s a family‑run zoo that’s been around since 1994, set in a wooded 30‑acre property. The mix of animals is surprisingly broad — everything from Bengal tigers, cougars, and hyenas to alpacas, camels, and native Michigan wildlife like wolves and porcupines. There are also reptiles, tortoises, lemurs, and even fruit bats. The shaded trails make it an easy walk, and you can get pretty close to many of the animals.
We wandered the paths, checked out the big cats, and took way too many photos (see below). It’s the kind of place that works for a quick stop or a longer wander, especially if you’re already exploring the Upper Peninsula. Bonus: it’s right across from the lake, so you can pair it with a beach walk.
Our Garlyn Zoo Photo Gallery
Planning Your Visit
- Location: 9104 US‑2, Naubinway, MI — about an hour west of the Mackinac Bridge.
- Season: Typically open May through October.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, sunscreen, and water.
- Extras: You can buy animal feed on‑site for some interactive encounters.
- Pair it with: A stop at Lake Michigan’s shoreline right across the road.
If you’re road‑tripping through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Garlyn Zoo is an easy, family‑friendly stop with a mix of exotic and native animals in a relaxed, wooded setting. We’ll have to go back for a proper deep‑dive review — but for now, here’s the quick‑fix version so it finally earns its place in the archive.