Salato Wildlife Center

This is a hidden gem in Frankfort, KY. More than twenty years ago I visited this site with my husband and kids. I put it off of my bucket list of places to revisit at that time. It was next to nothing but a nice place to stroll around a lake and feed the ducks.This summer when my daughter and grandson came to town they requested that we forego our annual trip to the Louisville Zoo and give the Salato Wildlife Education Center a try. We went there and my expectations were extremely low. I was pleasantly surprised at the changes that occurred since I was here last. The small museum utilizes every nook and cranny with exhibits It is very informative yet fun for all. Then after making the circle through the museum we exited the rear door to the outside and began our leisurely stroll down paths and around loops to see all the live wildlife. Even though there were multiple families visiting at the same time the grounds absorbed the people so you didn't feel like you were in a crowd. There are many opportunities for kids to have a hands on feel for the subject matters.So the $5. for adults and the $3. for kids was well worth our afternoon visit to the center. Woohoo, I'll be back on my own just to walk the grounds again.

We drove by Salato on our way to a distillery tour and decided to come back later in the day. Entry for adults is $5, which is completely worth it! We loved seeing the bee exhibit inside and the bison exhibit outdoors. This is fun and educational wildlife center for people of all ages!

These hiking trails are no joke!We came back to try the hiking trails today. Wow, how I underestimated the trails' descriptions on the website. These trails are not for everyone! They are all windy, narrow and traversing plenty of elevation changes. The trails' surfaces are dominated by exposed roots and rocks so this is no leisurely stroll through the woods. I say the trails are narrow because they do not leave much space between me and the gnarly poison ivy vines. I already saw armies of them rearing their vile, ugly heads through the forest floor, ready to search and destroy human skin. Now I got that out of the way, here are the pros:They are all well marked. Many trees along the way are marked with different color paints. There are some trails that are doable enough for leisure hikers. While it was no easy hike for us, we did manage to complete about 2miles in a reasonable amount of time. The Pea Ridge Loop does have a couple of cut across trails if the loop becomes too much of a challenge. So, if you are tired of the same old route and want a real challenge, check out these trails!

I absolutely love the Salato Wildlife Center. It's an education center, so indoors there's a small museum with exhibits to explore, aquariums with fish, amphibians, and reptiles, and an active beehive. Outside is set up more like a zoo, with animals native to Kentucky (black bear, elk, deer, bison, bobcats, a variety of birds, groundhogs, skunks, turtles, etc.). Last time I was there, staff were working with a groundhog. They were putting it in a cart to take inside, but spotted my family and offered to let us see the animal up close. They explained that they teach it to show it's teeth before getting a treat, which helps them identify any dental issues the animal may have without any additional stress to the animal. The groundhog was happy to show us its teeth! Each exhibit appears to have plenty of space for the animals to roam freely and the animals seem well cared for. It's a great way to spend a day and really inexpensive ($5 for adults; $3 for kids 5 and up; Free admission for 4 and under). There are also many hiking trails, picnic areas, and stocked fishing lakes that are free to the public. At the Salato Center, you can even check out fishing poles and tackle for free, as long as you have a fishing license. Since it's run by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, you can also purchase or renew fishing and hunting licenses at the center.

$5 for adults, $3 for kids. 4 and under are free.There's a smallish building that homes a selection of turtles, toads, snakes, and fish. These exhibits are sad...very small and little room to move around. You walk out and explore the rest of the grounds and exhibits which include a groundhog, black bear, bobcat, bison, elk, a bald,eagle, and deer and turkeys. These exhibits are better than zoos as they give the animals some roam to roam and because they're Kentucky native species, theyre natural with real plants and hiding spaces. However, most of the animals are alone, allowing them NO socialization. Each has an information card as well to teach you a little about the species. Beyond this, there are some trails to explore. These were easy trails, (our 5 year old did them) but on a hot day, I recommend taking water. I noticed quite a lot of advertsiements for fishing licenses, some subtle and some not so much. **This is NOT a sanctuary or a rescue, but a wildlife educational center. We did learn some here but I was a bit bothered by the indoor exhibits small size and the animals being solo. Education is important but so is the emotional state of the wildlife.That being said, it is a pretty place. There are no guides.

Just visited the Salato Wildlife Center with my husband for the first time and had the most wonderful experience. The facilities are beautiful and informative not to mention get you up close with the animals and it's only $5 for adults to visit. We weren't expecting to see the variety that we did, the cats and deer were favorites. Will definitely be back!

If you don't know this is a Wildlife Center owned by the state. It is set up like a small zoo with elk, bison, deer, eagles, wildcats etc outdoors. Inside there are reptiles and fish. Also has a great waterfall for taking pictures. The best part is that it is all FREE!There are also a couple small lakes on the front of the property for public fishing. They will even provide poles for you if needed (not sure if a deposit is required or what). There is also a lot of shaded areas for picnics.

I definitely recommend this place as a fun place to take children to educate them on animals and is for a good cause.Its taking care of animals that cannot be released into the wild or to help them get back into the wild.in all this is one of the best wildlife rehabilitation centers I've been to with great animal care and lots of space for them to move freely and if you are looking for close encounters with animals but without being in any danger this is the place for you, in my opinion this wildlife center deserves 5 stars

This place isn't free anymore. They charge a small fee. There are a few things to look at indoors. Their "aquariums" aren't much to look at. I enjoyed the nature walk outside. There are several animals to see and my favorite was the eagle. You could see the eagle very close up. It was the best exhibit. Couldn't see the bear because he was behind a rock, taking a nap. The layout of the exhibits make some animals hard to see - bobcat, deer, turkeys, etc. But it's worth the stop.

Do not listen to the negative views on here, this place is exceptional and a Kentucky Treasure that would make Dr. Salato a very proud man. This place is well maintained, clean, and great friendly staff. Fun for any age and very educational for all.