Ogemaw Nature Park — Attraction in Foster Township

CONTACT We tried a couple different phone numbers (one listed on the Houghton Lake travel site) and both were wrong numbers. Going by the facebook page that hadn’t been updated in years and this google page, we weren’t sure if they were even open. Or what sites hours were correct. We were able to confirm they were open by asking on a Houghton Lake Facebook group and by calling the West Branch travel bureau.

FEEDING You do not need coins for a candy machine type feed. There are bags of food and a bottle for donations. Shaking the bags got a few to come down.

WEATHER I want to warn you if you’re going during rainy or snowy weather. When we went a few days ago in the beginning of March it was all ice and water. The deer pens are up on a hill and the fencing to feed the deer are on the bottom of it. A complete sheet of ice. Wear boots, walk slow.

FOOD- There is a picnic area and it looks to be some type of vendor stand that was not open at the time.

PLAY- Lots of play structures...

First, you website link doesn't lead you to the .com website- where you say you have Peacocks and an up nothing experience. My wife and I were there yesterday, expecting a happy time feeding the deer. ALL of the deer were laying down panting with thurst- your water was up in their barns. We also large rabbits buried in the grass from the heat, and it wasn't the hottest day. You had people at the home next to the cages, no one was attending the deer or making sure they had any water anywhere near where they were at. Another family with a small child said the same, it was depressing watching the deer showing lack of water and any energy to move. Not cool. Take care of your deer, and where are the...

Alright. So. My fiance and I were spending some time in the area and tried this place out, because 'Nature park' sounds great. Online there's pictures of cute deer and they offer bags of feed for a 1$ donation.

The deer are plagued by flies, in caged mud pits, zero grass, zero trees, zero toys, nothing but mud and a high chain link fence. There's no visible source of food for them other than the bulk corn feed the customers throw through the fence.

Digging deeper online shows emaciated deer.

0/10 for anyone who thinks deer should be treated better than..well, personally, I wouldn't treat any living...