Wilstem — Hotel in Paoli

VIP Bear Encounter: This was the best part of our 2 night, 3 day stay. Jeff could not have given a better encounter, with the assistance of Billy. Jeff has a sincere passion and is a wealth of knowledge with his bears. He spent plenty of time with our group. This is a must see attraction.

Drive-thru Safari: I say this was the second best experience of our trip, however, the lady at the gate seemed rushed and I wish I was better prepared. She asked us how many feeding cups we wanted. We were a party of 3. I wasn't sure so I said 5? She said usually you get one cup for each rider. I said oh okay then 3? Driving thru, I had no idea that one animal would most likely eat that cup of food. So I was a little disappointed that within the first few seconds, our food was gone within the first couple of animals. We would have spent more money on food cups had we been coached a little more and not rushed through the gate. However, it was a very cool experience, and Jeff told us they will soon be incorporating the Bear enclosure as part of the drive-thru. At the end of the drive-thru is a tent where you can dump your food cup trash and park to feed the camels carrot sticks if you wish to buy the treats. We intended to do so but we were scolded by a young female worker who redirected us to not park. We waited for further instruction while she directed folks behind us to go around us and allowed others to park and feed camels. Finally she made her way back to us and I told her we are still waiting to feed camels and asked why we couldnt park. She advised us to drive forward. We got frustrated and left the park ranch completely for a while to get away. So we didn't get the opportunity to dump our cups or purchase treats for the camels. Hopefully they figure out how to manage that area better for others to have a better experience. There was a gentleman with blonde curly hair who saw what hapoened and tried to help smooth over the end experience but I think we were bummed enough we didn't want to go back.

Zip-Lines: Same curly blonde headed gentleman helped with the zip-line experience. It was a great time and well worth the time spent on it. Warning, there is a steep hike back up a hill with a rugged walk at the end of the zip line.

Wilstem Ranch: We stayed in the upstairs Stemle Carriage. Our room was immaculate and super cozy. The bed was comfy. The Jacuzzi Tub did not work though, and don't go expecting to watch TV because the reception is terrible and nothing comes in. I know it is late in the season but we did swim Friday night in the outdoor pool, which we had to ourselves. The water was cold, and it had leaves and dirt in it but we didnt mind. Saturday we went back for a swim, pool had been cleaned. There was a wedding party in a barn across from us Sat night. We could not avoid the loud band playing with drinking and hooping and hollering going on for about 6 hours. We did have a nice small fire right outside. Both the cabin next to us and the suite under us had smokers in and out while we had a campfire but they didnt bother us. However, while my Husband took a shower, he could smell the smoke coming up in the shower room that he could not avoid. We are not complaining, just offering our experience so that you may be aware. The shower had nice warm water Friday night, but only cold water Saturday. I don't think I would choose to stay the night on the ranch again unless I lived 3-4 hours away. What we experienced coukd have been done in one day for a fraction of the cost had we known and planned better.

The actual animals were well fed and taken care of. They were so cute. Fresh veggies and fruits and bed shavings. I did not see poop or manure in any encounters. It did not smell, except for the porcupines! Billy was a good help throughout our experience, and a lady who worked the front deal at the home station.

I do suggest putting a paper copy of all encounters and times/costs in each can in for whoever is...

We stayed at the Outpost cabin and visited the wildlife park for the solar eclipse. I can't say enough great things about the cabin. It was much larger inside than it appeared from the outside, with two full bedrooms, one with a king bed and one with a queen and both rooms had full ensuite bathrooms. There is Also a full size washer and dryer with a half bathroom attached to the laundry room. The kitchen is large with a table and chairs for six and the sofa turns into a bed as well. So you could comfortably sleep six in this cabin. The AC was wonderfully cold and the cabin was beautiful inside and had amazing views outside from both covered porches. We took the wagon tour safari instead of driving ourselves. It was great plus they gave each customer a bowl of feed. The animals were all very friendly and the wagon does have a cover over it so you're not in the hot sun. We also purchased the evening elephant encounter, this one is only for guests staying in the cabins. Vicky and Cindy were absolutely amazing and are such beautiful Asian elephants. They have a nice gift shop and Cafe where you can purchase lunch or just some drinks and a snack if needed. There are plenty of restaurants and stores very close by. Paoli and French lick were both only about a 10-minute drive. We highly recommend visiting the wildlife Park as well as staying in the cabins. The Outpost is at the front of all of the other cabins and It sits behind the office and gift shop as well as next to the elephant Barn. However, Even with it being crowded on the day of the eclipse we could not hear anyone while outside the cabin and Could not see or hear anyone from inside either. The only complaint which wasn't a big deal is there is a slight smell coming from the elephant Barn where water drains down towards the cabin. It's in one general area so There is no standing water in the yard or the drive around the cabin. But when you are on the back side of the cabin where the drive is, there is a light smell that reminds you of a sewer smell. But from the front deck and inside you can't smell it at all. It was not an issue for us whatsoever, and we will be staying at the Outpost...

We booked one of the cabins on a Groupon Voucher and then we booked the Grizzly Bear Experience by phone for my 14 year old daughters Birthday. To be honest we really did not know what to expect and so when we arrived there after the Saturday afternoon skiing at Paioli peak we were pleasantly surprised by how cosy the cabin was, especially in such a pretty woodland setting. And it was snowing too!! The Cabin was well equipped and very comfortable and clean. The beds were comfy too. We got up the next day for our bear experience with Jeff "the bear man" Watson. We started off in the animal barn and played with the roos, goats and other small animals. Bret and the other keeper were very enthusiastic and informative. The Roos were so friendly and we were allowed to feed them. Then we were taken up to the bear enclosure where we got up close with two great big Grizzlys Bob and Screech and their owner Jeff. The bears were amazing and we watched them and Jeff for a good hour or so feeding them and explaining how they are trained, bear conservation, what tv appearances they have done together and much more interesting stuff! I cannot put into words how awe-inspiring the whole experience was. We were so close to these bears we could almost touch them (Apart from the safe fencing of course!). It was just wonderful. My daughter loved it. Then afterwards we went back to the animal barn to feed the Giraffe and give him a hug and then pet a few more Roos and baby goats. An incredible morning of pure delight. Many thanks to Jeff, Sheer and Brett and the whole team for making last Sunday the highlight of our stay in the USA so far! I cannot recommend this place enough. Its a fantastic gift to give to your loved ones....no matter how young or old they are. I recommend that you try to go in the winter months as it is quieter and so you get more hands on time with the animals! We will be back to see your new Giraffe and the Elephants in the summer! Just loved it! Thank you so much! Also recommend Porkys BBQ in Paoli for...