Where the Wild Things Are

The U.S. is home to countless species of animals. These majestic creatures roam freely in some of the most captivating locations. From spotting a whale along a coastal shore to watching a bear in an open field, wildlife tourism provides the opportunity to observe nature up close (but not too close!). If you are looking to encounter animals in the wild, then this article is for you! Keep reading as we explore some of the best destinations for captivating and conscientious wildlife viewing experiences.

Smoky Mountains, Tennessee

If you are seeking a tranquil and scenic destination, you should escape to the Peaceful Smokies. With its misty forests, open meadows, and winding mountain roads, this destination is perfect for those hoping to spot animals in their natural habitat.

Black Bears

One of the area’s most famous residents is the black bear. Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides the largest protected bear habitat in the East. The area is home to more than 1,500 bears. Bears are especially active in the area from May through August. 

Seeing a bear in the wild can be a memorable experience. However, visitors are also cautioned to be “bear aware.” This means taking proper safety precautions and reacting appropriately during possible encounters. Safety should always be a top priority when viewing wildlife.

Where to Roam

Wildlife is abundant in the Smoky Mountain Region. There are plenty of places to spot animals in their natural habitat. Stay alert and you will be sure to spot birds, wild turkeys, deer, fireflies, and so much more. Some of the top places to patiently observe wildlife include the following:

• Cades Cove
• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
• Clingmans Dome
• Cataloochee Valley
• Deep Creek and Tremont

The Greater Smokies Region provides a serene escape into the wild. Bring your binoculars, move slowly, and embrace your wild side. Request your free print and downloadable Smoky Mountains Vacation Guide today.

Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Wildlife abounds on the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic National Park and its surrounding wilderness includes rugged coastline, mossy rainforests, and alpine meadows—providing the perfect home for diverse and abundant wildlife.

Roosevelt Elk

Do you want to spot Roosevelt elk? Olympic National Park is the place for you! The park is home to the largest unmanaged herd of Roosevelt elk in the Pacific Northwest. Keep your eyes peeled for brown elk with a dark mane and off-white rump patch. Males have large antlers that they shed and regrow every year. Some of the best places to spot Roosevelt elk include the Hoh Rain Forest and Quinault Rain Forest and around Dosewallips on Hood Canal. Be careful not to get too close, especially in September during mating season. These beautiful animals should be admired from afar.

Black Bears

Olympic National Park is another great area for sighting black bears. In the fall they can often be spotted snacking on mountain-side huckleberry bushes or snacking on salmon in shallow waters. As with all wildlife, it is best to keep your distance from black bears. It is also wise to secure your food and obey all signs in the park.

Bald Eagles

Is there anything more majestic than the bald eagle? This bird of prey is the national bird and national symbol of the United States. Eagles are present in the Olympic Peninsula year round. These birds can be viewed throughout Washington which has one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles in the United States. For a variety of birds, head to Cape Flattery overlook and watch for bald eagles as well as puffins, oystercatchers, phalaropes, cormorants, falcons, and all types of gulls.

Whales

The Olympic Peninsula is a magical spot for whale watching and observing marine life. If you want to watch whales, then the fall migration season is a great time to get your binoculars out! Look for playful pods and spouting blow holes. There are a number of locations that offer a good chance of spotting whales, including:

• Destruction Island Viewpoint
• La Push
• Port Townsend Marine Science Center
• Salt Creek Recreation Area
• Shi Shi Beach

The Olympic Peninsula is where the wild things are! What are you waiting for? Request your free print and downloadable Olympic Peninsula Travel Planner today!

Fairbanks, Alaska

The Fairbanks region offers so much for wildlife lovers. Alaska’s second largest city is a gateway to some of Alaska’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats.

So Much to See

There is so much to see when exploring Alaska’s Golden Heart. Where you go and when you visit will determine what animals you are most likely to see. During your visit you will have the opportunity to observe any number of creatures big and small including the following:

Top Wildlife Viewing Spots

Sometimes spotting wildlife is as easy as looking around for a bird in the sky or an animal in the brush. If you want a better chance at seeing all the unique and wonderful animals that call Alaska home then check out some of the following spots that are great for wildlife viewing:

• Fountainhead Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary
• Chena Riverwalk
• Chena Hot Springs Road
• Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery
• Large Animal Research Station
• Creamer’s Field
• Dalton Highway
• Denali National Park and Preserve

You never know what you will see and experience when you visit Fairbanks! Now is the time to start planning your unforgettable Fairbanks experience! Request your free print and downloadable Fairbanks Official Visitors Guide.

Glacier Country, Montana

Montana’s Glacier Country is a wildlife lover’s dream. From alpine meadows to glacial lakes, the region is home to incredible scenery and incredible animals. Glacier Country has one of the most intact ecosystems in the country. At least 19 large mammals and almost 100 small ones call the area home.

Glacier National Park

One of the best places for wildlife viewing is Glacier National Park. The park and surrounding area is home to incredible animals including the following:

• American bison
• Bald eagles
• Beavers
• Bighorn sheep
• Bears
• Canada lynx
• Deer
• Elk
• Gray wolf
• Moose
• Mountain goats
• Mountain lion
• Wolverine

Glacier National Park is a treasure. It is a landscape of melting glaciers, alpine meadows, spectacular lakes, and breathtaking animals. Some of the best spots to view animals in and around the park include the following:

• Going-to-the-Sun Road
• Two Medicine
• Many Glacier
• Apgar
• Lake McDonald
• Flathead National Forest
• Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

Bird Watching

Did you know that Montana is home to over 250 species of birds? Many of these species call Glacier Country home. You are most likely to see your winged friends if you bring your binoculars and patience to one of the following locations:

• Glacier National Park
• Flathead and Mission Valleys
• Missoula Valley
• Bitterroot Valley

Glacier Country offers some of the most incredible wildlife viewing experiences in the country. Now is the time to request your free print and downloadable Glacier Country Official Travel Guide.

Orleans County, New York

Western New York Wetland Wonders

Nestled between Buffalo and Rochester, Orleans County is a haven for wildlife watchers looking to explore the rich habitats along the Lake Ontario shoreline and inland wetlands. A true hidden gem for birding and outdoor discovery, this region invites quiet moments in nature and up-close encounters with some of New York’s most beautiful animals.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise

At the heart of Orleans County is the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, a 10,000-acre protected wetland home to more than 260 species of birds. During spring and fall migrations, the refuge becomes a bustling hub of activity with waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and wading birds in abundance.
Look for:

• Bald eagles
• Great blue herons
• Sandhill cranes
• American bitterns
• Wood ducks
• Snow geese (in migration)

Where to Watch Wildlife

Bring your binoculars and take advantage of the wildlife observation areas and scenic trails throughout the region.

• Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (best for spring/fall birding)
• Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area
• Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area
• Lakeside Beach State Park
• Point Breeze & Lake Ontario shoreline (great for gulls and migrating waterfowl)

Whether you’re an avid birder or simply looking to unplug and spot something wild, Orleans County offers one of the most peaceful, wildlife-rich environments in the Northeast.

Cody-Yellowstone, Washakie & Carbon Counties, Wyoming

Where the West Roams Wild

If you’re searching for a place where wildlife thrives in vast, untamed landscapes, Wyoming delivers. From the gateway to Yellowstone in Cody to the wide-open spaces of Washakie and Carbon Counties, this region is wild at heart—and home to some of North America’s most iconic animals.

Buffalo Bill’s Backyard: Cody-Yellowstone

Step into the American West and see bison herds roaming, elk grazing, and even grizzly bears in the distance. The East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park near Cody offers excellent opportunities for spotting:

• Bison
• Elk
• Moose
• Wolves
• Bald eagles
• Grizzly and black bears

Head to Wapiti Valley or take a scenic drive along the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway for prime wildlife encounters with stunning mountain backdrops.

Bighorn Country: Washakie County

In the shadow of the Bighorn Mountains, Washakie County offers wide open views and fewer crowds. Keep an eye out for:

• Bighorn sheep scaling rocky cliffs
• Pronghorn antelope in open rangelands
• Mule deer along high plains

Trails through the Bighorn National Forest provide some of the best viewing opportunities in peaceful, wild surroundings.

High Plains Adventure: Carbon County

Carbon County is Wyoming’s best-kept secret for wildlife lovers. With millions of acres of public lands and wildlife corridors, visitors may spot:

• Golden eagles
• Prairie dogs
• Coyotes
• Beavers
• Sage grouse
• And the ever-watchful red-tailed hawk

Explore Seminoe State Park, Medicine Bow National Forest, and the Sierra Madre Range for endless wild encounters.

Plan your ultimate Wyoming wildlife adventure today. These counties represent the untamed spirit of the West—respect it, explore it, and remember to always observe wildlife from a safe distance.

Get Wild!

It’s a wild world out there and it is just waiting to be explored! Whether you’re quietly observing an elk in Olympic National Park or watching a bald eagle soar overhead, these moments remind us of all the beauty in the natural world. That’s why it’s important to always respect the animals and their natural habitats and leave no trace behind. Are you ready to get wild? Request your free print and downloadable travel guides to top wildlife tourism destinations today!