briarwood safari bybee tn

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Review Highlights

“ We had 3 vehicles of family with buckets of feed you can purchase at the office. ” in 6 reviews

“ Got up close and personal with a zebra, buffalo and a lot of aggressive deer. ” in 4 reviews

“ My girls had the time of their lives on the drive thru safari with close animal encounters that they otherwise would not get to experience. ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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255 Briar Thicket Rd

Bybee, TN 37713

Amenities and More

About the business.

Briarwood is an Auto Safari Park offering a scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands where you will experience animals from six continents. You can take your time studying their behavior from the safety of your own car and take lots of photographs. The park also offers tractor pulled wagon rides, a store, restrooms, a picnic area, and a petting zoo. With all this, you have a great location for a birthday party or family reunion. There is always something great going on at Briarwood Ranch! Hundreds of animals are free to come and go as they please; you are the one confined to your car! That means that the animals and the interaction constantly change. …

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How much is admission to the park? For Adults, and kids?

$17 for adults $12 for kids Kids 2 and under free

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Overall rating

What an awesome roadside stop while in eastern Tennesee! My wife and I were looking for something fun to try on an overcast day and saw a billboard for this on our drive. THIS IS A MUST STOP on your trip out east of Knoxville. The Zebras were my wife's favorite and stole all of our food as we made the pass by them!

This place is amazing. Me and my family went and we took the wagon instead of our car. If you come with a good amount of people, the wagon is an amazing choice! It lets everyone feed the animals and pet them. The animals were so sweet, the ostriches are aggressive lol. It was fun feeding them lol. This is my top choice for a zoo. I've never been to a zoo like this and a normal zoo will never compare to what you can experience here

Had friends from Oklahoma come to TN to just go to the park. We got there. Excited. It's not 21$ a car. It's 21$ per person. I wasn't the only one there with the same problem. Didn't have service or id would have showed them. It's very misleading. I get it takes money to run the place, however I offered to pay 21$ plus feed to go just one time around for my friends from Oklahoma. I sure didn't pay 21$ per person when we came the first time. We don't have that kind of money.

We absolutely do not regret the drive to Briarwood Ranch. My family had an absolute blast from the live spider monkey and snake in the gift shop to the sweetest large animals we got to feed from our car. This was truly an experience we will never forget. The employees that work at Briarwood are all incredibly friendly and really care about the animals. The grounds are vast for the animals to roam where they would like and it is quite evident that the animals are very content and well cared for. I am so glad that we were able to support a small business and have an unforgettable experience at the same time.

Drove about 1 hr, 15 min from Knoxville and great time was had by our family of five. I was a bit surprised by the cost ($82 for 2 adults and 3 kids) but it was well worth it for an occasional visit. The cost of a large bucket of food was a steal at $3. You buy your pass into the park at the gift shop and they explain everything about the do's and dont's of the park before you drive across the street to your wildlife adventures. Tons of animals, eager to chow down and say hello. We did two laps around the park and the kids had a ton to look at. A few tips: 1. Don't try to feed the huge bison from the bucket. Those suckers stole the entire bucket from our hands. Ha! Lesson learned. 2. The ostrich were a huge hit with their pecking food from the bowl. Don't feed them with your hands if you appreciate owning fingers. 3. Do not drive a manual or 2-wheel drive vehicle if you have access to 4-wheel drive as the roads are very hilly and gravel, which were challenging to maneuver in our minivan with stop/go of cars in front of us. It CAN be done, would have just been easier in an SUV or truck. 4. If you are greatly concerned about COVID protocol, no one at this park was wearing masks, distancing, etc., including in the small gift shop. They also use their cell phone to have you sign for payment. Not big deal to some, but just a heads up for those who may view that as a deal breaker in these weird times.

Great day activity while in your car! Wonderful variety of wildlife. A cute little gift shop too

Everything was great, from staff to cleanliness. The animals where very interactive and almost all of them where out. The drive was a very easy path (lots of downhill though) and the animals looked to be in good health! The prices where very affordable, you pay for each person but you get to go through as many times as you want (we went twice) you can spend $3 to get a large bucket of food. You can walk around and pet a bunch of animals (some you can't feed) and the gift shop was very cute and well priced! We will definitely be back!

See all photos from Krystal R. for Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Absolutely wonderful attraction! Petting zoo and safari you drive your own vehicle through and feed the animals. Zebras, buffalo, donkey's, sheep, deer, elk, llama, and so many more! Fun for adults and kids! We had 3 vehicles of family with buckets of feed you can purchase at the office. Tons of acres to drive through. Highly recommend! Grandkids are already asking to go back and we definitely will when we're in the state again. We were near Gatlinburg and do not regret the 45 minute drive to get there. Extremely nice employees!

See all photos from Traci G. for Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Great adventure. If you are wondering about the driving your own vehicle and whether it will be able to or not like I was. I was able to drive through the park in a 2019 v6 rear wheel drive dodge charger no issues. Pricing is well worth it. Buckets of food are way more then you would expect. We would have been fine with two. They sell three at a discounted price. Not sure three would be needed though. We had a whole bucket left at the end.

If you love animals you will love Briarwood.  When we first pulled up we really weren't sure what to expect but there was a sign to go into the store to purchase tickets. The woman was so nice explained what to do, where to go, who to feed and who not to. There is a drive thru safari as well as a walk thru. The cost for adults was $20.00 p/p, $15.00 p/c and $4.00 per feeding bucket, 3 for $10. Get a couple of buckets especially if kids are going to feed. Some will try to take your bucket and some succeed( lol!) and there are animals to feed all the way to the end. I was the only one feeding in our car and my bucket ran out 3/4 of the way through. They do offer senior and military discount of $2.00 off ticket. We saw they offer a tractor pull type wagon to go through the safari but I believe you must make reservations for this (call them!) Know if you feed the animals in your car you will get feed in it but it vacuums up easily and so worth the fun you'll have!  Anyway it was so much fun. I laughed so much watching the animals approach our car. You knew just by looking at who was  coming up to your car who was going to make you laugh the hardest when feeding them! The animals are well kept and seem very happy and have plenty of room to roam which is so nice to see (so much better than a zoo!) We are definitely going back!

See all photos from Lisa M. for Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

3 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Briarwood Ranch Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Adventure Awaits At The Briarwood Ranch Safari Park In Tennessee

Meghan Kraft

Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.

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A safari is not for the faint of heart, whether you are trundling through the continent of Africa or perhaps booking a ticket in the midst of rural Tennessee. A safari is for animal lovers, adventurous folk, and people seeking an element of fun and excitement in the midst of an otherwise average work week. Briarwood Ranch Safari Park takes visitors down a scenic roadway that features rolling hills, pastures, and…yes, you guessed it: wild animals! If you can’t get away to Africa anytime soon, then you may just want to plan a trip to Bybee, Tennessee.

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What a wonderful place to visit! You can learn more about the Briarwood Ranch Safari Park either on its official website or Facebook page .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Phone: 865-919-5072

Website: www.briarwoodsafari.org

Hours: 10 AM – 4 PM, daily (weather permitting) Winter hours: Fri-Sun 10 AM – 4 PM

Admission: drive-thru: $17 adults; $12 children (3-12); $15 seniors (60+)

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Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Briarwood Safari features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents. Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car, or you may want to ride our tractor-pulled wagons. You can also enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo. Whatever you chose to do, be sure to bring your camera

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Briarwood auto safari.

255 Briar Thicket Rd. Bybee , TN United States

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Safari Trip in Tennessee

An Exotic Adventure: Exploring Briarwood Ranch Safari Park in Tennessee

Welcome to the wild heart of Tennessee, and in my opinion, unusual side, where  landscapes meet some exotic creatures from around the globe. Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is a hidden, friendly, park that promises an enjoyable safari experience. I am going to take you on a virtual journey through this enchanting park, where you can get up close and personal with animals you might have only seen in documentaries. It is located in northeastern part of the state in a place called Bybee, Tennessee.

Nestled off the beaten track in Eastern Tennessee, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park offers a unique adventure for all ages to enjoy. It’s a sprawling, picturesque oasis that spans over 200 acres. The moment you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the African savannah, with rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush greenery. I must warn, it is picturesque during full-leaf tree seasons…. however, the animals are fun to view and feed during anytime this Safari Park is open.

The highlight of Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is undoubtedly the opportunity to encounter an array of exotic animals. From majestic swans to towering emus, this park hosts a diverse collection of species from around the world. As you embark on the safari journey, you’ll have a chance to feed and interact with these magnificent creatures.

As for the advertising of Giraffes, I along with family and friends did not see any. That is not to suggest that there are none, we simply didn’t see any. As you embark on the safari adventure, you’ll come across zebras, wildebeests, albino buffalos, Rams, and other animals native to the African continent. The park’s open design ensures that you get an up-close view of these animals in an environment that mimics their natural habitat.

For bird enthusiasts, the park also features a colorful array of exotic birds. Parrots, macaws, and various other species will captivate you with their vibrant plumage and charming personalities.

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park isn’t just about fun and adventure; it’s also a hub for education and conservation. The park’s dedicated staff provides informative tours and presentations that shed light on the conservation efforts being made to protect these magnificent creatures and their habitats. By visiting, you’re not only enjoying an unforgettable experience but also contributing to a noble cause.

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park in Tennessee is an unmissable destination for anyone looking to embark on a wild adventure without leaving the United States. With its incredible array of animals, beautiful landscapes, and a commitment to education and conservation, it’s a place that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the animal kingdom.

So, whether you’re an animal lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique family outing, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park has something special to offer. Make your plans, pack your camera, and get ready to explore the enchanting world of wildlife right in the heart of Tennessee. Your safari adventure awaits!

For all the news that should be fun, keep checking out  That Park Place .

Do you ever wonder what kinds of animals live on other continents? Do you wish you could see those animals without having to travel thousands of miles? You might think that experiences like this in the United States would only be found in Orlando or San Diego, but there’s a gem in the Smoky Mountains that offers amazing, up-close encounters with over two dozen inspiring creatures. Welcome to Briarwood Ranch Safari Park.

Located in Bybee, Tennessee, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is halfway between Knoxville and Johnson City, and it’s an easy drive from Asheville. Here you roll your way through a scenic four-mile safari, enjoying these awesome animals from the comfort of your car or from open-air wagon rides that you can book in advance.

Not only do you get to admire and observe a wide variety of the park’s inhabitants, but you can also feed them for a truly up-close encounter.

The story of this place is really amazing. It was the vision of Ron Neese, who started the park in 2006. The animals here are loved and cared for, and they receive loving attention from a dedicated staff whose mission is to keep them happy and healthy.

As you wind your way through mountain trails and open pasture, you get to appreciate the creatures who call this place home, and you can soak in the beauty of the mountains.

When you’re finished with your expedition, the picnic area awaits. You’ll find a few different Ingles Markets locations nearby with everything you need for a delicious lunch. Don’t forget to stock up and fuel up for the drive home.

After a pleasant picnic, make sure to stop by the petting zoo too. Here you can enjoy more furry friends eager to make your acquaintance, and it’s a great opportunity to capture some memories on camera.

If you’re ready for a great outdoor activity to connect with nature and its amazing creatures, head to BriarwoodSafari.org . Then go to east Tennessee for a memorable day on the Ingles Open Road.

To learn more about Ingles Markets, visit their website at ingles-markets.com .

Briarwood Safari

The park is open daily but may close due to inclement weather. call 865-919-5072 on rainy days.

Here is a review from TripAdvisor:

African safari in the backwoods of Morristown Tennessee! Zebras, water buffalo, elk, deer, ostriches, llama, ram, and more! For 3 dollars you get a bucket of pellet food (5 lbs, I think he said) to feed the animals within the safari area (price of admission is 15 dollars, but you can drive through as many times as you want for no extra cost). Most of the animals will eat straight from your hand, but all come right up to your car to say hello. Be warned the llamas are sneaky, one will come up on the passengers side and while you are distracted another will pop in the drivers side to eat the food. I squealed like a kid the whole time, my husband and I had so much fun here. Thank you Briarwood, we will be back!

BRIARWOOD Auto Safari features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents. Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car. Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.