The U.P. Zoo on the Lake: Garlyn Zoo, Naubinway, Michigan

Michigan's Upper Peninsula has a handful of major and minor zoos, mainly run by families, not corporations (which I like).

One such zoo is near Naubinway: the Garlyn Zoo on US-2 just off the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Some sites claim it's in St. Ignace, but it's not. It sits about 40 miles west of that city. The family bought the property in spring 1994 and opened that July.

This is a perfect family zoo; domesticated animals for the kids like deer, goats, llama, and other barnyard-type creatures.

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For all folks there are lions, tigers, bears, wolves, alligator, porcupine, and others. Visitors are allowed to feed certain animals.

The zoo is located within a pine tree forest in a beautiful setting that is relaxing, educational, and exciting. It's a perfect stop on your next roadtrip through the Upper Peninsula. Open every day from May 1 to September 30, from 10a-6p and until 5pm in October.

Take a look at the gallery below to see the animals!