drive thru safari knoxville

Circle G Ranch: Wild Animal Park & Camel Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Circle G Ranch: Wild Animal Park & Camel Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Today is a holiday! Business hours may be different today.

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

Suggest an edit

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. …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

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

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

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

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

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

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

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

People Also Viewed

Smoky Mountain Deer Farm And Exotic Petting Zoo

David Crockett Birthplace State Park

Panther Creek State Park

Newport City Park

Cherokee Park

The Wandering Llamas

Morristown Dog Park At Jaycee Field

Soaky Mountain Waterpark

Sevierville Petsafe Unleashed Dog Park

Morristown City of

Best of Bybee

Things to do in Bybee

Other Parks Nearby

Find more Parks near Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

People found Briarwood Ranch Safari Park by searching for…

Parks For Kids Bybee

Best Petting Zoo in Bybee

Best Playgrounds For Kids in Bybee

• Stay Inspired

Get exclusive stories delivered right to your inbox.

Please use a valid email address.

Check your email — trip inspiration will be hitting your inbox soon.

Travel is good for the soul.

We'll email you inspiration.

• Chattanooga
• Pigeon Forge
• Sevierville
• Explore all cities & regions
• Eat & Drink
• Outdoor Adventure
• Scenic Trips
• Explore all Experiences
• Things to Do
• Places to Stay
• Event Calendar
• Trails & Byways
• Trip Inspiration
• Tennessee Music Pathways
• Kid Reviewed
• TN Playcation
• Explore all ways to plan

Explore Bybee, TN

Briarwood ranch safari park.

Our 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.

255 Briar Thicket Rd. Bybee , TN 37713

For the most up-to-date hours and information, please contact Briarwood Ranch Safari Park directly.

Click to Interact

Related Articles

For more info on Briarwood Ranch Safari Park or things to do in the area, check out these articles.

Sign up to receive trip ideas and inspiration from Tennessee Tourism.

No thanks, I’m not into adventure Read our Privacy Policy

World-Famous Grand Ole Opry 

Experience where country music stars and fans align. 

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

This Is Not A Waterpark. This Is Your New Happy Place.

Outland Expeditions

Raft the world famous Ocoee River! Give us a call at 800.827.1442.

Adventure Awaits

Get your free 2024 Tennessee vacation guide

Discover the best of Tennessee as told by the people who make it so special.

Get Tennessee Inspiration Sent Straight to your inbox

Build your family’s

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+)

Adventure Awaits At This Drive-Thru 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.

More by this Author

Wait, a safari park in Tennessee?! We’re not kidding, folks. The Tennessee Safari Park is one of the most incredible experiences in the south, something that seems unbelievable but really just checks “safari” off of your bucket list for a whole lot less than a plane ticket. Bring the kids and your own car for the trek, and don’t forget to bring cash! You don’t want to miss out on feeding these incredible animals. Check out this neat opportunity!

Related Stories

The Small Town Petting Zoo In Tennessee That's Worthy Of A Road Trip

The Best Candy Shop In Tennessee Is Hiding At This Quiet Farm

Hyde Farms Is A Charming Farm Stand In Tennessee That Sells Delicious Produce

Looking for a bit more fun? Check out the happiest campground in Tennessee !

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

Want more Tennessee in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Tennessee!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

Related Articles

• You Can Pet A Shark During Shark Week At The Tennessee Aquarium
• Take A Magical Underwater Journey With Scuba Santa At The Tennessee Aquarium
• Visit The Tennessee Aquarium Without Leaving Your House With Its Habitat Webcams
• The Beautiful Shelby Farms Park In Memphis, Tennessee Is One Of The Largest Urban Parks In The Country
• The Hidden Trout Farm In Tennessee Where Everyone In The Family Will Have Endless Fun
• The Enchanting Herb Farm In Tennessee That Feels Like A Fairy Tale Come To Life
• You'll Want To Visit This Tennessee Park That's Five Times Bigger Than Central Park
• This One-Of-A-Kind Strawberry Farm In Tennessee Serves Up Fresh Homemade Cake To Die For

Explore Tennessee

• Arts & Entertainment
• Farms & Wildlife
• Fun Adventures
• Shops & Boutiques
• Sights & Landmarks

MEET THE WILD FROM YOUR CAR OR WAGON.

View over 40 species of animals...all from the comfort of your own vehicle! You'll be able to see animals roam freely on our gorgeous property  Drive your vehicle on our maintained gravel road and see the animals through your windows! See everything from Aoudad to Zebra and lots in between!  

Drive-Thru Safari Park .

Visit anytime between  9:30 AM and 4:00 PM,  7 days a week. No reservations necessary!

*Pricing above is subject to change.

*Feed IS NOT included, subject to an additional charge.

Adults - $23.00 Seniors (65+) - $20.00 Children (3-12) - $17.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Our Pricing .

Experience the self-guided Drive Thru Safari in your personal vehicle and see over 40 different species!  

DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SAFARI!

OPEN AIR VEHICLES are NOT allowed.  Vehicles must have tops and solid doors to participate in the safari.

Guided Wagon .

Experience the guided Drive Thru Safari on wagon and see over 40 different species!  Go off the path and get up close and personal with the animals! Reservations highly suggested!

Adults - $37.00 Seniors (65+) - $34.00 Children (3-12) - $31.00 Ages 2 and under - FREE

Available seasonally from Mid-March-October 1 Hour Experience 9:30, 10:45, 12:00, 1:45, 3:00- peak season 10:00, 12:00, 2:00- non-peak season

+SAFARI FEED: INCLUDED

*Safari Feed IS included!

Also Included .

ROOS & CREW

Don't miss the variety of small animals at our Roos and Crew Barn.  View our animals in an intimate setting and learn all about their personalities. 

Complete with a variety of small animals, kangaroos, and reptiles it is sure to be a memorable experience!

Save Time .

Save Time by clicking the link below and completing your waiver prior to arrival!

Important Info .

ALL car occupants must purchase a full price ticket.  All safari park purchases are non-refundable!

Have any  Questions ?

4229 US-150 W, Paoli, IN 47454

[email protected]     //  812-936-4484

Proudly created by: fuhscreative.com

Sunset Science

Have you ever wondered what happens after everyone leaves the zoo? Just because our guests and staff leave for the night, doesn’t mean things are any less wild. Stay late to explore the zoo and become a scientist for the evening. Learn about ecosystems and adaptations through engaging hands-on activities, games and more! Every night is a little different and we never know what we’ll encounter. Register for one of our public program dates or get your own group together and request a private program. 

Sunset Science Program Themes

• Excellent Ecosystems   Dive into the ecosystems at the zoo and explore hands-on ways humans can support biodiversity.
• Powerful Pollinators   Bees, bears and butterflies, oh my! Learn ways the zoo’s animals play an important role in plant pollination and the diversity of ecosystems.
• The Unlovables?   Get up close and personal with some of the most misunderstood animals, and experience ways you can help these animals right in your own backyard!

Private Sunset Science Program

Get a group together and schedule your own private Sunset Science Program. Great for scouts, schools, clubs and church groups.

• By reservation only, minimum three weeks in advance.
• 6:00pm – 8:00pm or 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• $14 per person
• $50 deposit required within two weeks of confirmation and full payment is due two weeks before the program.
• Minimum group size 10 people. Maximum size 50 people.
• We are full through May, but have dates available in June or later. 

Request a Program  

Public Sunset Science Programs

• Advance registration required
• Participants will be walking around much of the zoo and sometimes over uneven surfaces. Everyone must stay with the group throughout the program.
• This is a non-smoking program.
• 7:00pm – 9:00pm
• $14 per person (No discounts for Annual Passholders)
• Friday, May 24th: The Unlovables?
• Saturday, June 22nd: Powerful Pollinators
• Friday, July 12th: Excellent Ecosystems

Contact [email protected]  for more information.