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Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479 253 5841
Website
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Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Owner description: "With over 130+ exotic cats and other wildlife on display, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United... more » Owner description: "With over 130+ exotic cats and other wildlife on display, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States. The non-profit USDA licensed refuge, founded in 1992, has grown to become one of the Top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs. Lions, cougars, leopards, tigers, and bears are displayed in large natural habitats surrounding the main compound enclosures and gift shop. Each animal has its own story/history plaque for self-guided tours and over night accommodations are available via the Safari Lodge, RV park, and camping facilities. Guided tours available and popular daily feeding times are 4 p.m. (winter) to 5 p.m. (summer). The refuge is open year round (except Christmas Day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.." « less
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309 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Saint Joseph, Missouri
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

My family and I thought that Turpentine Creek was wonderful. We stayed in the tree-house for a night, where you can get a view of the three tigress sisters, Tigger 4, and blind Lucci with his best friend/protector Wyoming. We loved the sounds of the big cats “caroling”. It was fun when we heard Cheyenne (coyote) howl along with them,... More

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Victoria, Texas
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
15 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Awesome to see all the great cats, and some that you will see again because of the inbreeding. They are doing a great work, and can use your support. The bear was the best part at this great cat refuge.

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See 3 more reviews by BRYAN W for Eureka Springs
Springdale, Arkansas
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 June 2013 NEW

Have heard about this place several times but had avoided it due to previous experiences with other so called "wildlife refuges". I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. This isn't some hole in the wall mom and pop joint trying to make a quick buck off of the misery of animals. This is a very well planned out operation... More

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See 7 more reviews by Nathan C for Eureka Springs
Springfield, Missouri, United States
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 June 2013 NEW

We really enjoyed our visit to Turpentine Creek. You can tell that everyone there takes pride in their jobs and genuinely care about the animals they care for. It is a great thing to do for people of any age.

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See 4 more reviews by missouriguy_416 for Eureka Springs
Newark, Texas
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

We had a good time. Staff was very friendly and available. Staff also encouraged questions and seemed to care about your questions and were very knowledgeable.

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See 4 more reviews by Sid S for Eureka Springs
Leamington Spa, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
83 reviews 83 reviews
34 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW via mobile

This is a refuge for mostly big cats rescued - again mostly - from private owners. Yes people really do try to keep full grown tigers in their homes! Here you will see many tigers, lions, cougars, bobcats and other big cats now living a good life and being well cared for. We went on a tour just before 4pm... More

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See 7 more reviews by pacuthbertson for Eureka Springs
England
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 June 2013 NEW

The work done by this Refuge is top notch. We always find it sad to see animals in cages but when you find out what some of these have experienced, and the limited space available, temporary cages can be forgiven. Much work is planned to give these animals a better life when space and money allow. Many animals are already... More

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See 4 more reviews by Pictureseer for Eureka Springs
Perkinston, MS
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
44 attraction reviews
Reviews in 34 cities Reviews in 34 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 June 2013

Well you won't find the Wizard of Oz here, but you will find a dedicated staff of young college interns taking very good care of abandoned, abused, or neglected "Big Cats". Each animal has a name and a story that will break your heart while marveling at the sheer stupidity or cruelty of man. Glad there's a place for these... More

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See 13 more reviews by Teresa L for Eureka Springs
Mineola, Texas
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 June 2013

What can you say! It was wonderfull! We camped here for three nites and want to go back. At nite we would sit around the campfire and listen to the cats roar. This is one place you have to visit if your in the area. If you have kids all the better. The staff was so helpfull with any ???... More

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Hot Springs, Arkansas
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

An amazing place that is both fun and educational. It's an awesome feeling know that just by your visit you are helping these magnificent animals. The staff and volunteers at the refuge are to commended for their hard work and dedication to the care of the animals. It is a must see if your in the area

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See 3 more reviews by Amy G for Eureka Springs

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