As of June 8, the Salato Wildlife Education Center is open to the public with some limitations. In an effort to provide the safest environment for all visitors and staff, this initial reopening is Phase 1. They will be doing more updates on their Facebook page.
Phase 1 is expected to remain in place until July 6. Additional details on Phase 2 will be provided at a later date.
In Phase 1:
• Admission will be free. Phase 2 will incorporate online ticketing.
• Salato is open 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday.
• It is recommended that all visitors wear a mask (as recommended by the CDC) while on the premises. Please refer to the CDC guidelines on face coverings. All employees will be wearing masks covering the mouth and nose.
• Water fountains will be closed.
• Restrooms are open and high touch areas are being cleaned and disinfected multiple times a day.
• The main interactive indoor exhibit area will be closed.
• Public programs and events will not take place during Phase 1.
• A one direction traffic flow is established throughout the facility.
• Please practice social distancing while visiting the Center.
• Hand sanitizer stations are located around the Center.
See below for our review:
My kids love animals. I was looking for someplace new to check out and we found Salato Wildlife Education Center, located near Frankfort, KY. I live on the East side of town and it only took me about 35 minutes to get there. It is located at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources Headquarters. When you pull in go to the building all the way at the end of the road.
It is half museum, half zoo. When you arrive you start out indoors. There are live snakes, fish, turtles and more to see. There are a few interpretive exhibits. You could dress up as a beekeeper, pretend you are in a boat and learn about growing fish. At one of them, you got to use a large net to "fish" for fish in a "lake" of blue plastic balls. My son got to hold and pet a snake and was super excited about that. They have fun activities on different days. Check the schedule HERE.
After exploring inside we ventured outside to see the bigger animals. There is a very nice, paved walking path you can follow to see everything. There are elk and bison, deer, turkeys, bobcats, bald eagle, and a black bear. The bear was sleeping when we were there but I have never been that close to a bear, it was great.
Although we didn't have a chance to explore, there are also 4 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and 2 fishing lakes. We were there for a couple of hours. If you bring lunch and hike and fish you could easily make a whole day out of it.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5-18 and ages 4 and under are free. There are 3 different annual memberships available for $20 - $50. This would also be a perfect place for a school field trip. See their hours of operation, get directions and get more info HERE.
Salato closes in the winter but is now reopened for the 2020 season. They are closed on Sunday and Monday and open Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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