National Tiger Sanctuary tour: Big cats and rescue stories

Walk a quarter mile through a sanctuary where rescued tigers and lions live permanently.

The National Tiger Sanctuary is a non-profit rescue organization in Missouri offering a guided tour where visitors walk a quarter-mile gravel path to see tigers and lions, learn their individual personalities and histories, and understand big cat conservation. The tour runs 45 minutes with a live English-speaking guide. Strollers, wheelchairs and electric scooters are welcome, with scooters available to rent on a limited basis.

The experience

A 45-minute walk on a gravel path takes you through the sanctuary's grounds to see the tigers and lions up close. Your guide shares the story behind each animal: how they came to the sanctuary, what their personalities are like, and what makes them unique. Benches are placed along the route so you can stop and rest whenever you need to.

The sanctuary is built around rescue and education. Every animal here has a permanent home because the organization took them in. The tour is designed to help visitors understand why that matters and what these big cats need to thrive. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the grounds work for families with strollers, visitors using wheelchairs, and anyone who wants to move at their own pace.

If walking the full quarter mile isn't comfortable, electric scooters are available to rent, though availability is limited, so reservations are recommended. Service animals are welcome throughout the tour.

What’s included

• Live guide in English.
• access to see tigers and lions throughout the sanctuary grounds.
• benches to rest along the route.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDepartures at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 to 54 years) · Senior (55 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcome

Operated by National Tiger Sanctuary

Is this one for you?The gravel path and rest benches make this tour manageable for visitors of all fitness levels, families with young children, and anyone using a wheelchair or stroller. If you want to conserve energy, electric scooters are available to rent.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

How long does the National Tiger Sanctuary tour take?

The tour runs 45 minutes and covers a quarter-mile walk on a gravel path with benches for resting along the way.

What will I see and learn on this tour?

You'll see tigers and lions in the sanctuary and hear from your guide about each animal's personality, history and how they came to live there permanently.

Can I bring a stroller or use a wheelchair on the tour?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are welcome on the gravel path, and all areas are wheelchair accessible. Electric scooters are also available to rent if you prefer not to walk, though reservations are recommended due to limited availability.

What is the National Tiger Sanctuary?

It's a non-profit rescue organization that provides a permanent home for exotic and domestic animals and runs educational programs focused on conservation and animal care.