Information
Landmark: Lagoon Deer ParkCity: Sandusky
Country: USA Ohio
Continent: North America
Lagoon Deer Park, Sandusky, USA Ohio, North America
Overview
In Sandusky, Ohio, Lagoon Deer Park opens seasonally, inviting visitors to feed gentle deer, stroke soft goat fur, and cast a line into lagoons shimmering with stocked fish.Founded in the mid-20th century, it’s become a favorite spot for families, where you can watch herons glide over the water, cast a line, and browse local shops in a laid-back, open-air setting.The park at 1012 Martins Point Road lies just beyond downtown Sandusky, wrapped in thick green trees and bordered by still, glassy ponds.The space feels warm and secure for both animals and guests, with leafy paths and soft breezes that draw families and animal lovers into an inviting outdoor adventure.At Animals and Petting Zoo Lagoon Deer Park, over 200 creatures from every corner of the globe roam its pens and shaded enclosures, creating a lively mix of wildlife sanctuary and hands-on petting zoo.You can wander down gravel paths that twist through sunny fields and shaded enclosures, stop to scratch a goat’s ear, offer a handful of grain, and pick up little facts about how each animal lives.The park’s namesake deer and elk wander freely through the fields or rest in roomy pens, where visitors can hand them crisp apple slices and watch from just a few steps away.Llamas and miniature donkeys, with their calm, friendly nature, quickly win over kids-especially when a soft muzzle nudges an outstretched hand.In certain areas, visitors can hand-feed goats, sheep, and alpacas, feeling the warm nudge of a soft muzzle as they take the treat.Exotic birds, from shimmering peacocks to other brilliantly colored species, fill the air with vivid flashes of feathers and a chorus of calls.Depending on the season, you might spot rabbits darting through the grass or pot-bellied pigs snuffling near the fence.You can buy small bags of animal feed on-site for $1 to $5, perfect for letting visitors hand-feed the animals under watchful supervision.The park has four shaded lagoons, each stocked with different kinds of fish, where locals love to cast a line without needing a license.You’ll find rainbow trout, crappies, muskies, bass, and bright little bluegills in the water, and most folks show up with their own poles and a tin of bait.On Friday and Saturday nights, the park welcomes anglers to fish beneath a sky scattered with stars, offering a change of pace from the daytime scene.At Lagoon Deer Park, you can browse a cozy gift shop stocked with antique cigar store Indian statues, Cherokee handcrafts, eye-catching collectibles, jewelry that catches the light, and sportswear for every age.Shaded picnic spots dot the park, perfect for families to unwind and share a meal beneath the cool rustle of leaves.Restrooms are available for visitors-clean, well-lit, and easy to find near the main entrance.You’ll find plenty of free parking right on-site, with wide spaces ready when you pull in.We’re open May through November, welcoming visitors in the warm summer air and the crisp touch of early fall.We’re open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., though times can shift a little with the season-closing early on winter evenings, for example.Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids ages 3 to 12, and free for children under 3.Fishing costs $9 for adults and $6 for kids, and seniors get 10% off admission-enough for a small ice cream on the way home.Lagoon Deer Park is perfect for families with kids, with safe, hands-on animal encounters-like feeding gentle deer-and easy paths you can stroll together.Wear comfortable shoes-the park’s paths wind over gravel and soft grass, and your feet will thank you by the end of the walk.Bring your own fishing gear-poles, bait, maybe that lucky lure-because nothing’s supplied at the spot.Only feed the animals with feed you’ve bought here, and please respect them-listen to the staff’s guidance, just as you would if told not to touch the goats’ ears.The park welcomes groups, making it a great place for birthday parties or school field trips-picture kids racing under the tall oak trees-though it’s best to book in advance.Summary Lagoon Deer Park offers a laid-back, inviting spot where you can feed gentle deer and cast a line into calm waters, all surrounded by Sandusky’s peaceful, tree-lined scenery.It’s a fun, informative trip that draws visitors of all ages-especially families who want to roll up their sleeves and meet wildlife face-to-face, far from the usual zoo enclosures.With its mix of exotic animals, well-stocked fishing lagoons, and a gift shop you won’t find anywhere else, it stands out as one of Sandusky’s most memorable stops.
