Oswald’s Bear Ranch

Oswald’s Bear Ranch is the largest bear-only ranch in the United States, located on 240 acres just north of Newberry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Founded by Dean and Jewel Oswald and open to the public since 1997, the ranch operates as a rescue and sanctuary rather than a zoo, giving rescued black bears room to roam, swim, and live naturally.

Hours and Admission

The ranch is open seven days a week, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm, from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the first Sunday of October. Admission is $30 per vehicle, $15 for a single visitor, and $10 per person for vans with more than six people. Active military are admitted free. An ATM is on site, and the ranch accepts cash, checks, and debit or credit cards.

The Bears and Habitats

Around 40 rescued black bears live across four natural habitats. Two large enclosures stretch a half mile and a third of a mile in perimeter, with two smaller quarter mile habitats as well, including a yearling habitat with its own waterfall. Rescued cubs arrive most years and are named through local naming contests. The ranch was once home to Tyson Bear, certified at 880 pounds and once recognized as the largest black bear in the United States.

Good to Know

Oswald’s Bear Ranch offers free school bus field trips for youth groups focused on bear rescue and conservation, plus photo opportunities with the cubs and a gift shop and online store. It’s a family friendly, affordable stop for anyone visiting Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.