Wilstem Wildlife Park Drives Family Tourism, Supports Local Economy
Wilstem Wildlife Park, located near Perry County, is a major family focused tourism asset offering drive through safaris, animal encounters, zipline and lodging. Its regional draw supports local hotels, restaurants and recreation businesses, shaping year round visitor demand and economic activity in the county.
Wilstem Wildlife Park is among the county area’s most visible tourism assets and a steady source of visitors for Perry County businesses. The park, located near the county, combines a drive through safari route, up close animal encounters, a zipline course and on site lodging to attract families and outdoor recreation seekers across the region. That mix of attractions helps sustain demand outside peak summer months and keeps local hospitality and food businesses busy through much of the year.
Local hotels and restaurants report recurring business tied to family groups and tour traffic that list Wilstem as a central reason for their visit. The park is commonly listed among the best things to do in the county and the PickPerry visitor blog highlights Wilstem as a flagship attraction for family tourism and outdoor recreation year round. For small Perry County operators, that recognition translates to room bookings, meal service and retail sales that ripple through the local economy.
From a market perspective, attractions that combine lodging and on site activities reduce the friction of travel and increase per visitor spending. Drive through safari offerings lengthen time on site, while animal encounters and adventure amenities such as zipline generate repeat visits and higher ancillary revenue for dining and lodging partners. These patterns matter for municipal tax receipts, seasonal employment and the viability of service providers in smaller communities.
Policy makers can reinforce those benefits by prioritizing basic infrastructure and coordinated marketing that amplify regional reach. Improving signage and road maintenance, supporting workforce training for hospitality and recreation jobs, and coordinating promotional calendars with the park can increase visitor capture and smooth seasonal employment cycles. For residents, Wilstem’s presence means more options for family outings and a steady partner for local businesses that depend on tourism flows.
As tourism trends continue to favor outdoor family experiences, Wilstem Wildlife Park will remain a central economic asset for Perry County, with implications for employment, small business revenue and local tax bases.
