Plan Your Visit

Yes. There are both picnic tables and benches located throughout the property. Animals may not sample any of your snacks and you must be prepared to pack in and out any of your food, beverages and trash.

Yes. The Conservancy’s restroom is located in our Rearing Barn at the top of the driveway.

Not yet, we do not currently offer online ticket buying. Admission to the property can be gained at the kiosk just beyond the front gate.

We accept cash, check and credit card.

Any time that we are open from May to November is a great time to visit Ripley! But if you are looking for the best time to observe male ducks in breeding plumage, we recommend Early to mid-May and October through November.

Yes! We welcome budding naturalists during our regular visiting hours, but please note while we welcome kids of all ages, due to the terrain and aviary door system, strollers must be left at home.

Are you a teacher looking for a field trip for your class? Please visit Education and Field Trips for more information.

All of it! While you will be able to use the property on rainy days (so long as it’s a day we’re open), please be prepared to be outside the entire duration of your trip and dress accordingly. Our property is the natural habitat for many waterfowl and other rare birds which love to be outside in any weather.

Of course! We encourage you to take as many pictures of our birds and property as you deem necessary, so long as you are not agitating any of the flock. Even if your photos are for personal use, you must read the Conservancy’s Photography Policy.

Photographers seeking greater access for the “perfect shot” should consider purchasing a Half-Day Photography Pass. Please reach out for policies on commercial use.

For the health and safety of the birds, no outside animals or pets of any kind are allowed on the property. This includes service dogs as their presence fundamentally alters the nature of our program. Please read Q25 and Q26 from the ADA’s Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals.

No. Smoking and any type of smoking device is prohibited anywhere on the property due to the sensitivity of habitats and our bird’s sensitive respiratory systems.

The Conservancy is currently implementing preventative measures to protect our resident birds from contracting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). HPAI can be highly infectious and fatal to waterfowl. As a result, during peak HPAI season we may ask you to dip the bottoms of your shoes in disinfectant and ask visitors that have contact regularly with wild birds, a backyard flock, or live close to poultry farms to restrict your access to any indoor aviaries, barns or the Pheasantry on our property.

Please call our office with any questions: 860-567-2062