Plan Your Three-Day Wilds Getaway
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Make the most of your visit to The Wilds safari park with a 3-day stay in historic McConnelsville, Ohio.
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Day 1 | Arrive & Unwind in Historic McConnelsville
Arrive in Southeast Ohio, check into the historic Stone House, and enjoy a walk along the Muskingum River with dinner downtown.
Day 2 | Safari Adventure at The Wilds
Enjoy breakfast before a scenic drive to The Wilds for a day of conservation, returning for a relaxing evening.
Day 3 | Explore More of Morgan County
Explore more of the area, including the historic Big Muskie Bucket, or take a scenic drive along State Route 60 before heading home.
Planning Tips
✔ Book safari tours early during peak seasons.
✔ 30-minute drive from the Inn to The Wilds.
✔ Homemade breakfast is included in your stay.
Why Stay at The Inns When Visiting The Wilds
The Wilds is an unforgettable destination, but where you stay can make your entire trip even better. At The Inns at 8th and Main, you'll find a peaceful place to relax after a day of adventure, with thoughtful hospitality, homemade breakfast, and the charm of historic McConnelsville waiting for you.
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Just 28 Minutes from The Wilds
Enjoy a scenic 28-minute drive to and from The Wilds while staying in the heart of historic McConnelsville. It's close enough for an easy day of adventure, yet far enough away to unwind in a quiet, welcoming river town.
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Hospitality That Feels Personal
Amy will often know your name before you arrive and often remembers how you take your coffee before you ask. It's the kind of thoughtful hospitality that turns a stay into an experience and keeps guests returning year after year.
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Start the Day with a Homemade Breakfast
Stone House guests enjoy a full homemade breakfast before heading out for the day's adventure. It's the perfect way to begin your Wilds experience without having to search for breakfast on the road.
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Relax in a Walkable Historic Downtown
After your safari, leave the car parked and explore McConnelsville on foot. Enjoy local restaurants, browse unique shops, grab a coffee, or take a peaceful walk along the Muskingum River before returning to your room.
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Stay Somewhere You'll Remember
Choose from beautifully restored historic guest rooms and suites, or enjoy the privacy of Lavender House. Every stay is thoughtfully designed with comfortable beds, modern amenities, and the personal hospitality that makes guests return year after year.
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Make the Most of Your Stay
Your Wilds adventure doesn't have to end when the safari is over. Spend another day discovering the Big Muskie Bucket, scenic drives along State Route 60, covered bridges, charming small towns, and the natural beauty that makes Southeast Ohio worth exploring.
The Wilds may be why you visit, but many guests discover that McConnelsville becomes one of their favorite parts of the trip.
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Plan More of Your McConnelsville Stay
​Looking for downtown parking, local businesses, and places to explore? Visit the Discover McConnelsville Maps & Guides page to help plan the rest of your stay.
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Plan Your Wilds Visit
The Wilds is open year-round, with safari tours offered seasonally and specialty experiences available year-round. Popular tours often sell out weeks in advance, especially during spring, summer, and fall.
Before your visit:
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Reserve your Wilds tour early for the best availability.
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Allow about 30 minutes to drive from the Inn.
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Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
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Plan several hours to fully enjoy your safari experience.
For current tours and reservations, visit TheWilds.org.
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From Coal Mine to Conservation
Before giraffes, rhinos, and painted dogs called this land home, it was one of the largest surface mining operations in America.
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From the 1940s through the 1980s, nearly 10,000 acres of Southeast Ohio were mined by Big Muskie, the largest walking dragline ever built. Standing 22 stories tall, Big Muskie moved more than 483 million cubic yards of earth during its 22 years of operation.
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When mining ended, the land was carefully restored and transformed into a conservation area. In 1994, The Wilds opened as one of the largest wildlife conservation centers in North America—a remarkable example of nature reclaiming the landscape.
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Before heading home, stop by Miners' Memorial Park near McConnelsville to see the enormous Big Muskie bucket, the only remaining piece of the legendary machine that helped shape the land you'll explore at The Wilds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is The Inns at 8th and Main from The Wilds?
The Inns at 8th and Main is located approximately 20 miles (28 minutes) from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. Guests enjoy spending the day on safari before returning to the peaceful charm of historic McConnelsville.
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​​Get Directions to The Wilds
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Should I reserve my Wilds tour in advance?
Yes. Safari tours often sell out weeks in advance during peak travel seasons. We recommend reserving your Wilds experience before finalizing your travel dates.
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Can The Wilds be enjoyed as a weekend getaway?
Absolutely. Many guests stay two or three nights, giving themselves time to experience The Wilds while also exploring McConnelsville, scenic drives, covered bridges, and other nearby attractions.
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The Wilds may be why you visit, but many guests discover that McConnelsville becomes one of their favorite parts of the trip.
