PETTING ZOO

Deer Park Zoo gives families a hands-on visit with deer, goats, llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, emus and sheep on Miners Mountain.

Children with a goat at Tweetsie Railroad Deer Park

Child feeding a miniature goat at Tweetsie Railroad

Donkeys at the Tweetsie Railroad Deer Park

Family feeding a deer at Tweetsie Railroad

Young girl petting a goat at Tweetsie Railroad

Family feeding goats at Tweetsie Railroad Deer Park

Lambs resting at the Tweetsie Railroad Deer Park

Adult and baby goats at Tweetsie Railroad

Goat at the Tweetsie Railroad petting zoo

Goat looking through fence at Tweetsie Railroad Deer Park

PETTING ZOO AT TWEETSIE RAILROAD IN BLOWING ROCK, NC

WHAT TO EXPECT

Deer Park Zoo is a hands-on petting zoo at the top of Miners Mountain. Guests can see and interact with European fallow deer, goats, llamas, miniature horses, donkeys, emus and sheep in a relaxed family setting.

ANIMAL FEEDING

Feed is sold at the zoo entrance. Only the approved feed should be given to the animals. Sales may pause on busy days to prevent overfeeding, so purchasing feed is not guaranteed even when the zoo is open.

HOURS AND OPERATING SEASON

Regular daytime operations run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tweetsie Railroad is open Saturdays and Sundays from April 4 through May 31, plus Memorial Day Monday; five days a week from June 1 through August 8, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays; and Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 through November 1, plus Labor Day Monday.

Ghost Train operates Friday and Saturday nights from September 25 through October 31, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tweetsie Christmas runs on select evenings from November 27 through December 30, from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. Miners Mountain and several daytime attractions are not open during the nighttime events.

ADMISSION AND PARKING

Regular daytime admission is $65 for ages 13 and older, $45 for children ages 3–12, and free for children age 2 and younger. Taxes and fees are included. Parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Golden Rail season passes are $150 for adults and $110 for children and include unlimited regular daytime admission plus pass benefits.

SEASONAL AVAILABILITY

Deer Park Zoo is open from April through October during regular daytime operations and is included with admission. It is not open during nighttime events such as Ghost Train or Tweetsie Christmas.

LOCATION AND ACCESS

The zoo is on Miners Mountain near the playground, gem mine and family rides. Reach it by chairlift, the walking trail or the continuously operating bus from the Tweetsie Palace. The bus can carry standard wheelchairs and strollers, and strollers are welcome inside the zoo.

AGES AND SUPERVISION

The experience is especially suitable for toddlers and younger children, but an adult should remain within reach. Feed with an open, flat hand when directed, avoid chasing or crowding animals and follow all posted instructions.

PETS AND SERVICE ANIMALS

Pets are not allowed inside Deer Park Zoo. Service animals may be excluded from animal areas when their presence creates a direct safety risk; staff can explain the available arrangement for the visitor’s party.

HYGIENE AND CLOTHING

Wash or sanitize hands after touching animals and before eating. Wear closed-toe shoes with traction because paths can be uneven or damp. Keep food, drinks and loose belongings secured.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Visit in the morning for cooler conditions and a calmer pace. Midday can work well as a slower activity between rides, but animal-feed availability may be more limited after busy periods.

WHO THIS ACTIVITY IS BEST FOR

Deer Park Zoo is a strong choice for toddlers, animal-loving children, multi-generational families and visitors seeking a quieter break from the rides.