Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary: A Day Trip Wildlife Adventure Near Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting the city and looking for a family-friendly animal experience beyond the usual zoo visit, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove is a popular day-trip option. It combines elements of a wildlife sanctuary, small zoo, and education center, and it’s close enough to fit into a single day away from the city.

Below is a practical guide to what it is, how it works, and how to plan a visit from Atlanta.

What Is Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary?

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal rescue and rehabilitation facility located in Locust Grove, Georgia, about 35–45 minutes south of downtown Atlanta (depending on traffic).

Unlike a traditional zoo, Noah’s Ark focuses on:

• Rescuing and housing animals that cannot be released back into the wild
• Providing long-term care for exotic and domestic animals
• Offering educational experiences to children, families, and school groups

You’ll see a mix of:

• Exotic animals: big cats, primates, birds, and other wildlife
• Farm animals: goats, horses, pigs, donkeys, and more
• Small animals: often rescued pets or other domestic animals

The focus is on animal welfare and education, not performances or shows.

Where It Is and How to Get There from Atlanta

Location (approximate)
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary
Near Locust Grove, GA 30248

It sits south of Atlanta, not far from I-75, making it relatively straightforward to reach from most parts of the metro area.

Driving From Atlanta

Most visitors from Atlanta drive:

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

  • Take I-75 South toward Macon
  • Continue past McDonough
  • Exit near Locust Grove and follow local road signs to the sanctuary
  • Plan for 35–60 minutes depending on traffic and time of day

• From the Northern Suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs)

  • Take GA-400 or I-285 to connect to I-75 South
  • Follow I-75 toward Macon as above
  • Expect closer to 1–1.5 hours in typical daytime traffic

Parking is usually on-site and geared for family vehicles and school buses.

How Noah’s Ark Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Animal Attractions

If you’re choosing between Noah’s Ark and other animal-focused attractions like Zoo Atlanta or Georgia Aquarium, it helps to understand the differences.

Noah’s Ark tends to feel more laid-back and natural, with walking trails and open, rural surroundings, compared with the more structured exhibits in the city.

What You’ll See and Do at Noah’s Ark

Animals and Exhibits

Expect a mix of:

• Big cats (such as lions or tigers, depending on current residents)
• Primates
• Birds and parrots
• Reptiles (often limited, and may be in designated areas)
• Farm animals like goats, pigs, horses, cows, and donkeys

As a sanctuary, animals may come from:

• Confiscations by authorities
• Former roadside attractions or private owners
• Neglect or abandonment situations

This means the exact animals on display can change over time as rescues arrive or animals age.

Educational and Family Activities

For Atlanta-area families and school groups, Noah’s Ark often offers:

• Self-guided walking tours along outdoor paths
• Educational signage explaining species, rescue stories, and habitat needs
• Field trips and group programs that highlight animal care and conservation
• Volunteer opportunities for older teens and adults, depending on current needs

Because offerings can change, it’s smart to check ahead for:

• Current hours of operation
• Any special programs or guided tours
• Rules for school or camp group reservations

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

Best Time to Go

For most Atlantans, Noah’s Ark works well as:

• A weekend outing
• A school break activity
• An add-on stop if you’re already heading south of the city (for example, to McDonough, Griffin, or Macon)

Weather matters since the sanctuary is primarily outdoors:

• Spring and fall are usually the most comfortable
• Summer can be hot and humid; early morning or late afternoon visits are often better
• Winter visits can still be pleasant on mild days, but some animals may be less active

Hours, Admission, and Policies

Because hours and admission policies can change, Atlantans typically:

• Confirm current opening days and times before leaving
• Check the admission structure (such as any requested donations or fees)
• Review policies on
  • Pets (usually not allowed)
  • Outside food
  • Photography and video
  • Group reservations

If you’re heading down I‑75 with kids, planning around nap times and traffic can make the trip smoother.

What to Bring (Especially from Atlanta)

Since you’re driving from metro Atlanta, it’s easy to pack for comfort. Consider:

• Comfortable walking shoes – paths can be unpaved or uneven in spots
• Weather-appropriate clothing – hats, light layers, and rain gear if needed
• Sunscreen and bug spray – much of the visit is outdoors in a wooded, rural setting
• Water and light snacks – check rules for outside food, and plan for kids to get hungry
• Stroller – helpful for younger children, though some paths may be a bit rough

If you’re coming from in-town Atlanta or nearby neighborhoods like Grant Park, West Midtown, or Decatur, it may feel like a bit of a drive, so stocking the car for a half-day trip is useful.

Accessibility and Visitor Comfort

Accessibility can matter, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere in Atlanta and want to be sure the trip works for everyone.

Common considerations include:

• Parking access close to main entrances
• Path conditions for wheelchairs and strollers
• Restroom availability on site
• Shaded areas and seating for breaks in hot weather

If you or someone in your group has mobility, sensory, or health-related needs, it can help to call ahead and ask specific questions about:

• Path surfaces and distances
• Quiet times of day
• Available seating or rest areas

Visiting with Kids: Tips for Atlanta Families

Families in Atlanta often choose Noah’s Ark for:

• A more relaxed, nature-focused outing than a busy city attraction
• Opportunities to talk about rescue, kindness to animals, and responsible pet ownership
• A setting that feels like a field trip in the countryside without being too far from home

Kid-focused tips:

• 🍼 For toddlers and preschoolers
  • Bring snacks, wipes, and a stroller
  • Plan for shorter walks and frequent breaks
• 🎒 For school-aged kids
  • Encourage them to read the signs and ask questions
  • Bring a small notebook or sketchbook if they like to draw animals
• 🚌 For school groups or camps
  • Coordinate group reservations well in advance, especially in spring and fall
  • Confirm rules on chaperone ratios and behavior expectations

Because Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, leaving early in the day often helps keep kids less restless and gives you more time at the sanctuary.

Safety, Conduct, and Animal Welfare

Like other zoos, aquariums, and science centers in the Atlanta area, Noah’s Ark relies on visitors to follow rules that protect both animals and people:

• Stay on designated paths and behind barriers
• Do not feed or touch animals unless a staff member specifically allows it in a supervised setting
• Keep noise levels reasonable to avoid stressing animals
• Follow staff instructions at all times

Since Noah’s Ark is a sanctuary, some animals may:

• Have visible injuries or disabilities from previous mistreatment or accidents
• Be more sensitive to noise or crowds
• Have special enclosure requirements

Parents often find it helpful to talk with kids ahead of time about:

• Respecting animals’ space
• Why some animals look or move differently
• The importance of rescue and lifetime care

How Noah’s Ark Fits into an Atlanta Day Trip

If you’re planning a full day away from the city, you can easily combine Noah’s Ark with nearby stops:

• Outlet shopping or dining in Locust Grove or McDonough
• A short drive through more rural areas south of Atlanta for a scenic change from the urban environment

Some Atlanta families like to:

• Leave the city mid-morning
• Spend a few hours at Noah’s Ark
• Have a late lunch nearby before heading back up I‑75

Because southbound I‑75 can back up in the late afternoon and evening, it’s smart to:

• Check traffic apps
• Consider returning before rush hour when possible

Contact and Practical Next Steps

To finalize your visit from Atlanta, it helps to:

• Look up Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Locust Grove, GA for
  • Current hours and days of operation
  • Admission and donation information
  • Group reservation procedures
  • Any seasonal closures or special events
• Call the sanctuary’s main phone line (listed with their official contact info) for
  • Accessibility questions
  • Field trip or group planning
  • Volunteer or donation inquiries

If you’re coming from Atlanta, build in a little extra drive time and approach it as a half- or full-day outing. With the right expectations—less like a polished zoo, more like a working sanctuary in the countryside—Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary can be a memorable, educational addition to your list of family and kids attractions near Atlanta.