I packed up four grandkids, ages 2 to 7, and headed to Wolf Sanctuary of PA near Lititz for a summer weekday tour. The two-year-old went into my hiking backpack, and the rest of us joined a small group to meet the wolves.
I chose the sanctuary because I wanted the kids to learn about wolves while supporting an organization dedicated to giving them a safe place to live. The grandkids, however, weren’t quite sure what a sanctuary meant.
The kids were expecting something a little more like a zoo. They quickly learned the difference.
A Sanctuary, Not a Zoo
Wolf Sanctuary of PA, also known as the Wolves of Speedwell, sits on 80 wooded acres just north of Lititz. For more than 40 years, the Darlington family has provided a refuge for displaced gray wolves and wolf-dogs.
And sanctuary really is the important word.
The wolves aren’t there to entertain visitors. They live in protected wooded spaces with other wolves and wolf-dogs, receive the care they need and, as much as possible, are allowed to behave like wolves.
The story began in 1976, when Bill and Barbara Darlington welcomed their first wolf, Yukon-Wolf. They officially established Wolf Sanctuary of PA in 1980. When Pennsylvania began requiring permits for exotic animals that same year, the Darlingtons obtained a menagerie permit, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission began contacting them to provide refuge for wolves and wolf-dogs confiscated from illegal ownership.
What began with one family’s love for wolves grew into the nonprofit sanctuary we visited four decades later, focused on providing a safe home for the animals and educating the public about them.
Walking Among the Wolves
Our small tour group was accompanied by two volunteer guides. One led the tour and shared information about the wolves, while the other brought up the rear. Both were experienced and incredibly knowledgeable. One of our guides even runs an animal rescue center in Philadelphia.
As we walked the wooded paths from one territory to another, we learned about wolf behavior, conservation and the individual animals living at the sanctuary.
We also learned quickly that we were the visitors.
The children (and adults) were instructed not to run, jump, yell or wave our arms because sudden movements could agitate the wolves. With four kids, that kept me alert. But I appreciated the reason behind it: we needed to adjust our behavior for the wolves, not expect the wolves to adjust theirs for us.
That became especially clear when we approached the territory of a male who was newer to the sanctuary. He wasn’t comfortable with our group, and our guide noticed his behavior immediately.
So we moved along. There was no attempt to coax him closer. This was his safe space, and we needed to respect his boundaries.
Other wolves seemed more accustomed to tour groups. Some came into view, while others preferred to keep their distance or disappear into the woods.
The wolves decided how much we saw of them.
Sharing the World With Wildlife
Education is an important part of the sanctuary’s mission. Wolves have been surrounded by myths and misinformation for centuries, and our guides helped us better understand their biology, pack behavior and the challenges they face.
But I think the most important lesson was even simpler.
We share the world with wildlife, and caring for wild animals sometimes means changing our own behavior and giving them space.
That lesson extends well beyond the sanctuary fences.
Visiting Wolf Sanctuary of PA With Young Kids
Would I take young children to Wolf Sanctuary of PA? Obviously, yes. I took four of them.
But I would go with realistic expectations. Children will need patience and be able to follow directions—especially the rules against loud or overly excited behavior around the wolves.
I had my two-year-old in a backpack carrier, which made our experience considerably easier. A child who can walk quietly with the group may love the experience. A toddler who desperately wants to run everywhere might be better off waiting a few years.
Explain ahead of time that you may not see the wolves close up. These are wild animals, and some may choose to keep their distance.
And Yes, We Visited the Gift Shop
I’m not much of a souvenir shopper when we travel.
But we left the gift shop with four stuffed wolves and four books, one for each grandkiddo, for two good reasons. First, the proceeds support the sanctuary and its work. Second, the books and stuffed wolves gave the kids something tangible to remember what they had learned.
We don’t often encounter wolves on our hikes, but the lesson extends to the wildlife we do see—or might see. Coyotes, bears and snakes deserve the same space and respect. And yes, even those adorable baby deer we would all love to get a little closer to.
The souvenirs were a fun way to keep that lesson going after we left the sanctuary.
Is Wolf Sanctuary of PA Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
It was educational, memorable and unlike most wildlife experiences we have had. Even better, our visit helped support a sanctuary doing important work for the animals in its care.
For me, that’s an adventure worth taking.
Plan Your Visit
Wolf Sanctuary of PA is located at 465 Speedwell Forge Road, just north of Lititz, Pennsylvania.
Guided public tours are offered throughout the year, and advance reservations are required. Public tours typically last about 1 to 1½ hours and take place on natural grass, rock and dirt trails. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather.
Photography is permitted, but remember that the wolves may be some distance away or behind fencing, so don’t expect close-up photos.
The sanctuary offers several types of tours and special events, so rather than listing prices and schedules that may change, check current availability and purchase tickets directly from Wolf Sanctuary of PA before your visit.
Buy Tickets & View Current Tour Options: Wolf Sanctuary of PA — Tours & Events
Pair This Adventure With
A visit to Wolf Sanctuary of PA is easy to combine with a few more stops for a full day around Lititz.
Explore Historic Lititz: Wander through downtown Lititz, browse the shops, grab lunch or a snack and enjoy one of my favorite small towns in Lancaster County. Lititz Springs Park offers an easy walk along the water and a playground if you’re traveling with children.
Lunch at the Brickerville House Restaurant: Stop for lunch at this historic restaurant in nearby Brickerville before or after your tour.
Keep Exploring
Ready for another adventure? Explore more of my favorite places, trails and experiences in Lititz and Lancaster County.