Space Farms Zoo & Museum
- Admission
- $22.00 adults, $21.00 seniors, $18.00 children (ages 3-12)
- Hours
- Open daily from late April through October, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
- Duration
- 3-4 hours
- Parking
- Free on-site gravel parking lot
- Access
- Mostly unpaved dirt and gravel pathways which can be uneven; wheelchair accessible with assistance
This family-run, 100-acre roadside odyssey combines a wild animal park with an eclectic museum housing over 50,000 antique items. Visitors can marvel at over 500 live animals and explore massive collections of vintage cars, firearms, and taxidermy. It is even home to Goliath, one of the largest preserved taxidermy bears in the world.
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Established in 1927 as a small general store and repair shop, Space Farms Zoo & Museum has grown into an iconic New Jersey roadside staple. Founded by Ralph and Elizabeth Space, this family-run destination spans over 100 acres in Sussex. It uniquely combines an expansive private zoo with an eclectic museum housing tens of thousands of historical artifacts.
Visitors can wander the grounds to see more than 500 animals, representing over one hundred species of wildlife. Alongside the animal exhibits, nine museum buildings showcase a staggering array of antique cars, horse-drawn carriages, and early American tools. One of the most famous exhibits is Goliath, a preserved 12-foot-tall taxidermy Kodiak bear who was once a resident of the zoo.
This attraction offers a rare, nostalgic glimpse into mid-century roadside Americana that is hard to find today. Its dual nature as both a wildlife park and a massive cabinet of curiosities ensures there is something to capture everyone's interest. It remains owned and operated by the third and fourth generations of the Space family, preserving its authentic, old-school charm.
Ratings
attractionVisitor Tips
- ◆ Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the expansive property features unpaved pathways and multiple buildings.
- ◆ Bring cash, as some smaller vendor stations or animal feed dispensers may not accept credit cards.
- ◆ Allow at least three to four hours to fully explore both the extensive zoo exhibits and the multiple museum halls.
- ◆ Don't miss the antique toy and doll collection housed in the main museum building.
Heads Up
- ◆ The historic museum buildings are not all climate-controlled, so they can get quite warm during hot summer days.
- ◆ Some pathways are gravel or dirt, which may pose challenges for standard strollers or wheelchairs, especially after heavy rain.
Common questions
Is Goliath the giant bear still at Space Farms?
Yes, Goliath, the famous 12-foot-tall taxidermied Kodiak bear who passed away in 1991, remains on display inside the museum.
Can you feed the animals at Space Farms Zoo?
Yes, you can purchase feed at the entrance to feed some of the animals, including the deer and goats, through the fences.
Are the museum exhibits indoors or outdoors?
The museum collections of antique cars, firearms, and historical items are housed inside several large barns, while the zoo exhibits are outdoors.
Is Space Farms stroller and wheelchair friendly?
The terrain can be challenging, as many of the paths are gravel, dirt, or grass with some hilly sections. While accessible, motorized wheelchairs or heavy-duty strollers are recommended.