A rescued black bear, two mute swans, and a longtime resident elk. Observe them during a private sanctuary cabin stay, one hour from Chicago.
Avanti The Bear Den is a private, licensed wildlife sanctuary in Crown Point, Indiana, and home to one of the more memorable animal encounters Indiana offers. Four resident animals live here: Avanti, a rescued American black bear; Bonnie and Clyde, a pair of mute swans; and Ethel, a longtime resident elk. This is a working sanctuary, not a zoo, and only one guest group stays at a time. Guests observe the animals up close in a calm, private setting where animal welfare always comes first.
Avanti is a rescued American black bear and the namesake of the property. Guests may observe him from a safe viewing area during his active seasons, generally spring through fall.
Avanti is generally most active spring through fall and enters a winter rest period typically December through February. Bear sightings are not guaranteed.
Learn more about Avanti
Bonnie and Clyde are the resident mute swans and offer the most hands-on experience during your stay. Guests may feed the swans when guided by property staff using approved food.
Meet Bonnie and Clyde
Ethel is a longtime resident elk who lives on the property. Guests may observe her as she moves naturally around the grounds.
Meet Ethel
The property naturally attracts wild deer, wild turkeys, coyotes, and a variety of birds. These visits are unscheduled and add to the quiet, natural atmosphere of the sanctuary.
Observation means viewing the animals in their natural habitat from a designated safe area. Animal care is managed by trained handlers, and guest access is structured around animal welfare first.
Observation from a safe viewing area. Guests do not enter his habitat and do not feed him directly.
Observe her as she moves naturally on the property. No touching and no feeding.
Supervised feeding with approved food and staff guidance. This is the most hands-on part of the stay.
Quiet, calm behavior is expected around all animals. Trained handlers manage animal care at all times.
Avanti The Bear Den is a licensed wildlife sanctuary. The animals in our care receive professional attention from trained handlers. Guest access to each animal is structured to prioritize animal welfare and guest safety.
This is not a zoo. There are no public shows, no scheduled performances, and no animal acts. The experience here is quiet, private, and designed to let guests observe animals living naturally in a sanctuary setting.
Learn more about the sanctuaryNo questions in this topic.
Avanti The Bear Den is home to four resident animals: Avanti, a rescued American black bear; Bonnie and Clyde, a pair of mute swans; and Ethel, a longtime resident elk. Guests who stay in the private cabin share the property with all four animals during their visit.
No. Avanti The Bear Den is a private licensed wildlife sanctuary, not a zoo. There are no public admission lines, no animal shows, and no crowds. One small guest group stays at a time, and the experience is quiet, private, and centered on respectful animal observation.
Avanti is a rescued American black bear. He lives on the property in his habitat and is cared for by trained handlers. Guests may observe Avanti from a safe viewing area. Guests do not enter his habitat or feed him directly.
Avanti is generally most active from spring through fall. Like most black bears, he enters a period of winter rest and may not be visible during colder months, typically December through February. Guests visiting during his active seasons have the best opportunity to observe him.
Yes. Bonnie and Clyde, the resident mute swans, are part of the hands-on guest experience. Guests may feed the swans when guided by property staff using approved food. The swan feeding experience is one of the most memorable parts of a stay at Avanti The Bear Den.
Bonnie and Clyde are resident swans who are comfortable around people. Swan feeding is a supervised experience, and guests should follow staff guidance on approach and food. As with all animals on the property, respectful behavior around the swans is expected.
Ethel is a longtime resident elk who lives on the property. Guests may observe Ethel as she moves naturally around the grounds. This is an observation experience. Guests do not touch or feed Ethel. Her calm, unhurried presence is a memorable part of the overall stay.
Yes. The property is a licensed wildlife sanctuary with trained handlers and clear guidelines for every animal interaction. Guests observe Avanti and Ethel from designated safe areas and do not enter their habitats. Swan feeding is supervised. The experience is designed to be safe, respectful, and appropriate for families and guests of all comfort levels.
Yes. Avanti The Bear Den welcomes families. Children can participate in supervised swan feeding, observe Avanti the bear from a safe viewing area, and may spot Ethel the elk on the property. The experience is private, unhurried, and designed for guests who want a meaningful connection with animals in a respectful setting.
The animals are part of the cabin stay experience. Book the private cabin and the animal experience is included in your visit. You do not need to purchase separate tickets or sign up for timed entry. One guest group at a time means the property is yours for the duration of your stay.
The resident animals are part of every cabin stay. Avanti is most active from spring through fall. Only one guest group stays at a time, so your experience is always private.