Skip the Smyrna Rest Stop Crowds:
The Best Family Detour on Route 1
Only 10 minutes north of the Delaware House Travel Plaza in Townsend, DE.
Live Zoo Status
Connecting to the main gates...
If you are pulled over at the Smyrna Rest Area dreading the rest of the drive up Route 1, we have a much better plan. Instead of pacing around a crowded asphalt parking lot or waiting in line at the travel plaza, take a quick 10-minute detour north to Townsend and visit 3 Palms Zoo!
Located just minutes off the highway, our rescue and education sanctuary is the perfect place to let toddlers and kids stretch their legs on farm paths, burn off energy, and interact with our friendly rescues before getting back on the road.
What to Expect: We are proud to be a rugged, authentic rescue sanctuary. You won't find commercialized, paved walkways here. Instead, you'll experience a true farm environment with free-roaming rescued ducks, dirt paths, and incredible up-close encounters with our gentle rescued llamas, sheep, and goats. Dress for the farm, not the city!
🌟 Summer Pro-Tip: Because we are a true farm sanctuary, we have very limited shade. Plan your visit for early in the morning! You'll beat the intense midday heat, and catch the animals when they are most active.
At just a few dollars per person (infants under 12 months are free), we aren't an exhausting, expensive theme park. Relax for an hour or two without breaking the bank.
Explore 3 Palms Zoo
Want to see who lives at the sanctuary before making the drive?
Just 10 Minutes Away
Skip the highway stress! We are a quick, easy drive straight up the local roads from the Delaware House rest plaza.
Dirt Paths & Hand-Feeding
Don't pace around a concrete parking lot. Walk our shaded farm paths and hand-feed our gentle rescued llamas, goats, and sheep.
Delaware's Only Alligators
Meet Mr. Smee, rescued owls, playful foxes, and a variety of friendly waterfowl in an authentic sanctuary setting.
Stress-Free & Affordable
At just a few dollars per person (infants under 12 months are free) and $1 for animal feed, relax for an hour without breaking the bank.
🎁 Smyrna Detour Bonus
Tell the gate staff the secret code DELAWARE HOUSE to receive one free bamboo stem for your family to share with our prairie dogs!
Escape the travel plaza and start your adventure.
Put us directly into your GPS below to start navigating.
⚠️ Critical GPS Warning
GPS units fail here constantly. They often tell you to turn onto (or stay on) "Blackbird Forest Rd." This is wrong. You must turn onto Vandyke Greenspring Rd to find our entrance.