Kenosha County is well-known for its lakefront charm and vibrant downtown, but just a short drive west you’ll discover a quieter kind of magic. Tucked along rolling farmland on the north side of Kenosha County, Paris Deer Park offers visitors an unforgettable chance to hand-feed reindeer, mule deer, and sika deer in a peaceful, small-group setting.
Owned by Colleen Vana and Steve Pulera, Paris Deer Park is more than a place to see wildlife—it’s a living link to centuries of human fascination with deer.
“We want to share that feeling of awe when a deer eats right from your hand,” Colleen says. “It’s a tradition of connecting with these incredible animals—and hopefully inspiring others to help preserve the experience.”
From Old-World Menageries to Modern Wisconsin
Deer parks date back to the Middle Ages, when private menageries were a mark of wealth and wonder. Even George Washington maintained deer paddocks at Mount Vernon. Paris Deer Park carries that legacy forward with a distinctly Wisconsin twist: a hands-on, intimate encounter that’s equal parts history, conservation, and family fun.
“Although our address reads Union Grove, we’re actually located in the Town of Paris—hence the name Paris Deer Park,” Colleen explains.
The park’s founders, Colleen and her partner Steve, were inspired by childhood memories of deer parks where animals calmly approached for food. Their goal: to recreate that sense of wonder while educating visitors about wildlife care and conservation.
A Conversation with Colleen Vana
Visit Kenosha: What do you hope every guest walks away with?
Colleen: A smile, a memory, and hopefully they come away learning something new.
Visit Kenosha: How did your background prepare you for this?
Colleen: Our staff has a combined 30+ years of experience caring for a variety of species, with backgrounds in biology and animal science. That collective knowledge makes the care for our collection pretty natural.
Visit Kenosha: How do you monitor animal health?
Colleen: Daily observation is key—knowing each animal individually and as part of the herd. We log everything from feed intake to medical needs so our team stays fully informed.
Visit Kenosha: Do you bond with the deer?
Colleen: Absolutely. Each one has a reason to be the favorite, and it changes all the time. Training moments—when an animal masters a new behavior—always make me proud.
Visit Kenosha: What surprises visitors the most?
Colleen: Almost every tour has someone who’s shocked to learn that antlers shed naturally every year.
Visit Kenosha: Any insider tips for first-time visitors?
Colleen: Wear comfortable closed-toed shoes, dress for the weather, be ready for a few bad jokes, and be patient—animals work on their own timetable.
Life on the Farm
A day at Paris Deer Park starts early.
“Animal welfare isn’t a 9–5,” Colleen says. “Every day is an early day, and some run incredibly long. The first thing we do is turn on the lights and check every animal.”
Daily care includes careful monitoring of nutrition—right down to tracking scat and body condition—and keeping a watchful eye on seasonal cycles like spring calving and summer velvet shedding.
Winters bring fewer worries than you might expect:
“Reindeer are built for the Arctic Circle,” Colleen notes. “They handle Wisconsin winters just fine. Our bigger challenges are things like ticks or parasites, which we manage with testing and preventative care.”
Staff training is thorough and deliberate.
“Hiring takes more than loving animals,” she says. “New staff go through a probationary period, and skills from veterinary science to carpentry can come into play. We need people who can stay calm, observe closely, and think ahead.”
Enrichment & Education
To keep the herd curious and active, the team offers a variety of enrichment: branches to rub antlers on, novel foods to explore, or even social shifts within the herd.
“Every tour is different,” Colleen says. “We keep group sizes small so guests can interact safely and respectfully. Our reservation system lets us plan ahead and ensure both visitors and animals have the best experience.”
While school group programs aren’t yet formalized, Colleen hopes to expand into youth education and internships in the near future.
Reindeer on the Road
At City of Kenosha Tree Lighting in 2024.
Paris Deer Park also brings its magic to the community with live reindeer displays at holiday events—though sometimes nature has other plans.
“Our most memorable event was one we never made it to,” Colleen recalls. “A terrible snowstorm forced us to cancel, with semi-trucks pulled over and accidents everywhere. Safety always comes first.”
Preparing deer for public appearances is a careful process. Training begins early, getting them used to halters, sounds, and crowds.
“Certain deer do better in certain situations,” Colleen explains. “They all have strengths and weaknesses, just like we do.”
Supporting Kenosha County’s Tourism Economy
Paris Deer Park sources hay and feed from local suppliers, supports 4-H programs, and draws visitors from across the Midwest.
“We certainly attract both locals and tourists,” Colleen says. “People come to our farm and leave with a deeper appreciation of the area.”
During the holiday season, the park is especially popular—reindeer photo ops and cocoa-with-Santa events make it a winter must-see.
Looking Ahead
Though the primary focus remains herd health and habitat, Colleen hints at exciting updates:
“We have a few changes coming to our tours this November, with new additions we haven’t yet announced,” she teases.
Sustainability is also part of the plan: manure is reused in agriculture, and careful breeding supports the long-term health of the herd.
Why It Belongs on Your Kenosha Itinerary
Paris Deer Park captures the essence of Kenosha County tourism—family-friendly adventure, genuine local connections, and an immersive brush with the natural world.
“We’re a place where tradition and innovation meet,” Colleen says. “We respect the humble beginnings of deer parks while offering an educational, fun experience in today’s zoological world.”
Whether you’re a lifelong local or a weekend traveler, a visit here offers something rare: a chance to slow down, feed a reindeer, and feel the velvet of antlers still in growth.
Kenosha County’s Natural Wonder
From the calm of a quiet morning feeding deer to the sparkle of holiday lights around the reindeer paddocks, Paris Deer Park is the kind of hidden treasure that keeps Kenosha County’s tourism scene vibrant. Add it to your itinerary—you’ll leave with a smile, a story, and maybe a new favorite four-legged friend.
Plan Your Visit To Paris Deer Park
Reindeer Barn Tours are available on select dates in November and December each year. Other events and tours are also held during the year.
Check parisdeerpark.com for tour dates
800 180th Avenue, Union Grove, WI 53182
(262) 618-9227
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