Animal Lesson #8: Camel Races and 7 Other Camel Experiences

Did you know that 94% of camels are dromedary or one-humped camels.  You'll find them in the Middle East or the Horn of Africa.  Only 6% of camels get classified as Bractrain, the two-humped camel from Central Asia.  According to the New York Times, 3,000 camels live in the United States.  Americans imported camels in 1856 for Army use.  It may seem rare to ride a camel in the United States, so I'm sharing with you camel experience opportunities from most to least expensive:

1)  Big Bend Camel Treks, camel-assisted trek to travel the same Big Bend region of West Texas that the historic US Army Camel Experiment explored in 1857 on the Beale Expedition; camp overnight $750 per person with 3 person minimum; 3 day trip $1,050

2) Camel Safari in Las Vegas, 1.5 hour trip in Nevada desert, overlook the Virgin Mountains and Virgin River, must be at least 3 years old and under 250 pounds, $150 per person

3) Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, Palm Desert, CA; zoo admission $20 +$6 camel ride offered through April

4) Safari North Wildlife Park Brainerd, MN; May to Sept. and camel rides only on weekends, $15 entrance + camel ride fee

5) Camel Safari in Bellingham, WA; camel encounter includes opportunity to pet and feed camels; no rides; $25 per person

6) Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm, South Barrington, IL; feed giraffes and ride camels in October; $15 admission + $6 camel ride

7) Oasis Camel Dairy, Ramona, CA; not open daily, look for Open Farm & Show day or book for a small group (10 person min.); $10/person entrance + $10 adult ride or $5 for age 3-14 years old

We found a relatively low cost way to ride a camel.  The Travel & Adventure Show in Chicago (Rosemont Convention Center) provides a different adventure each year.  One year they offered diving in a small pool.  Another year they offered free camel rides. Admission to the show costs $15.

If you seek a much longer experience, consider a special trip to the International Camel & Ostrich Races in Virginia City.  The 57th race will happen Sept. 8-10 in 2017.  The Virginia City newspaper published a farce about racing camels in Virginia City.  When out-of-state competitors arrived, a new tradition began.