Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s iconic skyscrapers, the Lincoln Park Zoo presents a unique opportunity for visitors to experience rare animals, lush greenery, and engaging attractions—all without an admission fee.
Located just a short road trip away for many Michiganders, this historic zoo has welcomed guests since its founding in 1868 and remains one of the oldest zoos in the United States, committed to providing a free wildlife experience.
Spanning 34 acres, the zoo boasts around 200 species residing in both indoor and outdoor exhibits, seamlessly integrated with a beautifully accredited arboretum.
Visitors often find that they can explore the zoo in just one to two hours, making it a perfect quick stop during a busy trip. However, many find themselves captivated enough to spend an entire day enjoying various activities.
Attractions such as a vintage carousel and a historic cafe enhance the experience, while a scenic nature walk around a restored pond allows guests to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
While admission is free, parking comes at a cost. Located at 2400 N. Cannon Drive, the on-site parking lots can fill quickly, especially during peak hours. The parking facility opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m., offering early birds free parking if they arrive before 6:30 a.m.
For those who arrive later, daily parking rates range from $35 to $45, with both cash and card accepted upon exit. Zoo members are rewarded with free or discounted parking, along with additional benefits.
Visitors utilizing the parking facility will enter the zoo through the east gate, but there are also four other gates available for those arriving via alternate transportation methods.
Encouraging sustainable travel, zoo officials recommend using public transportation options such as buses, trains, and bicycles to reduce carbon emissions.
Multiple Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus routes, including 22, 36, 151, and 156, stop along the zoo’s western edge near the various gates. The CTA’s Brown and Purple lines serve the Armitage Station, and the Red line stops at Fullerton Station—both approximately one mile from the zoo.
For comprehensive public transportation assistance, visitors can call CTA at 312-836-7000 or utilize the online trip planner.
For biking enthusiasts, the zoo offers bike racks at the west, farm, and Brauer gates.
The zoo operates daily, with hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and extended hours from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
As you enter through the east gate, you’ll be greeted by wide walking paths that lead to the main mall, highlighting the zoo’s clean environment and abundance of trees and plants. One of the first notable attractions is the Pepper Family Wildlife Center, which houses the zoo’s pride of lions, snow leopards, and various mammals.
On hot summer days, visitors may catch a glimpse of the lions lounging contentedly by the glass or atop a raised rock, providing a perfect photo opportunity.
A short distance away, the Kolver Seal Pool offers delightful underwater viewing windows where guests can admire a charming pod of playful seals.
Continuing along the main mall brings visitors to the entrance of the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo, featuring North American animal species and a large indoor play structure designed to resemble a tree house.
Although a portion of the children’s zoo is currently under construction, the engaging indoor exhibits remain open to the public.
The beavers are particularly popular among young visitors, capturing attention with their playful antics.
Making your way back towards the east gate, you’ll want to take a right to explore the zoo’s southern half.
The Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House is one of the first buildings encountered, featuring a fascinating collection of animals including frogs, snakes, iguanas, otters, and sloths, among many others.
Nearby, visitors will find the tranquil Hope B. McCormick Swan Pond and Waterfowl Lagoon, home to swans, Chilean flamingos (including chicks!), and a variety of colorful duck species.
Next, the Nature Boardwalk beckons, complemented by a brief visit to the Farm-in-the-Zoo, which is not a petting zoo but offers interactive experiences.
As you pass through the Brauer Gate, consider stopping for lunch at the Brauer Cafe, situated in a historic building that first opened in 1908 as the original lion house, later reopening as a cafe in 1987 and earning a designation as a City of Chicago Landmark in 2003.
The Nature Boardwalk, which opened in 2010, showcases a restored pond where families can observe thriving local wildlife, including turtles, fish, ducks, and geese.
This picturesque area presents a wonderful opportunity for families, with geese often nesting along the shoreline and teaching their young how to fish.
Turtles can frequently be spotted swimming or basking in the sun, completing the serene atmosphere.
A key highlight of the boardwalk is the stunning view of the Chicago skyline, framed perfectly by trees.
After traversing the Nature Boardwalk, there remains a wealth of fascinating animals to see in the South Loop area.
Here, guests can encounter zebras, Père David’s Deer, red kangaroos, and other unique mammals before moving on to the Regenstein Center for African Apes.
This popular building houses both chimpanzees and gorillas and can become crowded, particularly on warm days when the apes prefer to stay indoors.
The final building within the southern portion of the zoo is the Helen Brach Primate House, providing additional insight into the lives of these fascinating creatures.
As you explore, remember to take a moment to ride the Endangered Species Carousel, featuring 48 intricately hand-carved and beautifully painted replicas of endangered animals. Tickets for this enchanting ride cost $4.50 per person.
Crossing over to the smaller northern section of the zoo, visitors will be treated to the Regenstein Macaque Forest, Regenstein African Journey, Walter Family Arctic Tundra, Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove (currently under construction), the McCormick Bird House, and Regenstein Birds of Prey.
The African Journey stands out as the main attraction, presenting an array of rare species including a giraffe, an eastern black rhino, meerkats, a Pygmy hippopotamus, and African painted dogs.
It’s worth noting that if the giraffe is not visible in its outdoor habitat, it may still be accessible in its indoor space within the African Journey building.
As your trip comes to a close, be sure to stop by the zoo gift shop located in the main mall to find a memento of your visit.
Lincoln Park Zoo is dedicated to fostering a connection between people and nature, offering a family-oriented wildlife experience in the heart of Chicago.
Its mission emphasizes advancing the highest quality of animal care, education, science, and conservation, making it a truly vital resource for visitors and residents alike.
In addition to its diverse animal attractions, the zoo also boasts an accredited arboretum with numerous gardens featuring 1,200 plant species.
With four on-site restaurants providing a variety of dining options, there’s something for everyone.
Visitors can also engage with various attractions, including animal encounters, viewing feedings and training sessions, the Lionel Train Adventure ride, the enchanting Endangered Species Carousel, and even a virtual reality experience called Gorilla Trek.
For further updates and engaging content, don’t forget to follow Lincoln Park Zoo on Facebook and stay connected.
In conclusion, a visit to Lincoln Park Zoo is not only a chance to observe incredible animals and beautiful landscapes but also a commitment to conservation and education, making it an essential stop on any Chicago adventure.
image source from：mlive
