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Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo
Lincoln Park, Chicago
The folks at Explore Chicago and Travel + Leisure like this place. Would you agree?
"Awesome free zoo in the heart of Chicago."(30 Tips)
"Their holiday Zoo Lights display is a lot of fun!"(12 Tips)
"Free admission, beautiful landscape, and wonderful animals."(14 Tips)"Awesome zoo, with a great ape gorilla exhibit."(5 Tips)
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Alexandra Faught BivinsSeptember 30, 2013Visited this Zoo on Saturday, was actually not impressed by it. It's nice for a free zoo but we didn't get to see all the animals which kinda stunk!! But it is free and that was nice!
Brian PappAugust 7, 2014Surprisingly nice. Enjoyed the mix of outdoor & indoor exhibits. Both well kept.
Rachel WhinneryJuly 30, 2015Walk right in and meet some animals up close and personal. 🐯 (Layout is a little wonky - we went around in circles looking for giraffes.)
David KollerMarch 6, 2016I love this zoo. It's free, in the middle of the city, constantly being improved, and a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle.
Time Out Chicago KidsJuly 2, 2012The Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo is nominated for Best Brush with Nature in our Hipsqueak Awards, vote now at
Carlos LlamachoApril 17, 2016Plenty to see, great scenery and pretty informative signs at the exhibits. Overall is a great experience.
MichelleJuly 21, 2013Amazing, beautiful and historic zoo. It is free!! They also had great educational tables set up to teach the kids!
Pierre ValadeOctober 21, 2011Part yoga pavilion, part outdoor classroom, the South Pond Pavilion at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo is a stunning architectural statement located along the Zoo's new Nature Boardwalk.
Joseph MorgensternSeptember 29, 2013Who doesn't love a free zoo?!? Best zoo in America - no. But absolutely worth a trip with the kids - it's just a great spot!- vanessa buenrostroMarch 23, 2016A very fun place to see many animals and the exhibits and best of all its free admission!
HISTORYApril 7, 2010Est. in 1868, the zoo is among the oldest & most modern zoological gardens in the country. Its intimate setting enables guests to experience the thrill of getting up close to different animals.- Love the Polar Bears. The best event is the Zoo Lights event; even better than Brookfield Zoo event.
ZocDocOctober 20, 2011In the summer, bring your yoga mat and a water bottle and spend an hour getting your mind and body in shape while gazing out at the city. Absolutely beautiful!
AmandaMarch 31, 2014Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest zoos in the United States. Best part, it's FREE! Must see: the gorilla house.
The primates are always great, especially the Tamarins. When the Polar Bear is swimming it's also really fun. If you catch the Black Rhino on a good day, it can be really fun to watch prance around.
Mark HOctober 10, 2011An excellent excellent zoo! It's amazing that it's free cos I'm sure ppl wud pay to enter this zoo. In my opinion it's way better than the very pricey Shedd's...
One of the true jewels of Chicago, especially considering that admission is free for all.
Christopher MichaelJuly 28, 2019Great zoo to walk around and enjoy the air. Check out the gorilla exhibit.
Brandon ClayAugust 27, 2012Great zoo and it's free!. Lots of helpful volunteers to help guide you. Go to the nature boardwalk for an awesome view.- Analise BluemelMay 8, 2013It's free to the public! Make sure if you can to leave a donation though! Great educational spot and good place to roam around!
- Maureen HOctober 21, 2018Great zoo! Very clean, the animals are so active and best of all, it is free!
Ari CaldwellDecember 27, 2014I love this zoo! The fact that it's free admission does not make it any less fun and interesting.- The zoo is always free. With kids, be sure to stop in the Children's Zoo and visit the Farm. Their holiday Zoo Lights display is a lot of fun!
Jeffrey PfallerSeptember 12, 2014Can't beat free. Perfect zoo to stroll in and out of, whether you have an hour or all day.- Captain DeadpoolSeptember 30, 2017Usually come here but the last time was for the Zoo at Night event and it was so cool to party with the animals!
Christina C.December 29, 2012They had some animals indoors. Great for families & something free to do at night.
Ricky PottsAugust 21, 2010Come early as the zoo fills up pretty quickly. It's free too so that draws people from all over. Lots of great animals though!
MazdaNovember 17, 2010The zoo was founded in 1868, when the Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of a pair of swans. In 1874, the swans were joined by a bear cub, the first animal purchased for the zoo.
Lisa NJune 24, 2013It's free! Get there early to beat the crowds and get good views of the animals. Surrounding park is nice too.- Simon & Schuster ManagerAugust 24, 2011Characters Owen and Adelaide spend afternoons here. One guest was a bear cub who roamed the zoo at night. Scenes set here in BRIGHT AND DISTANT SHORES http://bit.ly/oM5tmC
Joshua CrutchfieldApril 19, 2016Love this zoo. Love that it's "free". Factor in parking before you make the trip!
Andrew CJanuary 10, 2016I hate zoos but the holiday light show around the property is so freaking cool and fun to watch!!
Travel + LeisureMay 29, 2012Hop astride a Siberian tiger or giant panda on the Endangered Species Carousel, or paddle around the lagoon on a swan-shaped boat. Read more
Michael FoehseOctober 16, 2012Amazing for a free zoo. They'll get you on parking, but it's one if your cheapest options when doing up the Chi with kids!
Tiffany PorterNovember 8, 2014Free zoo! Awesome! Beautiful park to wander through and enjoy the exhibits.
Dana ParkerAugust 2, 2015Best free zoo in the country, and maybe even better than a lot of paid ones
Brian IbarraMarch 12, 2016Free to the public and closes at 7 pm get there early but easy to find at least- Awesome free zoo in the heart of Chicago. Beautiful nature walks too.
Josh SciannaDecember 18, 2017Zoolights is always an attractive site to see, I highly recommend for a date night.
They filmed the zoo scenes in Baby's Day Out here (the gorilla cage scene was actually in the cat house).
Danny PayneOctober 15, 2016Very impressed with the location and how much they had to offer for a free zoo in a downtown large city.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleAugust 2, 2011You can’t beat a walk in the woods at Lincoln Park Zoo, whose collection and agenda reflect its strong conservation mission. -- Green Guide Editor
Matt KoskinenJuly 12, 2015free admission! also good food quality, and not insanely high prices, wide variety!
Jessie BarberApril 3, 2010This is a great, clean, and free zoo. If it's really hot outside, head to the underwater viewing at the seal pool — it's a nice refresher after being out in the sun.
Resurrection Larry ArroyoMay 31, 2012The most famous host was Bushman the gorilla who not only swung from Hitlers tire and escaped the zoo for a bit but also graced Timemagazine
Come when the zoo opens! More animals are out an about. If you come early afternoon, everyone is napping.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N Clark St (btwn Fullerton Pkwy & LaSalle Dr)
Chicago, IL 60614
United States
Chicago, IL 60614
United States
Closed until 10:00 AM (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
(312) 742-2000
Features
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Yes
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Places inside Lincoln Park Zoo
- 8.7
"Pretty small compared to the main zoo across the bridge, but it's perfect if you have small kids. You get all the sights, sounds, and smells of a farm."
Jonathan Ferrera - 8.4
"Really great exhibits to see big cats up close!! Plus the zoo is free! Great stop! :)"
Hannah - 7.8
"Indeed a hidden gem. Looks out onto a pond. Great pricing on bfasts. Friendly smiling servers"
Taufiq Hab
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- 9.4
"Nice “free” Zoo nearby, connected & opened to the park, people walking around & having a walk always here."
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"Your kids will love the Oz-themed sculptures in this park. You'll also find a playground, walking path, tennis courts, and a garden."
venessa tarbell - 9.6
"Great, beautiful, open space. The Bean looks like an awesome space ship, great place to admire the city skyline and plenty of restaurants and bars around it to enjoy. It is a must see!"
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Places people like to go after Lincoln Park Zoo
- 9.2
"It is a great place to warm up when it's cold outside, especially the fern room. The plants are so beautiful and it is very relaxing to take a short stroll around the main room."
Jonathan Ferrera - 7.8
"Best salad bar in Chicago, unbelievable chili and to die for burgers...paired with your favorite pint and you can't go wrong!"
Andrew - 9.4
"A wonderful, peaceful walk around the water. Great photo opportunities in the large structure."
Daniel Ley
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