The Chicago Traveler

Lincoln Park Zoo

by Matt B on February 11th, 2008

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the country, providing entertainment and education for free to visitors of all ages. The winding paths in this 35-acre attraction lead to a multitude of indoor and outdoor exhibits, all located just off Lake Michigan. Open year-round, the zoo is also dotted with numerous shops and restaurants, so there's always somewhere heated or air-conditioned to step into.

Now, aside from the penguins, vultures, giraffes, polar bears, monkeys, lions, seals, bears, snakes, swans, flamingos, antelope, eagles, rhinos, brown bears, tigers, otters, bats, ducks, geese, zebras, owls, ostriches, wolves, tamarins, takin' *deep breath* popular attractions also include:

' Regenstein African Journey. Experience the sights and sounds of Africa, watching crocodiles and hippos swim and meerkats and giraffes stroll the plains.

' Paddleboats. Rentals last 30 minutes: $12 for a 4-seater or $16 for a 2-seater swan boat.

' Pritzker Family Children's Zoo. Go for a walk in the woods, and observe wolves, otters, and bears. Then head indoors to sneak a peek at snakes and insects. Finally, your own little tykes will have the opportunity to do some high-climbing of their own.

' LPZOO Children's Train. Hop aboard this kid-friendly locomotive. $2 per ride.

' Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House. Step into the dark caverns inhabited by fruit bats and the humid homes of the howler monkeys and tamarins.

' Endangered Species Carousel. Take a ride with your favorite animal. $2.50 per ride.

' Regenstein Center for African Apes. Get face-to-face with gorillas and chimpanzees as they climb trees and interact with each other.

' African Safari Ride. Meet the African wildlife on a virtual-reality adventure. $4 members/$5 non-members.

' Farm in the Zoo. My friends from rural areas used to laugh when I told them I saw cows and chickens at the zoo. But where else is a city boy supposed to go to see farm life? Along with observing sheep, pigs, goats, and ponies, visitors can learn about where our food comes from and climb aboard a tractor in the Main Barn.

Like what you see? Support the free zoo by becoming a member. Members enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, invitations to exclusive events, free or reduced parking, and discounts on zoo purchases.

Photo credit: smussyolay, soumit, croncast, lobstar28, joshbousel, Snapies, dissolve, pantagrapher, Grufnik, peterskim, mmaatt, Karl Heubaum, brett harkey

Lincoln Park Zoo (free!): 2200 N Cannon Dr; 312-742-2000
General Hours
Grounds 9:00 a.m. ' 6:00 p.m.
Buildings and Farm 10:00 a.m. ' 5:00 p.m.
Winter Hours (Nov 1 ' March 31)
Grounds close at 5:00 p.m.
Buildings close at 4:30 p.m.
Summer Weekends (Memorial Day ' Labor Day)
Grounds open until 7:00 p.m.
Buildings and Farm open until 6:30 p.m.
Parking $14-$24
Public trans: Bus # 151, 156
http://www.lpzoo.com/

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POSTED IN: Architecture & Attractions