Milwaukee County Zoo

Milwaukee County Zoo showing interior views and zoo animals as well as a small group of people
Milwaukee County Zoo featuring land animals and zoo animals as well as an individual male
Photo provided by NC Tourism - Bill Russ
Milwaukee County Zoo which includes zoo animals, a garden and bird life
Milwaukee County Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as a small group of people


This sprawling animal park houses a wide array of exotic wildlife, and is acclaimed for its conservation programs and educational resources.

Milwaukee County Zoo started as a miniature mammal and bird park in the late 19th century, and today it’s one of the city’s great family days out. The zoo covers almost 200 acres (81 hectares) of landscaped grounds, with spacious enclosures faithfully recreating the natural habitats of its 2,583 animals. It’s noted as the nation’s first zoo to successfully breed polar bear cubs in captivity. Give yourself at least half a day to see the animals and take in the feeding presentations and other rides and activities on offer.

You can cover a lot of ground fairly quickly on an insightful guided tour by “zoomobile” streetcar, or with a leisurely miniature steam train ride. The guided tours run for 25 minutes. Purchase tickets from the Zoomobile Ticket Booth near the main entrance. Both activities run during the warmer months between mid-April and mid-October. Alternatively, get a bird’s-eye view of the animals on the Sky Safari chairlift. 

Don’t miss the Big Cat enclosure featuring African lions, snow leopards, South American jaguars and hyenas. The enclosure features regular feeding demonstrations and draws big crowds throughout the day. Check feeding times in advance, particularly when visiting during the colder winter months, when there are fewer events scheduled.

Year round, the temperature-controlled Aquatic and Reptile Center offers a close-up view of tropical marine life and exotic creatures such as the Chinese alligator and King Cobra. You can indulge in some fun side attractions at the zoo, including donkey and camel rides, a traditional carousel and zip lining.

Milwaukee County Zoo is located just west of the city in the Canon Park neighborhood. There is ample on-site parking and frequent public buses from downtown. The zoo is open every day of the year. Families get in free on monthly “Family Free Days” outside the peak summer season.

Popular places to visit


Top Milwaukee County Zoo Hotel Deals

Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
3.5 out of 5
10499 W Innovation Dr, Milwaukee, WI
Sonesta Milwaukee West Wauwatosa
Fast WiFi - King Bed - Near Froedtert - Underground Parking
Fast WiFi - King Bed - Near Froedtert - Underground Parking
Wauwatosa
Fast WiFi - King Bed - Near Froedtert - Underground Parking
Near Froedtert - King Bed - Fast WiFi - Underground Parking
Near Froedtert - King Bed - Fast WiFi - Underground Parking
Wauwatosa
Near Froedtert - King Bed - Fast WiFi - Underground Parking
King Bed Near Froedtert ~ FAST WIFI ~ Undergrnd Parking
King Bed Near Froedtert ~ FAST WIFI ~ Undergrnd Parking
Wauwatosa
King Bed Near Froedtert ~ FAST WIFI ~ Undergrnd Parking
Fall Deals! - Mins to Froedert/State Fair - Dogs!
Fall Deals! - Mins to Froedert/State Fair - Dogs!
West Allis
Fall Deals! - Mins to Froedert/State Fair - Dogs!
Forty Winks Inn
Forty Winks Inn
2 out of 5
11017 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI
Forty Winks Inn
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Milwaukee West/Wauwatosa
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Milwaukee West/Wauwatosa
2.5 out of 5
10411 West Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Milwaukee West/Wauwatosa
Residence Inn Milwaukee West
Residence Inn Milwaukee West
3 out of 5
1300 Discovery Pkwy, Wauwatosa, Milwaukee, WI
Residence Inn Milwaukee West
Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee-West Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee-West Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
2.5 out of 5
11111 W North Ave, Milwaukee, WI
Holiday Inn Express Milwaukee-West Medical Center, an IHG Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

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