Ochsner Park and Zoo
A charming, free-entry city zoo in Baraboo, WI, featuring diverse rescued animals and interactive feeding experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Ochsner Park and Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, free-entry city zoo in Baraboo, WI, featuring diverse rescued animals and interactive feeding experiences.
"Such a nice little zoo! They have wolves, a bear, arctic fox, deer, swans, cranes, lynx, otters, prairie dogs you can feed as wells as the pigs, donkeys and goats."
Bring Quarters for Feed! :coin:
Essential for feeding prairie dogs, goats, and other animals. A must-do interactive experience!
Donations Welcome :heart:
This free zoo relies on donations to care for its animals. Every bit helps!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Goats & Prairie Dogs
Animal enclosures
Engage with friendly goats and feed curious prairie dogs. A hands-on experience that delights visitors of all ages.
Diverse Animal Collection
Zoo grounds
Spot wolves, bears, arctic foxes, lynx, monkeys, and more. A surprising variety for a free, smaller zoo.
Walter the Owl
Aviary
Meet Walter, a rescued Great Horned Owl with a unique story. His presence adds a special touch to the zoo's conservation efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Fun for Everyone
Feeding Time Frenzy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring Quarters for Feed! :coin:
Essential for feeding prairie dogs, goats, and other animals. A must-do interactive experience!
Donations Welcome :heart:
This free zoo relies on donations to care for its animals. Every bit helps!
Check Animal Availability :eyes:
Some animals may be less active or out of view due to heat.
Combine with Park Visit :park:
The zoo is adjacent to a park and river walk, perfect for a full day out.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Quarters for Feed! :coin:
Essential for feeding prairie dogs, goats, and other animals. A must-do interactive experience!
Donations Welcome :heart:
This free zoo relies on donations to care for its animals. Every bit helps!
Check Animal Availability :eyes:
Some animals may be less active or out of view due to heat.
Combine with Park Visit :park:
The zoo is adjacent to a park and river walk, perfect for a full day out.
Wear Comfy Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be doing a good amount of walking around the zoo and park areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ochsner Park and Zoo for its free admission, diverse animal collection, and interactive feeding opportunities. Many highlight the well-cared-for animals and the pleasant park setting. Some note that certain animals may not be visible due to weather conditions.
"Such a nice little zoo! They have wolfs, a bear, arctic fox, deer, swans, cranes, lynx, otters, prairie dogs you can feed as wells as the pigs, donkeys and goats. Make sure to bring quarters for the feed. Free parking and free admission! They do accept donations. It's not big, so you can't get lost but definitely nice to visit! Kids loved it, especially feeding the animals!"
Kasia Turczyn
"Cute little zoo. Have never seen bears cohabitation with anything before but they had a black bear and artic foxes together that appeared to be playing. Nice place to stop and stretch the legs on a drive."
Charles George
"Such a cute little spot to walk and see the animals. A few weren't out due to heat, so we didn't see spider monkeys, otters, or the lynx, but still a great little visit."
Amie Kelp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ochsner Park and Zoo is located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Many visitors mention it as a convenient stop while exploring the Baraboo area or driving through Wisconsin.
Yes, the zoo is well-integrated into Ochsner Park, making it straightforward to locate. Signs for the park and zoo are generally clear, and it's a popular local spot.
For exploring Baraboo and its attractions like Ochsner Park and Zoo, driving is the most common method. Public transportation options are limited in this area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The most fantastic aspect of Ochsner Park and Zoo is that admission is completely free! While there are donation boxes to support the animals, you don't need to purchase tickets to enter. +1
The only potential cost is for animal feed, which requires quarters to operate the dispensers. Otherwise, entry and parking are free.
The zoo is generally open during daylight hours, aligning with park hours. It's best to check local listings or the Baraboo Parks Department for specific seasonal hours, though it's typically accessible year-round.
Since admission is free, there's no need to book tickets in advance. You can visit anytime during park operating hours.
Visiting on weekday mornings tends to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed experience. Weekends and afternoons can be busier, especially when the weather is nice.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of animals including wolves, bears, arctic foxes, deer, swans, cranes, lynx, monkeys, otters, prairie dogs, pigs, donkeys, and goats.
Absolutely! Children love Ochsner Park and Zoo, especially the opportunity to feed the animals. The free admission and engaging exhibits make it a family favorite. +1
The zoo is part of Ochsner Park, which typically offers restrooms and picnic areas. The adjacent park also provides walking trails and green spaces.
Yes, you can feed many of the animals by using the coin-operated dispensers for feed. Prairie dogs, pigs, donkeys, and goats are popular choices for feeding.
The park and zoo pathways are generally paved and accessible, making it manageable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some areas might have slight inclines.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated food vendors within the zoo itself. However, the adjacent Ochsner Park has picnic areas, so bringing your own food and drinks is a great option.
Baraboo offers various dining options, from casual cafes to sit-down restaurants. Visitors often explore the downtown area for local eateries after their zoo visit.
Yes, bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended, especially if you plan to spend time picnicking in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere with the animals! The enclosures offer great opportunities, especially when animals are active or interacting. Walter the owl is a popular subject.
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged. Capture the unique moments with the animals and the charm of this free zoo.
Expect to capture close-ups of diverse animals, playful interactions (like the bear and arctic fox), and the natural park setting surrounding the zoo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for opportunities to see Walter the owl, a rescued resident with a touching story.
The variety of animals, from playful monkeys to majestic wolves, keeps children engaged and curious. It's a wonderful place to spark a love for animals and conservation in a fun, accessible environment. 💰 Budget Travelers
This zoo is a perfect example of a hidden gem that offers a rich experience without a hefty price tag. It's a great way to enjoy nature and wildlife while keeping your travel budget in check.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of a Free Zoo
The zoo's commitment to animal welfare is evident, with many residents being rescues. This includes notable animals like Walter, a Great Horned Owl who was saved after an injury and now thrives at the zoo.
The presence of animals like wolves, bears, arctic foxes, lynx, monkeys, and otters offers a diverse viewing experience that often surprises visitors given the zoo's size and free admission. Visitors consistently praise the well-maintained enclosures and the visible care given to the animals. The interactive feeding opportunities, requiring just a few quarters, are a major highlight, particularly for families. This hands-on element transforms a simple zoo visit into a memorable engagement with wildlife.
Community Support and Conservation
Donations play a crucial role in maintaining the zoo's operations. Visitors are encouraged to contribute through donation boxes located throughout the park. This direct support helps fund food, veterinary care, and habitat enrichment for the animals. The positive feedback from visitors often highlights the cleanliness and the apparent well-being of the animals, a testament to the dedication of the zoo staff and its supporters.
Beyond direct financial support, community events held at Ochsner Park, such as Juneteenth celebrations, further solidify its role as a central gathering place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit