ZooMontana
Billings' unique zoological and botanical park, offering wildlife encounters and serene gardens. A conservation hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals active, fewer crowds
ZooMontana
Best Time
Animals active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Billings' unique zoological and botanical park, offering wildlife encounters and serene gardens. A conservation hub.
"This zoo is truly the right size! My wife and I saw everything in about 2 1/2 - 3 hours, taking our time!"
🎯 Plan for Animal Activity
Visit in cooler parts of the day for best animal viewing. Many sleep during hot afternoons. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Consider Season Passes
If you plan multiple visits, season passes offer great value and easy entry. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tiger Exhibit
Main Zoo Area
Majestic big cats that captivate visitors with their powerful presence.
Otter Enclosures
Main Zoo Area
Playful and energetic otters that entertain with their aquatic antics.
Botanical Gardens
ZooMontana Grounds
Serene gardens offering a peaceful escape and a beautiful backdrop.
Holiday Lights Display
ZooMontana Grounds
A dazzling winter spectacle transforming the zoo into a festive wonderland.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Animal Sightings
Budgeting for Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Animal Activity
Visit in cooler parts of the day for best animal viewing. Many sleep during hot afternoons. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Consider Season Passes
If you plan multiple visits, season passes offer great value and easy entry. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful botanical gardens, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
💡 Check Event Schedules
Special events can impact crowds and animal visibility. Plan accordingly. :calendar:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Animal Activity
Visit in cooler parts of the day for best animal viewing. Many sleep during hot afternoons. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Consider Season Passes
If you plan multiple visits, season passes offer great value and easy entry. :admission_tickets:
📸 Capture the Gardens
Don't miss the beautiful botanical gardens, perfect for photos. :camerawithflash:
💡 Check Event Schedules
Special events can impact crowds and animal visibility. Plan accordingly. :calendar:
💰 Event Pricing Varies
Holiday lights and other events can be pricey; check costs in advance. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
ZooMontana is widely praised for its manageable size, making it easy to explore in a few hours, and for the apparent excellent care of its animals. Visitors appreciate the blend of zoo exhibits and botanical gardens, and many find season passes to be a great value. Some note that animals can be less active during hot weather, and special event pricing can be higher.
"This zoo is truly the right size! My wife and I saw everything in about 2 1/2 - 3 hours, taking our time! Variety of animals was very good considering we only paid something like $13 a piece! We had a fantastic good time and saw almost every animal they had on exhibit….PRETTY GOOD FOR A ZOO! The animals in this Zoo are extremely well cared for, and I’m pretty sure most of them know their names! Worth the visit!"
Doug H
"We love going to the Zoo! My girls love the Tiger and Otters the most, they have several environments developing for new animals to come in. You can buy tickets at the window at the time of arrival, it's usually not busy unless there's an event happening. It's a nice little walk that's paved the whole way, wheel chair accessable. The gift shop was a little more sparse than normal but that could be due to the end of summer, it's always nicely stocked! There are also membership available for purchase as well, and I believe they are $100."
Erica Block
"I really liked the diversity of the animals at this place and the relatively small area. It made it very easy to walk around. The layout of the map made it easy to walk around the zoo in a circular fashion, so I could walk out from the entrance, go through all the exhibits and end up back at the entrance. There where more exhibits in the gift shop as well which added onto the experience. The only recommendations id make is to update the tiles and maps, as well as adding more places for people to see the already existing exhibits. I went to the zoo during a hot summer day and a lot of the animals where sleeping in order to cool off and there was nowhere to stand to see some of them, but most where still accessible. I enjoyed my time."
tyler hoster
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
ZooMontana is located on the west end of Billings, Montana. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors mention it's a straightforward drive within the city. +1
Yes, the zoo features paved pathways throughout, making it wheelchair accessible. This allows for an enjoyable experience for visitors with mobility challenges.
There is parking available at ZooMontana. Visitors generally find it convenient, though it can fill up during special events or peak times.
Information on public transport to ZooMontana is limited in online discussions. Driving is the most commonly mentioned method of arrival.
Absolutely! ZooMontana is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a compact yet engaging experience that can be enjoyed in a few hours. 
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices are generally considered reasonable, around $13 per person. However, special events like the holiday lights can significantly increase costs, with one review mentioning $21 per adult and $12.50 per child for that event.
Yes, you can typically buy tickets at the window upon arrival. It's usually not busy unless there's a special event happening.
Yes, ZooMontana offers membership options, which are highly recommended for frequent visitors. A season pass is mentioned as being around $100 and is considered 'worth every penny' by many. +1
ZooMontana hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
While specific coupons aren't frequently mentioned, purchasing a season pass is highlighted as a cost-effective option for multiple visits. Keep an eye on their social media for any promotional offers. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
ZooMontana features a diverse range of animals, including tigers and otters, as well as regional wildlife. They are also developing new environments for future animal arrivals.
Most visitors find that it takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to see everything at a leisurely pace. The zoo's size is often described as 'just right' or the 'Goldilocks of paths.' +1
Yes, ZooMontana is highly recommended for families. It's a great place for kids to connect with wildlife and nature, and many find it a perfect outdoor activity.
The zoo has a well-designed circular path that makes it easy to navigate through all the exhibits and return to the entrance. Some suggest updating the maps and tiles.
ZooMontana hosts various events, including a popular holiday lights display and outdoor concerts. It's also a botanical park with iris cultivators.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Outside food and drinks, including mugs of hot chocolate, are generally not permitted inside the zoo, especially during special events. They encourage purchasing items from their concessions.
While specific details are scarce, it's implied that food concessions are available. One review mentioned the gift shop was a bit sparse, which might extend to food offerings at certain times.
Information regarding dedicated picnic areas is not readily available in online discussions. It's advisable to check with the zoo directly or plan to dine at their concessions.
📸 📸 Photography
The botanical gardens offer beautiful scenery for photos. Animal enclosures, especially when animals are active, also provide great photo opportunities.
Yes, ZooMontana provides opportunities for wildlife photography, particularly with its diverse animal collection. However, be mindful of animal activity during different times of the day.
No specific restrictions on general photography are mentioned. However, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
Lighting varies greatly depending on the time of day and season. Morning and late afternoon light is often best for animal photography. Holiday lights create a unique evening ambiance.
Yes, the holiday lights display is a major attraction and a popular subject for photography during the festive season.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
+1 The zoo's manageable size means you can explore it thoroughly in a few hours, making it an ideal activity for a relaxed afternoon. +1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 For wildlife photography, the tiger exhibit and otter enclosures are often highlights. And of course, the holiday lights display offers a unique, festive subject matter for evening photography. +1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
ZooMontana's Unique Blend: Zoo and Botanical Park
The zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife throughout Montana and along the 45th parallel of Earth, making it an educational as well as entertaining destination. Visitors often praise the zoo's manageable size, which allows for a comprehensive visit in just a few hours. The layout is designed for easy navigation, creating a pleasant walking loop.
This blend makes ZooMontana a distinctive attraction for both nature lovers and animal enthusiasts. Experiencing ZooMontana's Special Events
+2 These events draw significant crowds, so planning ahead is recommended. Beyond the holiday season, ZooMontana also hosts outdoor concerts, with artists like Sara Evans having performed there.
The zoo's unique setting makes it an appealing venue for such events. Additionally, they have hosted animal-themed yoga fundraisers in their sensory gardens, showcasing the venue's versatility. When attending these events, be aware that pricing can be higher than general admission, and outside food/drinks may be restricted. Animal Welfare and Visitor Interaction
While the zoo is designed for observation, the relatively small area and the animals' well-being mean that some may be less active during hotter periods.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit