
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
A 45-acre zoo and botanic garden featuring over 700 animals in themed exhibits, known for its interactive experiences and stunning lantern festivals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more active animals

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 45-acre zoo and botanic garden featuring over 700 animals in themed exhibits, known for its interactive experiences and stunning lantern festivals.
"Amazing animals for such a small zoo, with interactive feeding and a magical lantern festival!"

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo has many hills, so good footwear is essential for exploring!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Tokens
Purchase tokens for a chance to feed the penguins – a highlight for many visitors!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amazonia Exhibit
Amazonia
Immerse yourself in a lush rainforest with free-flying birds and fascinating tapirs. A vibrant escape!

Penguin Feeding
Penguin Exhibit
Get up close and personal with adorable penguins! A small fee grants you the chance to feed them.

Wild Summer Lights
Various locations
Experience the zoo transformed by stunning, colorful animal lanterns after dark. Magical!

Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Exhibit
A memorable opportunity to feed these gentle giants, but check for specific times.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Hills
Timing Your Visit for Animal Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo has many hills, so good footwear is essential for exploring!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Tokens
Purchase tokens for a chance to feed the penguins – a highlight for many visitors!
💡 Check Feeding Times
Maximize your visit by knowing when you can feed giraffes or penguins.
🍼 Lactation Room Available
A comfortable, air-conditioned nursing room is located near the rhino exhibit.
Visiting Evansville for two days-what is there to do?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo has many hills, so good footwear is essential for exploring!
🐧 Penguin Feeding Tokens
Purchase tokens for a chance to feed the penguins – a highlight for many visitors!
💡 Check Feeding Times
Maximize your visit by knowing when you can feed giraffes or penguins.
🍼 Lactation Room Available
A comfortable, air-conditioned nursing room is located near the rhino exhibit.
✨ Wild Summer Lights Magic
Don't miss the enchanting lantern festival for a unique evening experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find Mesker Park Zoo to be a charming and enjoyable experience, especially given its size and price point. The animal exhibits are well-maintained, and interactive feeding opportunities are a highlight. However, some guests note that certain exhibits can appear empty, and the zoo's hilly terrain requires good stamina. The 'Wild Summer Lights' event is a standout attraction, transforming the zoo into a magical spectacle.
"Amazing animals for such a small zoo. The Tapir area (Amazonia?) had lots of great birds flying around, the penguins were so friendly and all the animals looked healthy. They even had a tiger and a rhino. And a good price!"
Lynette Loew
"Park is beautifully decorated, and mostly very clean. Admission was $22 for 2 adults. There are many interesting animal exhibits, but a significant number of exhibits were empty. Tram service and power chair rentals are available for a fee. It is not completely handicap accessible, but with assistance a wheelchair can access nearly the whole park (i.e. most doors are not automatic). Park appeared very understaffed, but the animals appear well cared for. We fed an adorable penguin, cost was 5 dollars a fish. You'll need to give yourself several hours to see everything. Overall, quite enjoyable for the cost."
Anthony Childers
"We went to the Wild Summer Nights Lantern festival .It was amazing ! We were in awe of the work that it took to put this together .The color and detail on the animal lanterns was amazing .Such a beautiful way to end the summer .The music and food trucks were a great addition also .I had a caramel apple makeup for the first time .Wow ! Loved it !"
Traveling Crabapple
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden is located in Evansville, Indiana. Driving is the most common way to reach the zoo, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if you're not driving.
While specific routes can vary, it's advisable to check with the local Evansville public transit authority for the most up-to-date information on bus routes that service the zoo's vicinity.
The zoo offers parking facilities for visitors. If the main lot is full, there might be overflow parking available, which could be useful for RVs as well.
Yes, it's possible to park an RV at Mesker Park Zoo, especially if the overflow lot is not too full. It's a good idea to call ahead to confirm availability.
Yes, the zoo is very stroller and wagon friendly, making it easy to navigate with young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but reviews suggest around $22 for two adults. It's always best to check the official Mesker Park Zoo website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
Mesker Park Zoo hosts special events like the 'Wild Summer Lights' lantern festival, which has been highly praised for its artistry and atmosphere. Keep an eye on their schedule for other seasonal attractions.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended for popular attractions to save time and guarantee entry, especially during special events. Check their official website.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's crucial to check the Mesker Park Zoo's official website for the most accurate daily hours before your visit.
While specific discount programs aren't detailed, it's worth inquiring about potential discounts for seniors, military, or group visits when booking or at the ticket counter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The park is not entirely handicap accessible, but with assistance, a wheelchair can access nearly the whole park. Most doors are not automatic, so some help may be needed.
Visitors often rave about the Amazonia exhibit with its free-flying birds and tapirs, as well as the penguin and giraffe exhibits, especially if you catch a feeding time.
Yes, you can purchase tokens to feed adorable penguins, parakeets, and giraffes at specific times, offering a unique and memorable interaction.
This evening event transforms the zoo with incredible, colorful animal lanterns. It's a visually stunning experience with music and food trucks.
Plan to spend several hours exploring the zoo to see everything. Some visitors suggest it's a smaller zoo, but there's still plenty to discover.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers food trucks, especially during events like 'Wild Summer Lights,' providing a variety of options. You might also find concessions within the park.
While not explicitly stated, many zoos allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks for picnics. Check the zoo's policy on their website to be sure.
Food truck offerings can vary, but it's common for them to have diverse menus. It's best to check with the specific food vendors on the day of your visit for current options.
During special events like 'Wild Summer Lights,' unique treats like caramel apple makeup have been noted, adding a fun culinary element to the experience.
Yes, the zoo has shaded benches and picnic tables available, which are great spots to enjoy your own food or a snack purchased at the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The Amazonia exhibit offers lush backdrops, while the animal enclosures themselves provide opportunities for close-ups. The 'Wild Summer Lights' event is particularly photogenic.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use at Mesker Park Zoo. However, always be mindful of any posted restrictions, especially regarding flash photography near sensitive animals.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at varying distances. For the 'Wild Summer Lights,' a camera capable of low-light photography would be beneficial.
Most zoos prohibit drone usage for the safety and well-being of the animals and visitors. It's highly unlikely drones are permitted.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer lighting and more active animals. The 'Wild Summer Lights' event offers a unique nighttime photography opportunity.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the zoo is built on hills, which might be a consideration for very young children or those with strollers, the overall experience is highly positive for families. The variety of animals and the engaging feeding opportunities ensure kids stay entertained. Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure more active animal viewing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as picnic areas are available. Look out for potential discounts or family packages on their official website. Visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays can also contribute to a more relaxed and potentially less crowded experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide the best natural light for animal photography. Be mindful of any restrictions on flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. The zoo's hilly terrain might require some planning for stable shots, but the unique exhibits and animal encounters provide ample rewarding photo opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Animal Exhibits
While the zoo is praised for the health and care of its animals, some reviews mention that a significant number of exhibits can appear empty or that animals might be difficult to spot. This can be due to natural animal behavior, time of day, or the zoo's layout. It's recommended to check the zoo's map and potentially inquire about animal activity schedules upon arrival to maximize sightings.
The zoo's botanic garden aspect also adds to the visual appeal, with themed plantings complementing the animal habitats. This blend of flora and fauna creates a unique atmosphere, making it more than just a typical zoo visit.
The Enchantment of Wild Summer Lights
Beyond the visual spectacle of the lanterns, the event often includes live music and food trucks, enhancing the festive atmosphere. Visitors have enjoyed unique culinary treats, making it a well-rounded evening experience. The event is typically held on select dates in the fall, so checking the zoo's schedule is essential for planning a visit.
This event is a testament to the zoo's ability to innovate and offer unique attractions that draw crowds and create memorable experiences. It's a fantastic way to see the zoo in a completely different light, quite literally.
Accessibility and Amenities
A particularly appreciated amenity is the lactation room located in the rhino exhibit building. This room is described as comfortable and well-equipped, featuring nursing-themed decor. However, some visitors have noted that the air conditioning in this area may not always be functional, which could be a consideration during warmer months. Alternatively, numerous shaded benches and picnic tables are available throughout the park for nursing or feeding.
Stroller and wagon accessibility is excellent, making it a family-friendly destination. The zoo also provides opportunities for add-on experiences, such as feeding tokens for animals, which can be purchased to enhance the visit.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit