Milwaukee County Zoo
A 190-acre zoological park featuring diverse animal exhibits, rides, and naturalistic habitats, offering a day of family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Milwaukee County Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 190-acre zoological park featuring diverse animal exhibits, rides, and naturalistic habitats, offering a day of family fun.
"Possibly one of the best zoos around the country. Very well maintained spaces and facilities for the animals and guests."
🎯 Arrive Early & Explore
Head to the farthest exhibits first and work your way back to the entrance to avoid crowds. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and ensure smooth entry. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Elephants
African Savanna
Witness the impressive elephants, including Ruth, in their spacious habitat. A truly captivating sight for all ages.
Playful Primates
Primate House
Marvel at the diverse monkey and ape species. Their energetic antics are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Hippos' Aquatic Haven
Aquatic & Reptile Center
See the hippos up close in their impressive new exhibit, offering a unique underwater viewing experience.
Scenic Sky Trail
Various points
Get a bird's-eye view of the zoo and its inhabitants on the Sky Trail, offering a different perspective.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Cash is King (Sometimes)
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early & Explore
Head to the farthest exhibits first and work your way back to the entrance to avoid crowds. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and ensure smooth entry. :admission_tickets:
💰 Bring Some Cash
Some vendors are cash-only. Have some on hand, though an ATM is available. :moneywithwings:
🗺️ Utilize the Map
The zoo is large; use the map or signage to navigate efficiently. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early & Explore
Head to the farthest exhibits first and work your way back to the entrance to avoid crowds. :athletic_shoe:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance online to save time and ensure smooth entry. :admission_tickets:
💰 Bring Some Cash
Some vendors are cash-only. Have some on hand, though an ATM is available. :moneywithwings:
🗺️ Utilize the Map
The zoo is large; use the map or signage to navigate efficiently. :world_map:
🚶♀️ Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Milwaukee County Zoo for its well-maintained exhibits and natural surroundings, offering a pleasant outdoor experience. While the animal habitats are generally well-regarded, some guests noted concerns about the indoor housing for big cats. The zoo's size and amenities like the Sky Trail and train rides are often highlighted as positives, though occasional food vendor closures were mentioned.
"Possibly one of the best zoos around the country . Very well maintained spaces and facilities for the animals and guests .
The area is surrounded with trees and natural environment making part of the entire experience of being outdoors : one with nature.
It is a very big campus with a lot of opportunities for walking and enjoying the outdoors and the animals . Well paced and certainly well maintained.
Bought tickets online in advance and arrived later in the afternoon to avoid crowds . Best idea ever .
Parking is sprawled and easy in and out access to the zoo."
Michael A.
"This is a nice escape out of Illinois. In the summer months, it’s a great time to walk around and see different animals and look at different attractions..
The elephant and monkey displays were great for the kids.
Signage was clear and most things were easy to find using the map or the signage
The zoo is adding more features this year, which is nice to see.
One room for improvement is some of the food places were not open on a Friday during summer.
Online ticket purchase is easy and saves you time when you park."
Don Sevcik
"Very nice zoo with shade and easily walkable. They had all the major animals. The only downside was some of the exhibits. For example, the big cats (e.g., lions, tigers) are all inside. It was cool seeing them so close, but I couldn't help but feel bad for them in such tiny enclosures. Now, it appears they each take turns using the outside exhibits, but it still, it was sad seeing them in these glass cages. I haven't really seen that before. There are a variety of food options and spread across nicely. The elephants had a big exhibit and appeared active. Hippo was also really neat."
Emily Rezek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10005 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options also serve the zoo, with bus routes stopping nearby.
Parking at the Milwaukee County Zoo is generally free and sprawled, making it easy to find a spot.
While you can take a train to Milwaukee from nearby cities like Chicago, the zoo itself is not directly accessible by train. You would need to use local transportation from the Milwaukee train station.
The zoo is quite large, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. For a different perspective, consider the Sky Trail or the train ride offered within the zoo.
Yes, the zoo is generally accessible, and rentals for wagons and electric wheelchairs are available at reasonable rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Milwaukee County Zoo hours typically vary by season. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours, especially for specific dates like holidays or special events.
Admission prices for the Milwaukee County Zoo can vary. Checking their official website for current ticket prices and potential discounts is recommended.
Yes, you can typically purchase Milwaukee Zoo tickets at the gate, but buying them online in advance is often recommended to save time and potentially secure better rates.
Discounts for the Milwaukee County Zoo may be available through various channels, including memberships, special promotions, or group rates. It's worth checking their website or local deal sites.
Yes, the Milwaukee County Zoo offers membership options, which can provide benefits like free admission and discounts on special events, making it a great value for frequent visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the elephants, hippos, and the diverse primate collection. The zoo also features big cats, giraffes, and many other fascinating animals.
Yes, the Milwaukee County Zoo offers attractions like a carousel, train rides, and pony rides, which are particularly popular with younger visitors.
The zoo is extensive, so planning your route is helpful. Arriving early and working your way from the back to the front can help you see more with fewer crowds.
Absolutely! The Milwaukee County Zoo is very family-friendly, with engaging exhibits like the elephants and monkeys, plus rides and activities that children love.
The zoo offers a variety of food options spread throughout the park. However, some food places may not be open on certain days, so it's good to check ahead or have cash for smaller vendors.
📸 📸 Photography
The spacious animal habitats, like the elephant and hippo exhibits, offer great photo opportunities. The Sky Trail also provides unique vantage points for capturing the zoo landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For professional shoots, it's advisable to check the zoo's specific policies on their website or contact them directly.
A versatile zoom lens is recommended to capture animals at varying distances. Consider a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a telephoto lens for close-ups of wildlife.
While most areas are fine for photos, always be mindful of signage regarding flash photography or specific exhibit restrictions to protect the animals.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Milwaukee County Zoo
For those looking for a different perspective, the zoo offers a Sky Trail and a train ride, which are popular for getting a broader view of the grounds and its inhabitants.
When it comes to food, there are various options available, but it's worth noting that some vendors might be cash-only.
Animal Encounters at the MKE Zoo
For primate enthusiasts, the Primate House is a must-visit, showcasing a variety of monkeys and apes whose energetic displays are always entertaining.
Beyond the main attractions, the zoo features a wide range of other animals, from giraffes and zebras to various bird species and reptiles. The animals at Milwaukee Zoo are generally well-cared for, and the naturalistic enclosures aim to provide an enriching environment.
Planning Your Milwaukee Zoo Visit
For those looking to make the most of their visit, consider purchasing a Milwaukee County Zoo pass or membership if you plan on visiting multiple times a year. This can offer significant savings and additional perks.
While many vendors accept credit cards, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller stalls that might be cash-only.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit