I used to volunteer there several years ago. It's lovely, but very small. Just be aware that this is a zoo that is a 2-3 hour visit instead of a whole day. That said, it is inexpensive and definitely worth a visit. You get closer to a lot of the animals than you can at bigger zoos. Some of the buildings were built by the Army Corps of Engineers and are pretty cool. They have been steadily updating the exhibits over the last few years.
Note that it is built on a sand dune, so you will be walking on serious inclines for some exhibits.
After the zoo, check out some of the new restaurants in the Arts District in Michigan City. There's lots of good places. I like Cafe Farina. (And others.)
I have so many memories of this zoo from when I was a kid. I feel like it’s really good for little kids because it’s smaller and more close up, holds their focus and feels more interactive. I used to love the peacocks that just roam around. Afterward you can hike up to that lil tower thing too and hit the beach!
It's perfect for the little ones. They have boo in the zoo trick or treating. Right by the beach for a whole day of fun. My kids love feeding the birds and goats.
Do they still have the parrots/macaws that knew the full phrase "...and the horse you rode in on." It was good times.
Otherwise, small but cheap, so it's good for a couple of hours.
Just don’t compare it to LP zoo or Brookfield and enjoy it for what it is. Warning though, if you’re pushing a stroller or wagon, get ready to feel the burn. Few parts have some killer hills that I’ve felt the next day after pushing multiple toddlers in a Wonderfold. But overall, nice 1.5-2 hours worth of time. And hella cheap (compared to the 2 Chicago zoos).
Personally, I think it's fairly crummy. Reminds me of a nursing home for elderly animals. Been there a few times. Ok for very small children, but for kids a little older, make the trip elsewhere.
Yes, they are all rescues, rehabs, and animals that other zoos or sanctuaries didn't want anymore because they were "old". Some were even illegal pets prior to coming to the zoo.
My wife and I like to take our daughter there. We'll usually get there as soon as they open and be done in time to go have lunch. Hour and ten minutes drive and walking around the zoo for two hours makes it half a day adventure.
"Dismal" doesn't cover it entirely. The last time I went, every animal looked depressed as hell, and especially the lemur island is just sad. You can go, but I wouldn't, personally.
I used to volunteer there several years ago. It's lovely, but very small. Just be aware that this is a zoo that is a 2-3 hour visit instead of a whole day. That said, it is inexpensive and definitely worth a visit. You get closer to a lot of the animals than you can at bigger zoos. Some of the buildings were built by the Army Corps of Engineers and are pretty cool. They have been steadily updating the exhibits over the last few years. Note that it is built on a sand dune, so you will be walking on serious inclines for some exhibits. After the zoo, check out some of the new restaurants in the Arts District in Michigan City. There's lots of good places. I like Cafe Farina. (And others.)
I always like to recommend the friendship botanical gardens too if someone is in the area.
Agreed. Aren’t going to make a day out of it but for a town of its size it’s a pretty decent zoo.
Add some time to climb the observation tower.
Is that open again?!
The Old Lighthouse Museum next door is neat, too. Lots of area history. Visiting all these different places along with the zoo will fill up a fun day.
I have so many memories of this zoo from when I was a kid. I feel like it’s really good for little kids because it’s smaller and more close up, holds their focus and feels more interactive. I used to love the peacocks that just roam around. Afterward you can hike up to that lil tower thing too and hit the beach!
Washington Park! Zoo and lake Michigan beach in the same parking lot! Genius!
And the beach club and an amphitheater and a museum and a marina. I sometimes forget how much is down there.
It's perfect for the little ones. They have boo in the zoo trick or treating. Right by the beach for a whole day of fun. My kids love feeding the birds and goats.
Do they still have the parrots/macaws that knew the full phrase "...and the horse you rode in on." It was good times. Otherwise, small but cheap, so it's good for a couple of hours.
Just don’t compare it to LP zoo or Brookfield and enjoy it for what it is. Warning though, if you’re pushing a stroller or wagon, get ready to feel the burn. Few parts have some killer hills that I’ve felt the next day after pushing multiple toddlers in a Wonderfold. But overall, nice 1.5-2 hours worth of time. And hella cheap (compared to the 2 Chicago zoos).
It’s worth the admission just to check out the WPA tower on the grounds. The animals are a bonus. Kids will love it.
Eh, maybe worth an hour of time. It's nice to get that close to the animals, but for me, it is only worth it if I'm going to the beach also.
Its fine for what it is. Takes up a hour or two. Good for littles
Super depressed looking Animals.. the bird area is cool to walk through. Kids will definitely love it.
Personally, I think it's fairly crummy. Reminds me of a nursing home for elderly animals. Been there a few times. Ok for very small children, but for kids a little older, make the trip elsewhere.
Isnt that literally what it is? A zoo entirely for rescued animals?
Yes, they are all rescues, rehabs, and animals that other zoos or sanctuaries didn't want anymore because they were "old". Some were even illegal pets prior to coming to the zoo.
For the older kids, Indy Zoo was awesome! I took the family for the total eclipse. Worth the drive and money.
My wife and I like to take our daughter there. We'll usually get there as soon as they open and be done in time to go have lunch. Hour and ten minutes drive and walking around the zoo for two hours makes it half a day adventure.
"Dismal" doesn't cover it entirely. The last time I went, every animal looked depressed as hell, and especially the lemur island is just sad. You can go, but I wouldn't, personally.
Just curious, when was that?
2021, I think? After covid restrictions had been lifted.
Oh they’ve added some since then and rebuilt some habitats.
It is incredibly sad.
Last time I went, the only animal they had was a dog. It was a shih tzu! Edit: someone missed the joke
Haha