Lincoln Park Zoo Reviews (Chicago, Illinois)

One of the few free zoos left in America.

Orlando, Florida

October 2, 2010

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This zoo has a really nice collection and has made a lot of improvements over the years to create naturalistic environments for the animals. There is also a caroussel and a little ''train''. My son especially liked the underwater viewing of the seal ...Read more

From journal Chicago - My Kind of Town

Nice Zoo, Free Admission - Avoid Fridays

by kayeethe

Chicago, Illinois

June 1, 2009

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Go to the Zoo, but not on a Friday. I live in Chicago, and I enjoy going to the zoo from time to time, especially when there are out of town visitors. My favourites include the polar bear, seals, and the giraffe. But the zoo is quite small, ...Read more

Lincoln Park Zoo

by KiwiQ2002

Chicago, Illinois

May 27, 2008

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Can you do something FUN in Chicago for FREE? ABSOLUTELY! Check out a day of fun at the Lincoln Park Zoo. As one of the nations oldest zoological gardens in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo welcomes over 3 million visitors a year. It is one of the ...Read more

From journal Around Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo

by GB from Devizes

Devizes, United Kingdom

June 15, 2007

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Best of IgoUgo If there is one attraction in this city that you really must see, it is this wonderful zoo. Lincoln Park extends for six miles from North Ave but the zoo occupies an area one mile north from the park’s southern boundary. One major bonus is that ...Read more If there is one attraction in this city that you really must see, it is this wonderful zoo. Lincoln Park extends for six miles from North Ave but the zoo occupies an area one mile north from the park’s southern boundary. One major bonus is that entrance here is free; the other is the sheer number of exhibits and animals that are on view in such a relatively small area.

We took the # 151 bus which dropped us outside the main entrance. On this warm, sunny day, it was good to see so many families making the most of the lovely weather but the place wasn’t at all crowded, its wide main arteries affording easy access to the major exhibits. The zoo is the country’s oldest, having opened in 1868 after receiving a gift of two swans from New York’s Central Park. It occupies 35-acres lakeside setting affording great views back towards Downtown with the John Hancock Building looming ominously over the treetops.

The three major exhibits here are the Regenstein African Ape Centre, the Primate House and the Kovler Lion House. All the enclosures are spacious and the animals seemed content, considering the lack of "pacing" usually associated with the animals at some less spacious zoos. The lions were sunning themselves on a large boulder, providing excellent photo opportunities for those poised with their cameras waiting for that special shot. Other major enclosures include the rhino, hippo, giraffe, and Bactrian camels; aquatic entertainment is on hand in the form of penguins and sea-lions, both species seemingly born comedians who delighted all with their effortless marine acrobatics.

Having followed "Meerkat Manor" on UK TV, I was personally delighted to find the large Meerkat enclosure containing various family members including several youngsters who were engaged in play fighting, much to the amusement of the onlookers.

The zoo often puts on special exhibits and today was no exception with the large African display which features animals such as aardvarks, reptiles, and fish as well as various dwellings as would be occupied by the indigenous populations.

Highlight for me were the gorillas. How such powerful creatures can be so gentle is a wonder; to see a hugely-muscled silverback playing lovingly with a tiny baby was wonderful but I’m glad there was an inch of reinforced glass between us. In true monkey tradition, the chimpanzees kept everyone amused by peeing all over each other and looking no further than their noses to provide an easy snack. "Chaque a son gout" you could say...

There are ample restroom facilities within the zoo, all in spotless condition, food vendors, ice cream stalls and a large restaurant. The zoo also features a brasserie where we took lunch in the warm sunshine with a great view down the lagoon towards the Loop.

Entrance is at 2200 N. Cannon Drive

Opening times Nov – Mar 9am – 5pm, Apr – Oct 9am – 6pm, open till 7pm Sat summer only.

Tel. (312) 742-2000 website: www.lpzoo.com Close

From journal The Second City Revisited - Chicago in the Spring

Lincoln Park Zoo

by amber02

chicago, Illinois

July 26, 2006

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This Zoo is great if you are visiting Chicago. It is a fun place to go whether or not there are kids in your party. To start off with this zoo is really well kept and a pleasure to take a walk in. As you walk around, you can explore and interact ...Read more

From journal A Vacation in Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo

by goofball38

Chicago, Illinois

December 5, 2005

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We went on a rainy but warm day and we loved this zoo. I hadn't been here since I was around 5 years old. I love the size of the park. Its just big enough where you aren't completely wiped out after you are done looking at animals. Also, just ...Read more

From journal Chicago is Awesome

Lincoln Park Zoo

by blueneptune_14

Charlottesville, Virginia

July 11, 2005

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It's quite a large zoo. We went on a rainy day, so the outdoor animals weren't very outgoing. Just plan to go on a sunny day and you and your family will have a great time!

From journal Chicago, IL

Lincoln Park Zoo

by supercat

Chicago, Illinois

April 12, 2005

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Lovely and FREE. Pack a lunch, watch the sea lions, and sit on one of the many grassy areas. It's a great low-key date spot (and somehow, watching monkeys is kind of romantic).

From journal Sweet Home, Chicago

Lincoln Park Zoo

by mlampo

jacksonville, Florida

March 29, 2005

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I love watching the monkeys and apes interacting. I can stand there for hours. Lincoln Park Zoo is nice because it is very accessible. There are a lot of unique animals to see. If you get to go to the zoo in the colder months, most animals are more ...Read more

From journal Visiting the windy city

Lincoln Park Zoo

by melissa_bel

Hautrage, Belgium

June 18, 2004

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Chicago has two zoos. The big one, Brookfield Zoo, is in the suburbs and the urban Lincoln Park Zoo is located in one of Chicago's green lung and affluent neighborhood: Lincoln Park. The best part: it's free! Created in 1868, it's one of the ...Read more

It’s a great family excursion.

From journal Chicago-My Kind of Town

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Lincoln Park Zoo

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One of the few free zoos left in America.

Nice Zoo, Free Admission - Avoid Fridays

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

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One of the few free zoos left in America.

Nice Zoo, Free Admission - Avoid Fridays

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo