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Lincoln Park Zoo

2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois

Description

The Lincoln Park Zoo is located in the namesake park in Chicago. It is one of the oldest (1868) and one of the few zoos with free admission in the USA. There are about 1,100 animals from 200 species such as polar bears, penguins, big cats, gorillas, reptiles, and monkeys.

Access & Transport

The zoo is in the centre of Lincoln Park, at 2400 N. Cannon Drive Bus stop 'Stockton & Webster' (151, 156) is next to it and 'Clark & Dickens' (22, 36) on N Clarck St is 3mins walk away. The Sedgwick metro station (Brow and Purple lines) is 1.4km/15mins walk away.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this attraction with a walk through the Lincoln Park, taking in the conservatory ad possibly the Chicago History Museum

Meta review

Mostly good online reviews, especially for parents who enjoy the compact size and ability to see so many species from up-close without taking their wallet out - that is unless you are using the very expensive parking (quite a few grumbles on that one). The ape exhibit gets special mention as does the nature boardwalk next to the zoo. There is a substantial minority of visitors though who feel the zoo is 'just ok' and would not recommend it to travellers who have seen plenty of top-tier zoological parks in other cities.

Environmental & Social

Website has quite a few words about conservation & education but very light on actual details and figures. Maybe charge a fee and beef up the conservation aspect?

Conclusion

One of the best family activities in town and incredibly good value given the free admission. Fans of large zoos may be underwhelmed though, so best to couple this attraction with others in Lincoln Park to get the most out of your excursion.

Key positive

Great setting in Lincoln Park

Free admission

Key negative

Nothing really spectacular

Super expensive parking so beware

Suitability

Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in October 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Jun, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Sep, 05

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 16:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 16:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 16:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 16:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 16:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 16:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 16:30

Pricing
Parking is $30-40/day
Free

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