Lincoln Park Zoo

This is one of Chicago's don't-miss attractions (especially if the weather is decent), and because it's free, it's worth at least a quick stop during a stroll through Lincoln Park. But you'll probably want to wander for a while. The term "zoological gardens" truly fits here: Landmark Georgian Revival brick buildings and modern structures sit among gently rolling pathways, verdant lawns, and a kaleidoscopic profusion of flower gardens. A complete tour of the various habitats takes all of 2 or 3 hours -- a convenience factor even more enticing when you consider that the nation's oldest zoo (founded in 1868) stays open 365 days a year and is one of the last free zoos in the country. The late Marlon Perkins, legendary host of the Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom TV series, got his start here as the zoo's director, and filmed a pioneering TV show called Zoo Parade (Wild Kingdom's predecessor) in the basement of the old Reptile House.The zoo has taken on an ambitious modernization campaign, which is good news for animal lovers. My favorite new exhibit is the Regenstein African Journey, a series of linked indoor and outdoor habitats that's home to elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and other large mammals; large glass-enclosed tanks allow visitors to go face-to-face with swimming pygmy hippos and (not for the faint of heart) a rocky ledge filled with Madagascar hissing cockroaches.Your second stop should be the Regenstein Center for African Apes, which was completely rebuilt in 2004. Lincoln Park Zoo has had remarkable success breeding gorillas and chimpanzees, and watching these ape families interact can be mesmerizing (and touching). One caveat: I've found the building incredibly noisy during my visits, so be prepared.Other exhibits worth a visit are the Small Mammal-Reptile House, which features a glass-enclosed walk-through ecosystem simulating river, savanna, and forest habitats, and the popular Sea Lion Pool, in the center of the zoo, which is home to harbor seals, gray seals, and California sea lions (walk down the ramp and take a look at the underwater viewing area). If you're here for a while and need nourishment, the Park Place Café food court is a good option. The Mahon Theobold Pavilion features a sprawling indoor gift shop and a unique rooftop eatery called Big Cats Café that opens at 8am (1 hr. before the exhibits do) and serves fresh-baked muffins and scones, focaccia sandwiches, salads, and flatbreads.Allow 2 to 3 hours. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

Price

Free admission

Credit Cards Accepted

none accepted

Directions

Free trolley service from area CTA stations and parking garages Sat-Sun and holidays 10am-6pm Memorial Day to Labor Day; visit the zoo website for route information and schedule

Area

At Fullerton Pkwy

Parking

Parking $14 for up to 3 hours in on-site lot

Hours

Buildings daily 10am-5pm (until 6:30pm Sat-Sun Memorial Day to Labor Day). Grounds Memorial Day to Labor Day daily 9am-7pm; Apr to late May and early Sept to Oct daily 9am-6pm; Nov-Mar daily 9am-5pm

Information by Frommers