Indiana may not be the first place that comes to your mind when thinking of wildlife, but the state boasts an impressive array of Indiana zoo attractions that offer exciting family-friendly experiences. Whether you're visiting a cozy small-town park or a world-class zoo, Indiana's zoos provide unique adventures for visitors of all ages. In this article, we’ll take a tour of some of the best zoos in Indiana.
Nestled in Lafayette, the Columbian Park Zoo has been delighting visitors since 1908. This charming Indiana zoo spans 6 acres and is home to 190 animals, making it an easy and affordable destination for families. Their must-see Indiana Zoo attractions include the Wallaby Walkabout, where guests can interact with friendly marsupials, and the Prairie Dog Habitat, a lively space where you never know which furry critter will pop up next!
Families can enjoy a lot of fun activities, from exploring Penguin Cove and taking a scenic train ride to wander through the serene butterfly garden. Don't forget to visit the family farm before the zoo closes for the winter, because it's definitely one of the best zoos in Indiana for a quick family trip.
Small but mighty, the Washington Park Zoo has been a beloved fixture in Michigan City since 1928. This 15-acre Indiana zoo is home to 90 species, including Bengal tigers, grizzly bears, and Grey wolves. The otter habitat offers plenty of entertainment as these playful creatures dive and swim.
Be sure to check out the historic seven-story observation tower for a panoramic view of Lake Michigan. Though it’s a compact zoo, it’s packed with fun which makes it an ideal stop for a quick but memorable visit before it closes for the winter season. If you’re planning to visit Indiana zoos, this one should be on your list.
The Potawatomi Zoo located in South Bend is Indiana’s oldest zoo which was established in 1902 and covers 23 acres. This diverse zoo houses nearly 400 animals, ranging from large and majestic to small and cuddly. Some of the newer Indiana zoo attractions include an Indian bear exhibit, a giraffe savannah (with scheduled feedings), and a lion exhibit that showcases these majestic creatures in a natural habitat.
The zoo also offers rides for children, including the Potawatomi Zoo Express train and the endangered species carousel. A typical visit takes about 90 minutes to two hours. Like other smaller Indiana zoos, Potawatomi closes during the winter months, but it remains one of the best zoos in Indiana.
The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is rated as one of the top 20 zoos in the United States and a must-visit for families. Spanning 40 acres and featuring over 1,600 animals, this Indiana zoo offers a wealth of Indiana zoo attractions for kids and adults alike. Low viewing barriers make the exhibits eye-level for children, while everyone can enjoy adventures like the Red Panda Ridge, Sumatran orangutans, and the ever-popular Komodo dragons.
For an interactive experience, hop aboard the Zoo Train, or explore the African Journey, where you’ll see hyenas, and lions, and have the chance to feed giraffes from a special platform. Open year-round, this all-ages destination is filled with fun activities, making it one of the best zoos in Indiana for family trips.
For a truly world-class zoo experience, look no further than the Indianapolis Zoo. Located just west of downtown, this award-winning zoo is the first to be accredited as a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden. Spanning five distinct habitats and home to over 1,600 animals, the Indianapolis Zoo offers some of the best Indiana zoo attractions for visitors of all ages.
Highlights include the International Orangutan Center, where you can watch these primates climb up to 80 feet in the air, and the Dolphin Pavilion, where visitors can view dolphins underwater in one of the largest pavilions in the world. Don’t miss the Flights of Fantasy Aviary or the Desert Biome, which houses the deadly Black Mamba. With so much to see, this zoo is a year-round destination for families, offering rides, including a roller coaster, zoo train, and carousel. It's a top choice when you visit Indiana zoos.
Whether you’re looking for a quick day trip or an all-day adventure, Indiana zoos have something to offer everyone. From Columbian Park Zoo’s small-town charm to the Indianapolis Zoo’s world-class exhibits, the best zoos in Indiana provide a wild experience for all ages. Be sure to check out these top Indiana zoo attractions and explore the natural wonders that await you when you visit Indiana zoos because Indiana might just be wilder than you think!
