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Lincoln Park Zoo vs Brookfield Zoo; Which One to Choose In 2023?

Brookfield Zoo: One of the most beautiful and my favorite zoos to visit is Brookfield Zoo. However, there is something endearing about Lincoln Park Zoo. First of all, the location is free.

I adore being able to simply drop by on a nice day and wander through the zoo. On weekends or especially nice days, parking can be a little challenging, so I typically opt to take the bus or train instead of driving. 

Being in the middle of a city while still feeling as though you are in another world has a certain allure.

Lincoln park Zoo: The 35-acre Lincoln Park Zoo, also known as Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, is located in Chicago, Illinois. The zoo, which was established in 1868, is the fourth-oldest in North America. It is also one of the few American zoos that offer free admission. 

It is one of the best places in Chicago, where almost any animal is there. It is best for children as well as adults because there you can see things that you can only see in deep Amazon forests. 

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What to do and see in Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago?

  • Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
  • Departments: Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo · Rhino watch
  • Hours:  Opens 8AM
  • Phone: +1 312-742-2000
  • Notable animals: Daxin, Jack, Keo, Bushman, Marta, Madiba, Kwan, MORE
  • Exhibits: Camel & Zebra, MORE
  • Area: 14 ha
  • Opened: 1868
  • Number of animals: 1,100
  • No. of species: 200
Lincoln Park Zoo vs Brookfield Zoo; Which One to Choose In 2023?
Popular times in Lincoln park zoo.
Popular times in Lincoln park zoo.

Zoo Hours & Admission

Lincoln park zoo is totally free for anyone and the following are the open hours. 

November – March: 10 am – 4:30 pm (gates are open 7 am – 5 pm)

April – May:  10 am – 5 pm (gates are open 7 am – 6 pm)

May 24–September 1: Weekdays 10 am – 5 pm (gates open 7 am – 6 pm), September–October: 10 am – 5 pm (gates open 7 am – 6 pm)

Check the zoo’s website for updates before visiting because it may close early due to bad weather. Please read our article on free things to do in Chicago for even more enjoyable activities and places to visit.

It’s important to keep in mind that there are a few ticketed events spread out throughout the year during holidays. These gatherings frequently feature unique activities like concerts or food tastings.

The one event during the holiday season that is free is their unique Christmas celebration, called ZooLights. The Lincoln Park Conservatory is also open daily from 9 am to 5 pm if that interests you.

TOP 5 Things To Do In Lincoln Park | Chicago

Lionel Train Adventure

Since 1900, when the venerable train company was established, hobbyists have been thrilled about Lionel Trains. The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Lionel Train Adventure ride is currently on course to become yet another beloved pastime.

The West Gate of the zoo and Regenstein Macaque Forest are both nearby this exquisitely made attraction. Before arriving back at a redbrick station, the 28-passenger trackless train made its way across a charming country bridge and through a landscape of forests and canyons. It has passenger cars, a coal car, and a caboose that is wheelchair accessible.

A Chicago landmark, the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel features two chariots in addition to 48 replicas of endangered animal species that have been painstakingly hand-carved and exquisitely painted. 

These vibrant replicas of infant gorillas, zebras, wild dogs, and other animals will delight children and those who are still young at heart.

Regenstein African Journey

You can get a true sense of what Africa is like at the Regenstein African Journey Exhibit. Dwarf crocodiles and pygmy hippos can be seen cruising around their rainforest pools right next to the meerkat and lovebird habitat that is provided by a dry thorn forest.

Observe the massive giraffes, warthogs, and African wild dogs prowling the Savanna by going outside.

Additionally, you’ll get to see gorillas, chimpanzees, and apes interacting in indoor and outdoor habitats designed to replicate their natural living environment, including climbing trees and digging through mulch.

The Judy Keller Education Center.

The Judy Keller Education Center’s educational staff has created a variety of programs over the years that were created to appeal to the zoo’s most diverse audiences.

They are continuously developing new programs and improving those that already exist. So there will always be something fresh and educational to look forward to each year.

By the end of the summer, more than 500 campers will have had the chance to visit every area of the zoo. Conservation Camp typically begins in mid-June.

How much time do you need at lincoln park zoo?

This depends on the time you love to spend seeing animals and how much you love to see them. Usually, people spend 2-3 hours there, and as there is no limit, you can stay there as long as you love. 

What kind of animals does Lincoln Park Zoo have?

Big cats, polar bears, penguins, gorillas, reptiles, monkeys, and other species totaling nearly 1,100 animals are displayed at the zoo.

To see the whole list of animals in the lincoln park zoo, you can visit their official website, and everything is listed there very well. 

Does Lincoln Park Zoo have tigers?

The tigers at the Lincoln Park Zoo should be bid farewell. The zoo is removing its two Amur tigers, Molly and Pavel, as part of a plan to concentrate on lions and renovate the historic Kovler Lion House, it was announced Thursday. “Tigers can be a little challenging to observe in a group socially.

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What to do and see in the Brookfield zoo?

The 216-acre Brookfield Zoo, operated by the Chicago Zoological Society, is a zoo that can be found in the Illinois suburb of Brookfield, just 12 miles west of Chicago. 

The Brookfield Zoo is well-known around the globe for its cutting-edge naturalistic, multi-species exhibits as well as its role in animal breeding and conservation on a global scale. 

More than 2,000 different species of animals live in the zoo, including different mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrate species.

  • Address: 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, United States
  • Hours: Opens 10 AM
  • Phone: +1 708-688-8000
  • Notable animals: Cookie (Major Mitchell’s cockatoo), MORE
  • Exhibits: Hamill Family Wild Encounters, Pinniped Point, MORE
  • Opened: July 1, 1934
  • Number of animals: 2,300
  • Land area: 216 acres (87 ha)
  • No. of species: 450
  • Public transit access: BNSF Hollywood
  • Price: $16.95, children 3-11 and seniors $11.95, parking $10.
Popular times in Brookfield zoo
Ultimate Guide to the Brookfield Zoo – Chicago

Dolphins in Action

Discover more about our dolphins by watching the entertaining and instructive Dolphins in Action! As our dolphins enthrall you with aerial displays and other exhibitions that showcase their incredible intelligence and agility, learn about the social structures and adaptations of dolphins. On October 17, this attraction will close for maintenance.

Butterflies.

Learn about butterflies, some of nature’s most vibrant creatures! Watch as these North American native species soar above the pond, land on some flowers, and perhaps even land on you! There is a “pupa room” in this exhibit where you can observe the transformation from pupa to caterpillar to butterfly. *May be impacted by the weather.

Great Bear Wilderness

The Great Bear Wilderness might be the most unusual place on earth. Although many of the animal exhibit areas are enormous and beautifully constructed, the bear area tops our list. I highly advise going into this exhibit area and taking your time to explore all of the various components.

How long does it take to see everything at Brookfield Zoo?

Put on comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. My family walks the entire zoo in about 4-5 hours on average. We may take longer than usual because we like to stand and watch some of the animals, but the zoo is big and will take time regardless.

But this time may differ for you because the time you love to see animals is different. But don’t gon there if you don’t even got 2-3 hours free. 

How big is Brookfield Zoo Chicago?

Since it opened in 1934, the zoo has entertained and educated visitors in its 216-acre natural park setting. It is a certified arboretum and is home to more than 2,000 animals. Every day that Brookfield Zoo is open, it welcomes more than two million visitors.

What is Brookfield Zoo famous for?

The 1934-founded Brookfield Zoo is renowned for using a lot of open-air, unrestricted enclosures. It is run by the Chicago Zoological Society and owned by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. Every year, Brookfield Zoo welcomes about 2 million visitors.

Did Brookfield Zoo ever have a panda?

As the first panda in a zoo in the United States, Su-lin causes a sensation. Mei-mei and Mei-lan, two pandas, arrive at Brookfield Zoo a year later.

Which zoo is better in Chicago Lincoln Park or Brookfield?

Chicago’s Best Zoo: Lincoln Park Zoo

Check out Brookfield if you’re a wealthy family with children. The Lincoln Park Zoo is the place to be for everyone else. Being in the middle of an urban haven and seeing animals from all over the world is cool. If you have any interest in animals, make a point of stopping by while you’re in Chicago.

Size.

Brookfield is bigger (216 acres vs. 35 acres) and has more animals than Lincoln Park. Depending on what you’re looking for, this could be a good or bad thing. You’ll walk a lot more at Brookfield than Lincoln Park, so that’s probably the winner.

Parking.

Parking at Brookfield is $10. (Free if you have a season pass; cheapest option if you intend to visit at least twice within the next 12 months.) Over 5 hours during the summer are $35 on the hourly scale for Lincoln Park. Once in the Lincoln Park parking lot, you can walk to the beach. Brookfield won.

Fee.

Lincoln Park is free to enter (train and carousel excluded)! Adult admission to Brookfield costs $15, plus there are several additional special displays (seven in the summer) that are fee-based and can add up; however, they do offer packages that can help you save money. Lincoln Park won.

Food.

Brookfield easily wins this. I’ve tried a few places, but the food at Lincoln Park is terrible. There is a Lenie’s Lodge in Brookfield, and every meal I’ve had there has been pretty good (I’m in my 30s and enjoy a cold beer on a hot Saturday). Brookfield won.

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Written by ThalesQFZ

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