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Lincoln Park Zoo sits inside Lincoln Park, Chicago's largest public park, about 2 miles from downtown. The zoo says it plainly: admission is free and no reservations are needed, and it is open 365 days a year.
That makes it one of the easiest stops in the park to fit into a day. Many visitors pair it with the Lincoln Park Conservatory a short walk away, or see it from the saddle on a guided ride such as the Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour, whose listing states the route passes the zoo.
The quick answer
No, you do not need a ticket for Lincoln Park Zoo. Admission is free, no reservation is needed, and the zoo is open 365 days a year. Gates open at 8 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., while the animal buildings open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Do you need tickets for Lincoln Park Zoo?
No. Lincoln Park Zoo admission is free and no reservations are needed, so you can simply walk in through any open gate.
The zoo is open 365 days a year. Some special events, such as the winter ZooLights festival, are ticketed, but a regular daytime visit costs nothing.
Since it is free, you can drop in for an hour, leave for lunch and come back later in the day.
What are Lincoln Park Zoo's hours?
Gates and Farm-in-the-Zoo open at 8 a.m.; the animal buildings open at 10 a.m. Buildings and the farm close at 4:30 p.m., and the gates close at 5 p.m.
Hours may vary for special events, so check the zoo's website before you go if your visit falls on a holiday or event day.
| What | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoo gates | 8 a.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Farm-in-the-Zoo | 8 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
| Animal buildings | 10 a.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
See the zoo, North Avenue Beach and the Gold Coast in one guided morning by bike.
Book thisWhich gate should I use, and where do I park?
The East Gate at 2400 N. Cannon Drive sits beside the zoo's paid parking lot; there are also the West Gate, Cafe Brauer Gate, Bus Gate and Farm-in-the-Zoo Gate.
- The parking lot is paid, takes cards (no cash) and is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- The Searle Visitor Center is at the East Gate.
- The zoo's administrative address is 2001 N. Clark St.
How do I get to Lincoln Park Zoo by CTA?
CTA buses 151 and 156 serve the zoo, which lies about 2 miles from downtown Chicago.
Taking the bus saves you the hunt for a parking space on busy weekends. If you prefer pedals, a bike rental near Navy Pier lets you ride the Lakefront Trail up to the park at your own pace.
A guide leads you from Streeterville through the Gold Coast to Lincoln Park, and the listing states the route passes Lincoln Park Zoo and North Avenue Beach.
Book thisWhat animals can you see at Lincoln Park Zoo?
The zoo cares for over 170 species across 49 acres, including lions, gorillas, penguins, giraffes and snow leopards.
- Regenstein African Journey opened in 2003.
- Pepper Family Wildlife Center reopened in 2021.
- Penguins are a favourite with younger visitors.
Plan the indoor buildings for after 10 a.m., when they open.
What is Farm-in-the-Zoo?
Farm-in-the-Zoo is the zoo's farm area, with its own gate, opening with the main gates at 8 a.m. and closing at 4:30 p.m.
It is a gentle start to the day for families with small children, and the stroller-friendly paths make it easy to get around. Strollers can be rented at the Searle Visitor Center.
What is the Nature Boardwalk?
The Nature Boardwalk is the zoo's transformation of the South Pond, completed in 2010.
Expect a boardwalk loop through reeds and prairie planting, with the city's towers reflected in the water. Cafe Brauer stands on the same pond.
Ride past the zoo, the Conservatory and North Avenue Beach on a two-hour lakefront tour from Millennium Park.
Book thisWhere can you eat at Lincoln Park Zoo, and can you bring a dog?
The zoo lists Cafe Brauer, Bird's Eye Bar & Grill and Park Place Cafe for food. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
Cafe Brauer is a Prairie School building from 1908 by architect Dwight H. Perkins, with a ground-floor cafe and ice-cream parlour. It is a Chicago Landmark.
The Searle Visitor Center at the East Gate offers information, first aid, lockers, stroller rentals, wheelchairs and electric vehicles.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lincoln Park Zoo really free?
Yes. The zoo states that admission is free and no reservations are needed. Parking in the zoo lot is paid.
How old is Lincoln Park Zoo?
The zoo was founded in 1868 with a gift of two pairs of swans from the commissioners of New York's Central Park, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. In 1884 it bred the first American bison in captivity.
What else is near the zoo?
The Lincoln Park Conservatory, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and North Avenue Beach sit within the wider park. The zoo has also been an accredited arboretum since 2019.
Is the zoo good with a stroller?
Yes. The paths are stroller-friendly, and strollers and wheelchairs are available at the Searle Visitor Center by the East Gate.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option, booked on GetYourGuide.
Lakefront Neighborhoods Bike Tour
- Bicycle, helmet and guide; child equipment available
- Meets at Bobby's Bike Hike, 540 N. Lake Shore Drive (entrance on Ohio Street)
- Gold Coast, Old Town and Lincoln Park on protected paths
Lincoln Park Walking Tour with Coffee & Treat
- Local guide, about 1.5 miles on foot
- Coffee and a treat from local venues
- Oz Park, Mid-North Historic District, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond
