Lincoln Park Zoo 🇺🇸

Located in Lincoln Park in Chicago, Illinois, Lincoln Park Zoo is a historic 35-acre sanctuary founded in 1868. As one of the oldest zoos in the United States, it is also one of the rare venues to offer free admission to the public. Fully accredited by the AZA and certified as an arboretum, the zoo cares for roughly 1,100 animals representing around 200 species.

Visitors can explore a vast range of habitats featuring big cats, bears, apes, penguins, reptiles, and monkeys. Unwind at the Walter Family Arctic Tundra to watch grizzly and polar bears roam, or head over to the Regenstein Macaque Forest to see Japanese macaques relaxing by their trademark hot spring. Check out the Regenstein African Journey to view giraffes, black rhinos, meerkats, and pygmy hippos, or stop by the Pepper Family Wildlife Center to admire lions.

Primate lovers will enjoy the Regenstein Center for African Apes, home to western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees, while the open-air Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove offers a close-up look at diving African penguins. Outdoor enthusiasts can also stroll along the adjacent Nature Boardwalk at South Pond to admire native wetland plants.

What to see at Lincoln Park Zoo

• One of the oldest U.S. zoos offering free admission
• Regenstein Center for African Apes with chimpanzees and gorillas
• Regenstein Macaque Forest featuring a naturalistic hot spring
• Walter Family Arctic Tundra housing polar and grizzly bears
• Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove showcasing African penguins

Visiting tips

Be sure to stop by the Regenstein Macaque Forest to see the Japanese macaques enjoying their hot spring feature.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Lincoln Park Zoo is easy to reach on Chicago’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Buckingham Fountain and Chicago Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Chicago travel guide.