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Lincoln Park Zoo — Lincoln Park Zoo Visitor Center with glass walls and timber canopyPhoto: Jrbarc! · CC BY-SA 4.0 · edited
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Lincoln Park Zoo

Zoos & aquariums ·Chicago
4.645.5K
#5Zoos & aquariums in the USTravelers' Choice 2026
  • Ideal for kids, teens
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About

Lincoln Park Zoo is a zoological park in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, a few kilometres north of the Loop and near the Lake Michigan lakefront trail.

Menu & prices

2026 Patio Menu with New Cocktails.pdfPPC MENU 2026 for web CEdit

More photos 8

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Lincoln Park Zoo — Historic brick Bird House framed by leafy trees Teemu008 from Palatine, Illinois · CC BY-SA 2.0 · edited
Lincoln Park Zoo — Historic brick Bird House framed by leafy treesLincoln Park Zoo — Nature Boardwalk curve beside a reflecting pond and treesLincoln Park Zoo — Flamingos gathered around a pond in the zooLincoln Park Zoo — Flamingos wading in a fenced zoo habitatLincoln Park Zoo — Sculptural wooden pavilion framing the Chicago skylineLincoln Park Zoo — Colorful sculptural facade with pointed arches and glass panelsLincoln Park Zoo — Stone Lincoln Park Zoo entrance sign beside the walkwayLincoln Park Zoo — Gorilla head sculpture displayed inside a zoo exhibit

What's on here

Fall Fest Fall Fest Friday, 03:00 Fall Fest Fall Fest Saturday, 03:00 Fall Fest Fall Fest Sunday, 10:00 Fall Fest Fall Fest Friday, 10:00 ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd ZooLights Presented by Invesco QQQ and ComEd 20 Nov – 3 Jan 2027 Fall Fest Fall Fest Saturday, 10:00 Fall Fest Fall Fest Sunday, 10:00 Fall Fest Fall Fest Friday, 10:00 Show more

Why go

  • African penguins diving at Penguin Cove, with a behind-the-scenes chick-hatching and breeding area.
  • Birds in McCormick Bird House’s tropical free-flight aviary, where visitors can walk among them without fences or glass.
  • About 850 plant species, including oaks more than 100 years old, in the accredited arboretum and botanic garden.

With kids

  • The Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo is closed.
  • Lionel Train Adventure runs near the West Gate, south of Regenstein Macaque Forest.
  • The Endangered Species Carousel has 48 hand-carved, hand-painted animal replicas.
  • Children have an on-site play area at the Houston Family Play Treehouse.
  • Watch seals from the main path, amphitheater-style seating or underwater gallery.
  • Stroller-friendly paths help families get around.

Tips for your visit

  • Include Nature Boardwalk at the adjacent South Pond for native wetland plants and wildlife.
  • Farm-in-the-Zoo lies across South Pond from the main zoo.
  • Behind-the-scenes tours of Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House can be booked.
  • Guided garden tours take place after hours.

What it costs

Admission
Free

Shorts

History

Founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is among the oldest zoos in the United States. Its emphasis has shifted from displaying animals for entertainment toward species conservation. Since 2010, its Urban Wildlife Institute has used motion-activated cameras to monitor wildlife at more than 100 sites in Chicago and its suburbs.

  1. 1868Two pairs of swans began the zoo’s public animal display.
  2. 1870The zoo opened its first animal house.
  3. 1874The zoo bought its first animal, a bear cub from the Philadelphia Zoo, for $10.
  4. 1884An American bison was born at the zoo, the first of its species born in captivity.
  5. 1896The US government bought bison from the zoo to help restore the species in Yellowstone National Park.
Show all
  1. 1904The McCormick Bird House opened; it remains the zoo’s oldest building.
  2. 1912The predator house opened near the entrance; it now houses big cats as Pepper Family Wildlife Center.
  3. 1927The Primate House opened. It housed the gorilla Bushman from 1931 to 1951.
  4. 1959The Lincoln Park Zoological Society was founded to raise funds, acquire animals and support expansion.
  5. 1992The Primate House reopened as the Helen Brach Primate House with naturalistic exhibits.
  6. 1995The Zoological Society took over management from the Chicago Park District, which owns the land.
  7. 1999The renovated Kovler Seal Pool reopened; it now houses harbor seals.
  8. 2003Regenstein African Journey opened with four recreated African habitats.
  9. 2005The Great Ape House reopened for chimpanzees and western lowland gorillas.
  10. 2014Regenstein Macaque Forest opened.
  11. 2021The renovated lion habitat reopened as Pepper Family Wildlife Center.

Sources: Lincoln Park Zoo - Wikipedia · Lincoln Park Zoo - Wikipedia (part 2) · Lincoln Park Zoo - Wikipedia (part 3) · Chicago/Lincoln Park-Old Town - Wikivoyage (see) · Wildlife Experience in the Heart of Chicago | L… · About the Zoo | Lincoln Park Zoo · Welcome to Your Free Zoo | Lincoln Park Zoo · Lincoln Park Zoo - Wikipedia · Zoo de Lincoln Park - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
2001 N Clark St, IL, Chicago
Website
lpzoo.org/

Plan from here: With kids →

Questions and answers

What are Lincoln Park Zoo’s opening hours?

Daily, 08:00–17:00.

Which CTA stop can I use for Lincoln Park Zoo?

Fullerton is a CTA stop for reaching the zoo.

Where can I eat at Lincoln Park Zoo?

Options include The Patio at Café Brauer, Bird’s Eye Bar & Grill and Park Place Café.

Are penguin encounters available at Lincoln Park Zoo?

The zoo offers indoor Penguin Encounters.

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