Trip Planner:   USA  /  Wisconsin  /  Madison  /  Henry Vilas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison

4.5

#1 of 21 in Zoos & Aquariums in Wisconsin

Zoo Zoo / Aquarium

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Despite its relatively small size, Henry Vilas Zoo showcases animals from around the world in a mix of indoor and outdoor habitats. Resident land animals include primates, big cats, tropical birds, and North American prairie animals. In the water, you'll see reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Kids will love the children's zoo, complete with carousel, zoo train, and play area, as well as a year-round exhibit of goats and alpacas. The zoo’s discovery center is equipped with microscopes and magnifying glasses, so you can examine feathers, scales, and skin, or even see tarantulas, cockroaches, millipedes, and other small creatures up close. Take a look at our Madison sightseeing planner to schedule your visit to Henry Vilas Zoo and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.

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Henry Vilas Zoo Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

1,653 reviews

Google

4.6

facebook

4.6

80 likes

• By Taylor B

  Whenever my wife and I visit the Lincoln Park Zoo in our hometown of Chicago, it's during the summertime when visitors and animals alike can enjoy the outdoors. But the weather was a big nippier when....  more »

• By Colleen W

  This is a very nice place to visit and rightfully so, it is always busy. Grounds are kept very nice.  more »

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Google

• By Eric the Nomad

  I would give 6 Stars easily. One of the coolest free zoos I've visited (Lincoln Park Zoo still better, but different). It reminded me of the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, WA (pay zoo, much larger, but not as well set-up). Really neat selection of animals: lions, grizzly bears, orangutans, lemurs, alligators, lizards, etc! My teenage boys really enjoyed themselves. Do not pay attention to the low reviews. Many are from 'animal rights' malcontents. It was somewhat quiet inside. Very clean! Parking seemed adequate - found a place in the small lot. Bathrooms large. Would definitely return to Madison just to visit!

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• By Diane Arnold

  i can't believe it's free. What a wonderful thing for family outing it doesn't cost an arm and a leg has quite a few families there. My family enjoyed it immensely. Course we left money to like to help take care of the animals and what beautiful animals they had. It was well well maintained. It was a beautiful zoo and well took care of.

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