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

Henry Vilas Zoo, Madison

4.6
#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 4.5
1,686 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Founded in 1911, the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, is one of only 10 remaining free admission zoos in the North America. The 28-acre property, which attracts over 750,000 visitors annually... 
    Founded in 1911, the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, is one of only 10 remaining free admission zoos in the North America. The 28-acre property, which attracts over 750,000 visitors annually...  more »
  • it is a small zoo so it will most likely take you the morning to go through it. also it as parking there. 
    it is a small zoo so it will most likely take you the morning to go through it. also it as parking there.  more »
Google
  • I love this little zoo!! It's on the smaller side, but there are plenty of animals to visit. The updates and expansions they've done over the past few years to the enclosures have been great to see. It's a free zoo, but always still plan to bring a donation, because of course taking care of all these beautiful creatures is not free!
  • I was glad to see that they have more animals now, there's more places to eat/snack inside the zoo. Last time we were here(6 yrs) they were doing some construction and they didn't have a lot of animals. We all had a great time. My personal favorite was the tiger. There is no fee to enter the zoo, they just ask for a donation. The parking lot is small so I would recommend going early. You can also park on the street around the park.

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