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Brookfield ZoovsLincoln Park Zoo
Both are recommended by expert writers. On balance, Lincoln Park Zoo scores slightly higher than Brookfield Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo ranks #11 in Chicago with accolades from 13 reviewers like Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Where.
Brookfield Zoo
Fodor's
Time Out
Not For Tourists
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
From $0/night
Fodor's "Spend the day among more than 2,000 animals at this gigantic zoo." Full review
i
Be sure to watch the polar bears from the popular underwater viewing area.
Time Out "Set on 216 acres, Brookfield is home to nearly 6,000 animals, including 3,000 invertebrates, representing 436 species." Full review
Not For Tourists "216 acres of creepy critters make for a memorable day trip."
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"The zoo's exhibit highlights include Seven Seas with its dolphin presentation, Tropic World's primates, The Fragile Kingdom's African desert and Asian rain forest habitat...and more." Full review
National Geographic "Offering up-close encounters with iconic North American wildlife, including polar bears, Mexican gray wolves, and bald eagles." Full review
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Tip: Keep your eyes open for 38 poems artistically installed around the exhibit through a variety of media—carved into wood, sandblasted into rock, and even digitally printed on translucent Plexiglas.
Where "This animal kingdom located about 15 miles west of Chicago has a wild array of wonderful creatures." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Animals from all over the world — including wallabies, lions, and dolphins — make their home just west of Chicago at the Brookfield Zoo"
14 of the Best Zoos in the U.S.
April 8, 2022
Frommer's "Brookfield, located in the western suburbs, is enormous, spreading out over 216 acres and housing thousands of animals...indoor and outdoor settings, filled with activities to keep kids interested." Full review
Lincoln Park Zoo Fodor's
Concierge Time Out Frommer's Not For Tourists Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Show All Reviews
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
From $0/night
Fodor's "At this urban enclave near Lake Michigan, you can face off with lions (separated by a window, of course) outside the Kovler Lion House." Full review
Concierge "Although it's charmingly small, you should still allow yourself two to three hours to wander the paths among landmark Georgian Revival brick buildings and colorful flower gardens."
Time Out "See some 1,200 animals, from apes to zebras, at the oldest and one of only a few free zoos left in the country." Full review
Frommer's "One of the city's treasures, this family-friendly attraction is not only open every day of the year, but it's also free." Full review
Not For Tourists "Oldest free zoo in the U.S."
Travel + Leisure "With more than 1,250 animals, Lincoln Park Zoo ranks as one of the finest in the country." Full review
Travel + Leisure "To experience the true definition of “urban oasis,” stroll in and around this 14-acre ecosystem with the backdrop of the Chicago skyline." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Visit this urban ecosystem at Lincoln Park Zoo, where birds, fish, frogs, turtles, and insects frolic among native plants." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Stroll around this 14-acre ecosystem, with the the Chicago skyline as its backdrop, and you’ll experience the true definition of “urban oasis." Full review
Michelin Guide 0 Stars
"This 2ha working farm constructed as part of Lincoln Park Zoo offers city children a chance to commune with rural life." Full review
