I love visiting Henry Vilas Zoo. It's a relatively small zoo but they have made some major improvements in the last couple of years including a very nice, new Arctic Passage exhibit. It's fun watching the polar bears play in the water while eating at the Glacier Grille. It's totally free- no admission or parking charges but there are only two small parking lots (and street parking in a busy area) so parking can be a challenge.
See picture for history of Winkie the elephant who was imprisoned here for more than 30 years. Do not support animals in captivity. Zoos cannot provide for the needs of elephants. She was only 51. Elephants live much longer in the wild.
We are here on Thanksgiving weekend, so a few of the buildings are not open. It is still a nice time. Public restrooms, snack bar and visitor's center are open. Free entry. Donations appreciated.
Great free zoo. Obviously not as big as Milwaukee or Brookfield, but is definitely worth the trip. They have improved a lot over the last few years also, with new Polar bear exhibits and other upgrades.
It's a free Zoo (supported by donations I should say) but what's not to love! Anyone that gives this zoo less than a five is being to critical because it's free!
It's a perfect size zoo we spent about an hour and half there both times we went. Which is about all my kids can handle. They have some beautiful animals, the polar bears or the baby lions were are favorite.
It does make me sad to see such big animals in such small cages.
Bill was a very welcoming tour guide. Was super kind. The zoo is great for free you can’t beat it I do recommend donating two dollars that’s the least you can do to support this place.
Love going to the zoo they have some great exhibits and it's free!!! That being said it could use some TLC. I didn't think I was at the right place because there was no formal large entrance. The parking is horrible. And the whole place looks a little dated. Updating could be done to front of exhibits. The concession has been closed every time I've been as well as some of the gift stations. To me, I'd rather pay $5 to go and see it get the attention it deserves.
This is a great modest sized zoo and best of all, parking and admission is free! You can see everything in a couple hours. The treehouse playground they have for the kids is worth the trip alone! They also have a carousel and train for the kids to ride but it costs money.
This is a fabulous small "free" zoo. The suggested donation of $2 is minimal. I encourage you to donate more! Sites like this should be preserved. The grounds have been well maintained, some habitats were under renovation and some animals were hidden from the heat of the day. Also, spend a little time in the beautiful park or at Lake Wingra they are right there next to the zoo!!
Free zoo, Tigers, bears, giraffes oh my!! The kids loved it and plenty of park and space surrounding. Perfect for picnics and family events! Train rides and merry go round for the kids as well!
I have been to zoo's all over the United States, the animals here seem so happy compared to others. I love the lay out and the animals care that they get. Theres no admission fee so i like giving a donation.
Always a great time. So much to do for a zoo that's free. The polar/grizzly bear exhibit is great as is the primate center. Parking can be tricky so park away and walk, try a side street, or get lucky and get a spot up close. Love this place!
This is one of the many places that makes living in Madison special. This free zoo is a wonderful place to spend a half day with small children. I recommend parking in one of the lots off Vilas Park Drive. It is a bit further to walk, but trying to find parking near the main entrance can be tough during the summer. Street parking near the main entrance can be just as tough.
I grew up in Madison and have been coming to this zoo since 1994. It's always been free, well looked after and very educational. I even have family that have worked here for many years. The animals are very well loved and taken care of. They even have babies here and there! I remember seeing the baby giraffe back in the mid 90s! I came back to visit after 16 years and the zoo had a wonderful remodel and looked just as good (if not better!) Than when I was a kid. Still has a wonderful park for kids and college students out back and a beach on the lake out front. Absolutely gorgeous. The same tree I climbed on as a kid still sits on the lake shore. Worth a visit or two for sure. Even during winter, they have stuff going on. Really a blast during the summer though and I still enjoy it at 25 as much as I did 20 years ago.