• Delete
  • Edit

About

Henry Vilas Zoo is a zoo, located at 702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA. They can be contacted via phone at +1 608-258-9490, visit their website www.vilaszoo.org for more detailed information.

Location :
702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715, USA
Added by Jopie, at 12 January 2017

Opening Hours

  • Monday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Tuesday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Wednesday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Thursday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Add missing information

Add email
Add business description
Add Social Media
Add Products and Services

14 Reviews

  • Amanda Moser
    13 December 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • DYKWIA D
    06 December 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Laurie Buss
    27 November 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Jonah Conner
    07 November 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Gretchen Gill
    26 September 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Samwise S
    22 September 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Jordyn Lawler
    16 September 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Justin Kutchenriter
    10 September 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Ambrose Calstrong
    08 July 2017

    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!!

    response / report this review
  • Mario McCullum
    24 April 2017

    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!

    response / report this review
  • Kate Vorce
    20 April 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Andrew Loizzo
    20 March 2017

    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!

    response / report this review
  • David P. Fields
    12 February 2017

    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.

    response / report this review
  • Andy Wilson
    19 January 2017

    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.

    response / report this review

Rate & Write Reviews