ZooWisconsin, US

Henry Vilas Zoo

The Henry Vilas Zoo offers a world of wildlife adventure, absolutely free.

About

The Henry Vilas Zoo offers a world of wildlife adventure, absolutely free.

This AZA-accredited zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, stands out as one of North America's few admission-free zoos, drawing over 750,000 visitors annually. Its commitment to wildlife conservation and education, coupled with its accessibility, makes it a cherished community asset and a unique destination for all ages.

Explore diverse habitats from the immersive Arctic Passage, home to majestic polar bears, grizzly bears, and playful harbor seals, often viewable underwater. Journey to the Primate House to observe Bornean orangutans and other captivating primates, or step into the Tropical Rainforest Aviary to experience free-flying birds amidst lush foliage, alongside capybaras and otters. Don't miss the powerful Amur tigers and African lions in their spacious exhibits, or the intriguing reptiles and amphibians, including the green anaconda and Aldabra tortoise, in the Herpetarium.

Henry Vilas Zoo is more than just an animal park; it's a vibrant hub for learning and family fun. Its dedication to conservation and community engagement ensures a memorable experience that educates and inspires visitors to connect with the natural world. The added attractions like the Conservation Carousel, Children's Zoo, and Adventure Playland provide hours of entertainment, making it an ideal outing that won't break the bank. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The Henry Vilas Zoo's origins trace back to a generous gift in 1904. Former U.S. Senator William Freeman Vilas and his wife, Anna Vilas, donated 50 acres of land to the city of Madison, stipulating it be used as a public park and pleasure ground, forever admission-free, in memory of their son, Henry. By 1911, 28 acres of this park were dedicated to animal exhibits, marking the official opening of the zoo. Over the decades, the zoo has continuously evolved, adding new exhibits and attractions. Notable developments include the opening of a new Primate House in 1995, the Tropical Rainforest Aviary in 2003, and the significant Arctic Passage exhibit in 2015, which dramatically enhanced the habitats for its cold-weather species. Owned by Dane County, the zoo maintains accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), upholding high standards for animal care and conservation.

What to do here

Beyond the animal exhibits, enjoy rides on the Conservation Carousel and electric train (seasonal, $3 each), explore the Adventure Playland, and pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds or in the adjacent Vilas Park.

Seasonal info

While open 365 days a year, animal behavior can vary with seasons; they often have access to indoor and outdoor spaces, so their visibility may change daily. The Conservation Carousel operates from April 1st through October 31st, and the train is seasonal. Special events like Zoo Lights are held during cooler months.

Accessibility

The zoo is wheelchair accessible with paved paths. Wheelchairs are available for rent at the gift shop during spring, summer, and fall for $10, requiring a driver's license as a deposit. Some steeper paths are marked, and the Conservation Carousel is wheelchair accessible. ADA-defined service animals are permitted.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: A typical visit can range from 30 minutes to a couple of hours, allowing you to comfortably explore all the exhibits. Many visitors extend their stay to enjoy the playgrounds, carousel, and train.
Best time to visit: The zoo is open year-round. For animal activity, early mornings or late afternoons (after 2:00 PM) are often best, as some animals are more active during cooler hours. These off-peak times can also help avoid larger crowds.
Location: Wisconsin, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With Young Children:** Free Admission, Playground, Carousel, Train, And Interactive Children's Zoo.Budget Conscious Travelers: Enjoy A Full Day Of Animal Encounters And Activities Without An Admission Fee.Animal And Conservation Enthusiasts: Home To A Diverse Range Of Species And Actively Involved In Aza Conservation Efforts, Such As The Red Panda Species Survival Plan And Partnerships With Polar Bears International.Nature Lovers And Outdoor Explorers: Located Within Vilas Park, Adjacent To Lake Wingra And The University Of Wisconsin Madison Arboretum, Offering Opportunities For Picnics And Additional Outdoor Activities.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Arctic Passage

Witness polar bears, grizzly bears, and harbor seals, with engaging underwater viewing opportunities for both bears and seals. The Glacier Grille restaurant also offers unique indoor polar bear viewing.

Primate House

Home to fascinating Bornean orangutans and various monkey species.

Big Cats Exhibit

Observe majestic Amur tigers and African lions in naturalistic settings.

Tropical Rainforest Aviary

An immersive experience with free-flying birds, tropical plants, and nearby exhibits featuring playful otters and capybaras.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Duck

Turkey

Sandhill Crane

American Robin

House Sparrow

Cranesbill

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Arrive Early or Later

Visit right at opening (9:30 AM) or after 2:00 PM to experience fewer crowds and potentially see animals more active during cooler parts of the day.

Pack a Picnic

Take advantage of the free admission by bringing your own food and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas within the zoo or the surrounding Vilas Park.

Utilize Free Parking

The zoo offers free parking in three lots, as well as two-hour street parking in nearby neighborhoods. Consider public transit as an environmentally friendly alternative.

Experience Arctic Passage

Make sure to spend time at the award-winning Arctic Passage, which offers impressive views of polar bears and seals, including unique underwater viewing. Consider dining at the Glacier Grille for a meal with a view.

Don't Skip the Children's Zoo

Even if you don't have young children, this area features popular exhibits like the Red Panda and the opportunity for hand-feeding goats. The carousel and train rides are fun for all ages.

Engage with Keepers

If you see keepers working in an animal habitat, take the opportunity to ask them questions about their work and the animals in their care.

Frequently asked questions

: Admission to the Henry Vilas Zoo is completely free for all visitors, thanks to the original stipulation from the founding Vilas family. While entry is free, rides on the train and carousel cost $3 each, and donations are greatly appreciated to support animal care and conservation efforts.
: The zoo grounds are open daily from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM year-round. Animal buildings, such as the Primate House and Herpetarium, are typically open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Hours may vary on select holidays, so it's always a good idea to check their website before visiting.
: Yes, push wheelchairs are available for rent at the zoo's gift shop during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The rental cost is $10, and a driver's license is required as a deposit. For safety reasons, wheelchairs are not available for rent during the winter, though visitors are welcome to bring their own.