ZooMontana, US

ZooMontana

ZooMontana offers an intimate and engaging wildlife experience unique to the Northern Rockies.

About

ZooMontana offers an intimate and engaging wildlife experience unique to the Northern Rockies. As Montana's only zoological and botanical park, this 70-acre accredited facility provides naturalistic habitats for animals primarily from the 45th parallel and colder climates, alongside fascinating indoor exhibits featuring species from around the world. It stands as a testament to quality animal care, conservation, and education, with many of its residents being rescued animals.

Visitors can embark on a journey through distinct regions, including the North America Region, where powerful grizzly bears and majestic bald eagles roam, and the Asia Region, home to the elusive Siberian tiger and charming red panda. The Discovery Center's Living Wall habitats immerse guests in tropical environments, showcasing diverse reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates like iguanas and chinchillas. Beyond the animal exhibits, the beautiful botanical gardens, including the fragrant Sensory Garden and the Yellowstone Arboretum, offer a tranquil escape and highlight a variety of native and exotic plant life.

ZooMontana is more than just a collection of animals; it's a dedicated center for learning and conservation, providing educational programs and opportunities for direct observation in a peaceful, natural setting. Whether you're captivated by the playful antics of river otters, the serene presence of American bison, or the vibrant flora, a visit here promises memorable encounters and a deeper appreciation for the planet's diverse ecosystems. Its commitment to accessibility and guest experience makes it a rewarding destination for all ages. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

ZooMontana was established and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1984, driven by a vision to create a world-class zoological and botanical garden. The zoo officially opened its doors at its current 70-acre location in Billings, Montana, in 1995. A significant milestone for ZooMontana was achieving accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in September 2019. This prestigious accreditation recognizes ZooMontana for its high standards in animal care, conservation, and education, placing it among the top zoological facilities globally. Uniquely, ZooMontana operates without public tax support, relying on admissions, memberships, events, and private contributions to fund its mission of wildlife conservation and education.

What to do here

Beyond animal observation, you can feed the koi fish (for a small fee) and interact with domesticated animals in the Homestead Barn. Explore the diverse plant collections within the arboretum and various gardens. Educational programs and special events are frequently offered, catering to all ages. A gift shop is available for souvenirs, with profits supporting zoo operations.

Seasonal info

While open year-round, exhibit availability and animal visibility can be weather-dependent, especially in colder months. The zoo transforms into a winter wonderland for "Holiday Nights" in December, featuring millions of lights and festive activities (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day).

Accessibility

ZooMontana is committed to inclusivity, offering wheelchair-friendly paved paths and ramps throughout its 70-acre property. Accessible restrooms are available, and strollers and wheelchairs can be rented at the front gate. For guests with sensory sensitivities, sensory guides are installed throughout the park, and sensory bags containing fidgets, ear protection, and sunglasses are available for checkout. Service animals are permitted on zoo grounds.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is a sufficient amount of time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy a leisurely walk through the park.
Best time to visit: ZooMontana is open year-round, seven days a week, making it accessible in any season. However, spring and summer are often recommended for experiencing the botanical gardens in full bloom and observing more animal activity outdoors. During summer hours (May-September), members enjoy early entry at 9:30 am. The "Holiday Nights" event from late November through December offers a festive, illuminated experience.
Location: Montana, US
Species in this guide: 12

Best for

Families With ChildrenNature And Wildlife EnthusiastsConservation AdvocatesIndividuals Seeking An Accessible Outdoor Experience

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Don't miss the powerful Amur Tigers, the majestic Grizzly Bears, the playful North American River Otters, and the unique Sichuan Takin. The Discovery Center offers engaging indoor animal encounters, while the Sensory Garden provides a multi-sensory botanical experience. The American Bison and Bald Eagles are also prominent features.

Wildlife you might spot

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

American Robin

Red Winged Blackbird

Great Blue Heron

Red Tailed Hawk

Cedar Waxwing

Snap map for this place

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

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

The zoo spans 70 acres with many paved walking paths, so comfortable footwear is essential for exploring.

Bring your own refreshments

While concessions are available, picnic areas are provided, and visitors are allowed to bring their own food and drinks, making it a good option for families.

Check hours and events online

Always verify the latest operating hours and any special events on the ZooMontana website or by calling ahead, especially due to weather conditions.

Utilize accessibility resources

If visiting with someone with mobility challenges or sensory sensitivities, take advantage of the available wheelchair rentals and sensory bags at the entrance.

Don't miss the Discovery Center

This indoor exhibit offers a unique climate-controlled environment to see smaller animals from warmer regions, perfect for a break or a colder day.

Visit in different seasons

Each season offers a unique experience, from lush summer greenery to the festive "Holiday Nights" in winter.

Frequently asked questions

: ZooMontana is home to nearly 100 animals representing 58 species, focusing on wildlife native to Montana, the Rocky Mountains, and other cold-temperature regions globally (45th parallel). Key animals include Amur Tigers, Grizzly Bears, Red Pandas, North American River Otters, Sichuan Takin, Wolverines, American Bison, Bald Eagles, Grey Wolves, Canada Lynx, and even a two-toed sloth. The Discovery Center also features a variety of smaller, indoor creatures like iguanas and chinchillas.
: Yes, ZooMontana is highly accessible, featuring paved paths and ramps throughout the park to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Accessible restrooms are available, and both strollers and wheelchairs can be rented. The zoo has also implemented sensory guides and offers sensory bags (with fidgets, ear protection, and sunglasses) for guests with sensory sensitivities, demonstrating its commitment to being autism-friendly. Service animals are welcome.
: Most visitors recommend planning for a visit lasting approximately 2 to 3 hours to comfortably explore all the animal exhibits, botanical gardens, and attractions without feeling rushed. This allows ample time to observe the animals, enjoy the natural settings, and take part in any available activities.