Washington Park Zoo
Washington Park Zoo
4
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Washington Park Zoo was founded in 1928, encompasses 15 acres on a hilly sand dune close to the lake, and is home to more than 200 animals. It is owned and operated by the City of Michigan City, Indiana.
Duration: < 1 hour
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
277 reviews
Excellent
108
Very good
105
Average
37
Poor
18
Terrible
9
AmyTravels
Pittsburgh, PA431 contributions
Jun 2021
We were looking for a family activity to fill a couple of hours and this fit the bill. The positives are that they have a nice variety of animals, the inside exhibits are nice (neat and smell ok even), and there is a great view of lake Michigan at one point. A few negatives: it is a very confusing zoo to get around even with a map... it does not exactly make a nice loop and it could use a lot more signage. It is built into a steep hill--so there were times where it wasn't clear if it made sense to walk up hill (or steps) and several times things were closed and not labeled as closed until you walked there (like the observation tower). Along with the steep includes, several stair areas were in need of repair and there weren't many handrails around (things to keep in mind for accessibility). With that said, the price was very affordable for the couple hours (I think it was $8 for adult and $6 for kids)... and it's also near the beach (that we did not go to).... it was a nice day overall.
Written June 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kendra D
Bluffton, IN19 contributions
Jul 2023
This zoo is a little run down (especially the strollers), but it was still pretty nice. There were several different kinds of animals to see and a cute petting zoo. It was nice size not too big. It is not flat walking though, there are hills and uneven paths that you travel throughout. The gift shop was small and wasn't too bad priced. We LOVED the fact that is it right by the beach, you actually park in a parking lot for the beach, splash pad, and zoo. You do have to pay I believe $7 but you can come and go as you please the whole day, so if you want to leave and go eat or shop then you can come back and just show them the pass. My 5-year-old loved seeing the animals up close and there were even peacocks running loose!! There was an otter tunnel, that you could crawl through and see the otters swim around you. The were also several photo props that you could take pictures with. Overall, not bad for the price and good location.
Outlet mall is very close also so that's a plus!
Outlet mall is very close also so that's a plus!
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbrat
Carmel, IN30 contributions
Jun 2021
This zoo was so cool! We stumbled upon it when we were looking for attractions in the area. This came up so we decided to check it out. It was only $8 for people over 12 so we thought why not. I was not expecting much but it turned out to be a cool place. They have several different areas so it keeps things exciting. We've got a big zoo down here in the Indy area but I was surprised that this zoo had a lot of things that I had not seen at the Indy zoo. Some things were still closed due to COVID but it was still a good time. My favorite part was this one spot we came across where you look down and you can see most of the zoo and then if you look out you can see the rest of Washington Park and Lake Michigan. The view was absolutely stunning!
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bree R
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
This zoo is way too small and animals looked miserable and on the brink of insanity. Bears and Zebras walking in circles. Lions and Tiger with their backs to the crowd, in their very small, unchanging, environment. I'm afraid to ask what happened to all the primates and monkeys. If you want a depressing time and leave feeling guilty then this is for you!
Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dave C
Illinois1,709 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Nice rescue zoo with about 30 different exhibits. It took us 2 hours to see it all. There's everything from big animals like bears and tigers to small mammals to birds. There's an area to pet goats. Besides the animals, there’s a little train for small children, an observation tower which has about 100 steps to an overlook of Lake Michigan, and a place to eat. The zoo is very well-maintained and inexpensive. Realize it is not a big-city zoo. Parking is $15 though… One thing to be aware of – the zoo is very hilly – there are about 3 different levels – yet there are both steps and ramps throughout.
Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeni S
Jefferson City, MO12 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
We really enjoyed our experience! All the animals were out and interactive, the lions even came up and sat by the glass and made some noise! The main Cafe was closed as well as the train and bird walk through but all in all we really enjoyed it!
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lavern M
5 contributions
Oct 2020
I liked seeing all the wild critters especially the ones from Africa like the lions and zebras but I felt the enclosures were a little too small. I did like that the peacocks could walk around freely that was cool. The wolves were incredible I also liked getting up close and personal with the Emus, they are cute
Written January 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mar L
Chicago, IL318 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Great zoo! Animals were up close and so frisky! Animals look well cared for. Great staff here. Lovely historic WPA stone walls, walkways, and benches to enjoy with lots of shady spots. Gorgeous views from lookout tower. Be warned: There are a lot of stairs and climbing here. Wear gym shoes! Parking $15 but you can then go down to the lakefront and enjoy the beach.Loved it!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria
1 contribution
Oct 2022
I wanted to surprise my grand daughter and her family with a family gift certificate but your website isn't set up for that. So disappointed. I will have to send her a check so she can purchase the family pass herself. I've never been at this zoo but I know this family loves to go there.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Polly M
Rochester NY6 contributions
Jul 2023
A small zoo that isn't overwhelming for small kids. Nicely maintained.
I would have rated it higher, but the animal enclosures are small and those for the primates have no natural light. I left feeling sad for the animals.
I would have rated it higher, but the animal enclosures are small and those for the primates have no natural light. I left feeling sad for the animals.
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crystal H
Three Oaks, Michigan
When is the least busy time in the summer to visit?
Written June 12, 2022
What months can you feed the parakeets?
Written September 11, 2018
The parakeets can be fed during the zoo's regular season and normal operating hours. But they must be fed only with the food available at the zoo. Remember to wash your hands after feeding.
Written September 12, 2018
April 1st from 10-4 is the first day per the website
Written March 7, 2016
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