Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the United States, founded in 1868, and occupies a compact site within Lincoln Park on Chicago's North Side at 2001 N Clark St. Admission is free year round, supported by donations and the nonprofit Lincoln Park Zoological Society, which makes it a popular, low-cost outing in Chicago, Illinois. More than 200 species live across themed areas such as the Pritzker Family Children's Zoo, the Regenstein African Journey, the Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House and the Kovler Lion House, a historic building. The Farm-in-the-Zoo shows farm animals and agricultural practices, and the Walter Family Gorilla Forest and other primate exhibits are well-regarded. Paths wind between buildings and outdoor habitats, and the site's size lets visitors cover most of it in two to three hours. The zoo sits beside the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the lakefront, so many visitors combine the two with a walk along Nature Boardwalk and the South Pond, which offers skyline views. Crowds are heaviest on summer weekends and holidays, particularly midday, and the zoo can feel busy and parking is limited. Weekday mornings, especially outside school holidays, are the quietest, and cooler months bring fewer visitors. Winter events such as holiday lights bring special evening crowds and may require timed tickets. For photographs, the Nature Boardwalk and South Pond give a skyline view framed by reeds. The zoo is reached by CTA bus 151 or 22, or by walking about 15 minutes from the Armitage station on the Brown and Purple Lines.