Lincoln Park's Gem: Zoo Offers Free Fun, Resources

In the middle of Chicago's bustling north side lies a few hundred acres of entertainment, education and lots of animals: the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Founded in 1868, the 135-acre zoo is one of the oldest in the nation. It is home to a variety of animals including big cats, polar bears, gorillas, birds, reptiles and monkeys, among other species. 

A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the LPZ came to fruition after a pair of swans were gifted to the Lincoln Park Commissioners from New York City's Central Park's Board of Commissioners. Six years later, a bear cub that frequently escaped to roam Lincoln Park's streets during the evenings joined the zoo, and from there the number of animals at the zoo kept expanding, according to resources.

While the Chicago Park District owns the Lincoln Park Zoo, it is managed by the Zoological Society. Admission to the zoo is kept free through an annual subsidy from the CPD, as well as revenue from food service, retail shops, parking, fund raising and donation boxes located throughout the property.

While patrons can expect to see an outdoor polar bear display, antelopes and zebras, the Regenstein African Journey, the Primate House and the Lion House on visits, there's much more to do. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo features black bears, red wolves and beavers, and an indoor climbing structure for little ones to burn some energy on.

Children can also visit the Farm-in-the-Zoo, which has pigs, cows, horses and other domestic animals. Attendees can pet the goats, feed the cows and survey the farm's vegetable gardens. Each day, staff discusses with visitors farm life, and cows are milked, according to resources.

Additionally, adjacent to the South Pond is the Nature Boardwalk, which overlooks native plants and wildlife. The zoo also has a burr oak tree that originates to 1830, three years before the city was founded.

The zoo also holds classes and events for patrons of all ages, and also hosts concerts in the summer. For more information, visit the website.

From November to March, the Lincoln Park Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April to May, and from September to October, the zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the weekends.

Parking in the zoo's lot will cost a $20 flat fee after a half hour. Located at 2400 Cannon Drive, the Lincoln Park Zoo can be reached at 312-742-2000.