Have you been to the Milwaukee County Zoo lately? Now is the perfect time to make the trek (1.5 hours from Chicago) as the zoo is celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Did you know that in 1892 the Milwaukee County Zoo started as a miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s downtown Washington Park? Eventually, the zoo expanded to 23 acres and acquired 800 animals, then moved to its present location on nearly 200 acres of beautiful parkland, where currently more than 3,300 animals, such as monkeys, lions, elephants and bears, call home.
Here’s how the zoo will celebrate throughout the year:
Historical safari
Journey from 1892 to present day as the zoo’s historic timeline is displayed with photos, stories and descriptions of important events spanning 125 years. You’ll find this in the Welcome Center.
Selfie fun
Like you ever needed a reason for another selfie. How about one in front of a giant cake complete with animal-print frosting and some of the Zoo’s signature species adorning this “almost real enough to eat” towering treat? Located in front of the front entrance mall.
Zoomobile tour
Rest your weary feet and get acquainted with the zoo aboard a Zoomobile tram. Learn why flamingos are pink and other neat tidbits about the animals. Tour guides will shower you with new facts and trivia highlighting the zoo’s history.
Prizes galore
For 125 days at 1:25 p.m., a lucky visitor will be chosen by the “Prize Patrol” to receive goodies such as free tickets for the Train or the Oceans of Fun Seal & Sea Lion Show, free concessions items or even zoo merchandise from Karibu Gift Shop!
Staying pretty
Visit throughout the year to see special floral designs created by the Horticulture Department, special pumpkin displays during Halloween events and festive ice carvings during the holiday season.
Inside out
The zoo’s summer exhibit is a must see. At Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out, you will get an inside look at animals you all know and love. Literally. From goats and giraffes, to bulls and birds and octopuses to ostriches, the form and function of animals both exotic and familiar are revealed. The Milwaukee County Zoo is the first to host the exhibit.
On our latest visit we got a fascinating inside look at the animals and were able to see them in a different light. On the Zoomobile tour, we chugged through on a steam-powered Safari Train, and got up close and personal with giraffes as we fed them lettuce and crackers. Read all about our latest visit to the Milwaukee County Zoo here.
If you go
10001 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53226
Hours through Sept. 4, 2017: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission through through Oct. 31, 2017:
Adult: $14.25
Child (age 3 to 12): $11.25
Child (2 and under): Free
Senior Citizen (age 60 and over): $13.25
Parking: $12
Want to make a weekend trip out of this? Located just a few minutes away, the Crowne Plaza Hotel Milwaukee West was a great home base for our Milwaukee adventure. Clean, spacious, comfortable. What more could you want? Plus, you gotta love a hotel with a pool and whirlpool!
