Lincoln Park Zoo Phone: 312-742-2000 Address: 2200 North Cannon Drive

 

The oldest zoo in the country, Lincoln Park also is one of the nation's last free zoos and the only major Chicago cultural institution that does not charge admission. Started in 1868 with the gift of a pair of swans, today's Lincoln Park Zoo is home to more than 1,100 mammals, reptiles and birds residing on 35 acres of the city's beautiful lakefront. The zoo each year attracts more than 3 million visitors and educates an estimated additional 1 million people of all ages through on-grounds activities and outreach programs. Formerly managed by the Chicago Park District, the zoo in 1995 was privatized and now relies more heavily on major gifts, individual contributions, membership, corporate sponsorship and earned revenue.

General Information Address: 2200 North Cannon Drive Chicago, IL 60614 Telephone: (312)742-2000 Zoo Hours: Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays Buildings: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Grounds: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Weekdays Buildings: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grounds: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Labor Day until Memorial Day Weekend. Every Day Buildings: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m . Grounds: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: Free Parking: $8

Animal Houses: Regenstein African Journey (to open spring 2003) McCormick Bird House Regenstein Birds of Prey Exhibit Blum-Kovler Penguin/Seabird House Helen Brach Primate House Lester E. Fisher Great Ape House Farm-in-the-Zoo Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House Kovler Sea Lion Pool Kovler Lion House Antelope & Zebra Area

Guest Service Facilities Gateway Pavilion Mahon-Theobald Pavilion Wild Things! Retail Center Big Cats Café Park Pavilion Park Place Café Sears Family Center Landmark Café (seasonal) Elephant Café (seasonal) Café Brauer (seasonal)

Administrative Facilities: :Laflin Memorial Building Judy Keller Education Center (to open spring 2001) Conservation Center & Searle Animal Hospital