Zoos

Columbian Park Zoo

Name: Columbian Park Zoo
Address: 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904, Lafayette, IN, US
Telephone: (765) 807-1540
Rating: 4.6

★★★★☆ 4.6 (3183 reviews)

📍 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904

📞 (765) 807-1540

🌐 columbianparkzoo.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Friday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4:30 PM
Sunday	10 AM–4:30 PM

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About Columbian Park Zoo

Park with zoo animals & a playground. Action-packed park featuring a seasonal zoo, walking trails & a high-energy playground. Admission is only $3, making it one of the most affordable zoo experiences while still maintaining well-cared-for animals and clean facilities. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,183 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Location: Lafayette, IN
Special Programs: Birthday parties, Pet Prep 101 family programs
Parking: Free parking

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Admission is only $3, making it one of the most affordable zoo experiences while still maintaining well-cared-for animals and clean facilities
⭐The zoo is intentionally small and compact in design, allowing young children to explore without becoming overwhelmed while still seeing a variety of animals including goats, monkeys, llamas, prairie dogs, and penguins
⭐Columbian Park Zoo offers interactive animal programs including Professional animal caregiver programs and Pet Prep 101 family programs, allowing visitors hands-on engagement with animals
⭐The zoo features a seasonal train ride lasting approximately 30 minutes as an additional paid attraction within the larger Columbian Park complex

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area - there are no food amenities inside the zoo, but the large, well-maintained picnic area with shaded trees is perfect for a break. The adjacent park has an ice cream shop nearby.
💬Plan 1-2 hours for your visit - the zoo is intentionally small and manageable, making it ideal for toddlers and young children who won't get overwhelmed or exhausted. This perfect size also means less crowding and more time to observe animals.
🕐Arrive right when the zoo opens (check seasonal hours) to see animals most active and avoid mid-day crowds. Plan to stay for the train ride (30 minutes, extra cost) and explore the adjacent Columbian Park playground attractions.
💬At just $3 admission, the value is exceptional - consider visiting multiple times throughout the year. The zoo's small size makes it perfect for repeat visits to catch seasonal highlights like baby goat season or different animal rotations.
💡Don't miss the interactive animal encounters like feeding the goats and observing prairie dogs - these are highlighted as must-do experiences. Check if the paddle boats are operating, as they're mentioned as a popular add-on attraction at the park.