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Zoos

Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City Zoo

Name: Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City Zoo
Address: 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360, Michigan City, IN, US
Telephone: (219) 873-1510
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1626 reviews)

📍 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360

📞 (219) 873-1510

🌐 washingtonparkzoo.com

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–3 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–3 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–3 PM
Thursday	10 AM–3 PM
Friday	10 AM–3 PM
Saturday	10 AM–3 PM
Sunday	10 AM–3 PM

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About Washington Park Zoo, Michigan City Zoo

Lakeside zoo with an observation tower. A 15-acre zoo featuring tigers & other animals plus an observation tower overlooking Lake Michigan. The zoo features a unique observation tower overlooking Lake Michigan, offering views of both the shoreline and surrounding town, with visitors noting it provides 'amazing views' despite challenging stairs. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,626 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Location: Michigan City, Indiana (15 acres since 1928)
Best For: All ages
Admission: Adults $12, Seniors $10, Children (2-11) $10, Under 1 FREE
Highlights: Up-close animal encounters, safari train, observation tower, wildlife sanctuary

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The zoo features a unique observation tower overlooking Lake Michigan, offering views of both the shoreline and surrounding town, with visitors noting it provides 'amazing views' despite challenging stairs
⭐Washington Park Zoo operates as a wildlife sanctuary specifically for rescued and injured exotic animals, combining traditional zoo exhibits with a conservation and rehabilitation mission
🏛️The zoo is launching the Wings of Wonder Aviary Exhibit in 2026, representing a significant expansion to its bird collection and interactive capabilities
⭐At only 15 acres with compact layout and modest animal count, the zoo is specifically praised in reviews for being sensory-friendly and non-crowded, making it accessible for special needs groups and visitors seeking a less overwhelming experience
⭐The zoo offers a seasonal safari train experience (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and operates with seasonal hours, providing different visitor experiences depending on the time of year

💬 What Visitors Say

🕐Visit on weekdays or avoid school group times for a less crowded, more sensory-friendly experience. Reviewers noted the zoo's small size means it's never overwhelmingly busy, making it ideal for visitors who prefer a quieter atmosphere.
💬Plan 1-2 hours for your visit. The zoo is compact enough to avoid being a full-day commitment, but has enough paths and multiple viewing angles of enclosures to warrant a thorough exploration if you want to see everything.
💬Be aware of the $20 parking fee that may not be clearly listed online—budget accordingly. However, admission is very affordable at $11, and free parking is available for the adjacent beach, making this an excellent budget-friendly outing.
💡Don't miss the observation tower for panoramic views of the shoreline and surrounding town, though be prepared for steep stairs. It's a highlight worth the effort and offers a unique vantage point not available at ground level.
💡Bring strollers if needed—the zoo is stroller-accessible with multiple looping paths. This venue is particularly well-suited for families with young children since it's manageable in scope and features interactive elements like the splash pad and peacock viewing.