Zoos
Mill Mountain Zoo
📍 Mill Mountain Spur SE, Roanoke, VA 24014🕐 Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–4 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–4 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–4 PM |
About Mill Mountain Zoo
Compact animal park with a train ride. Small zoo with a train open year-round housing 50+ native & exotic animals, birds & reptiles. Mill Mountain Zoo organizes animals by conservation status categories including critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concern species, providing visitors with educational context about wildlife conservation. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars by 1,512 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Best For
- All ages, school groups, families
- Annual Visitors
- Over 55,000 visitors annually
- Educational Reach
- ~20,000 children through SOL-aligned programs annually
- Hours
- 10am-5pm daily (winter hours vary)
💡 Did You Know?
- Mill Mountain Zoo organizes animals by conservation status categories including critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable, near threatened, and least concern species, providing visitors with educational context about wildlife conservation
- The zoo houses 50+ native and exotic animals, birds, and reptiles in a compact setting with a year-round operating train ride called Zoo Choo safari train
- Mill Mountain Zoo offers bookable sloth encounters as an interactive experience, allowing visitors hands-on engagement with animals
- The Zoo Choo train features a tunnel with a mural throughout its route, adding an artistic element to the safari train experience around the zoo's perimeter
- The zoo operates year-round with reduced winter hours beginning January 7, closing only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during winter season, maintaining accessibility throughout the year
💬 What Visitors Say
- Don't miss the scenic train ride (small additional fee) - it offers a unique perspective of the zoo's perimeter, includes a beautiful mural tunnel, and features engaging conductor commentary that enhances the experience
- Plan for 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the zoo and its surrounding trails with views of the Roanoke Valley and mountainous landscape
- Consider purchasing a family membership - visitors report it pays for itself quickly given the well-maintained facilities and quality staff, making frequent visits worthwhile
- Attend special events like Party for the Planet (Earth Day) or Zoo Boo (Halloween) for enhanced experiences with games, crafts, and keeper chats beyond regular zoo admission
- Note winter hours begin January 7 with Tuesday and Wednesday closures - plan accordingly if visiting during winter months to avoid disappointment
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