





Zoos
Henry Vilas Zoo
📍 702 S Randall Ave, Madison, WI 53715🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9:30 AM–5 PM |
About Henry Vilas Zoo
Free destination with global wildlife. Offering free entry, this zoo features animals from around the world, plus gifts, food & treats. Henry Vilas Zoo offers completely free admission daily, making it accessible to all visitors year-round without entry fees. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,088 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Admission
- Free daily, 9:30am–5:00pm
- Best For
- All ages
- Highlights
- Giraffe feeding, interactive animal encounters
- Since
- 1911
💡 Did You Know?
- Henry Vilas Zoo offers completely free admission daily, making it accessible to all visitors year-round without entry fees
- 50% of all membership dues are directed toward wildlife conservation efforts, creating a direct funding mechanism for conservation from membership revenue
- The zoo features interactive giraffe feeding experiences and up-close giraffe viewing in a newly constructed accessible pavilion, combined with working barn demonstrations of animal healthcare
- Henry Vilas Zoo maintains a collection of rare species including Reticulated Glass Frogs, Standing's Day Geckos, and Rüppell's griffon vultures (upcoming Edge of Africa exhibit)
- The zoo is compact enough to be comfortably explored in approximately two hours, making it ideal for families and visitors with limited time
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit during winter on milder days to enjoy fewer crowds and more active animals. The zoo has indoor viewing areas in multiple buildings, so you can warm up while exploring during colder months.
- Plan for 2 hours to comfortably see the entire zoo since it's a compact size, making it perfect for families with limited time or young children who get tired easily.
- Take advantage of the completely free admission year-round—you can visit multiple times without cost. Consider becoming a member since 50% of membership dues support wildlife conservation efforts.
- Don't miss the polar bears and red pandas, which are visitor favorites. The carousel is also a highlight for families with young children.
- Plan for tight parking by arriving early or using nearby parking alternatives. Follow @henryvilaszoo on social media for real-time updates on crowds and special events like Pride Night and Party for the Planet.
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