Zoos

Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit

★★★★★ 5 (2 reviews)

📍 1202 Vilas Park Dr, Madison, WI 53715

🌐 www.henryvilaszoo.gov/visit/zoo-exhibits

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 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

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About Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit

Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit is a zoo in Madison, WI. The Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit features a badger sett exhibit that allows visitors to view American badgers in a close-up burrow setting, directly connecting to Wisconsin's 'Badger State' nickname. Rated 5 out of 5 stars by 2 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Zoo
Best For: All ages
Highlights: Giraffe feeding, Arctic Passage with polar bears and seals, Tropical Rainforest Aviary, Behind the Scenes tours
Interactive Experiences: Zoo Train, Conservation Carousel, badger sett viewing, Educational Encounters

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The Wisconsin Heritage Exhibit features a badger sett exhibit that allows visitors to view American badgers in a close-up burrow setting, directly connecting to Wisconsin's 'Badger State' nickname
🏛️The exhibit was developed with financial support from the Hamel Family and fundraising efforts by the Henry Vilas Zoological Association, representing a significant expansion project
⭐Visitors can watch real veterinary procedures at the Animal Health Center classroom, providing an educational opportunity to observe live animal medical care
⭐The Tropical Rainforest Aviary is a walk-through free-flight aviary, allowing visitors to experience immersive interaction with birds in a naturalistic setting
⭐The zoo runs recurring conservation events throughout the year focused on protecting animals in the wild, indicating an active commitment to wildlife conservation beyond captive care

💬 What Visitors Say

💡Visit the Tropical Rainforest Aviary during fall and winter months to escape Wisconsin's cold weather while enjoying an immersive walk-through experience with free-flight birds
💡Plan to visit the Animal Health Center classroom for a chance to observe real veterinary procedures being performed on zoo animals—a unique educational opportunity not found at typical zoos
💬Bring cash or inquire about punch cards at the carousel building or main gift shop before riding the Zoo Train ($3) and Conservation Carousel ($3, seasonal April-October)—tokens/cards must be purchased in advance
💡Don't miss the badger sett exhibit in the Wisconsin Heritage area for a close-up underground burrow viewing experience, and grab a photo with the tortoise statue outside the Herpetarium building
💡Book Behind the Scenes tours in advance to gain deeper insights into animal care and conservation efforts, which align with the zoo's focus on protecting wild animal populations