Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the few free, no-ticket-required zoos in the United States, a status guaranteed by an 1878 decree that it “must always remain free.” Spread across 49 acres two miles north of the Loop, it’s home to nearly 200 species, from big cats to primates, alongside accredited gardens and skyline views over Lincoln Park.
Because there’s no admission gate, visits are flexible: some people stop by for an hour between other plans, while dedicated animal-lovers can easily fill an afternoon working through every habitat. The zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking includes a free first half hour, with free street parking also available around Stockton and Cannon for those planning a longer, no-cost visit.
