Dickerson Park Zoo is Springfield’s city-owned zoo, set on 55 acres off West Norton Road on the city’s north side, just south of Interstate 44. Families come for close-up animal encounters, an easy-to-walk layout, and a long-running Asian elephant program that has earned the zoo national recognition.
About 1.2 miles of paved trails group more than 450 animals by continent of origin. The “Tropical Asia” area holds elephants, tigers and siamangs, and “Missouri Habitats” features wolves and other native species (SpringfieldMO.org). The standout stop is the elevated giraffe deck. There you stand eye-to-eye with the herd and can hand-feed them crackers sold on site (VisitMO). Kids also gravitate to the river otters, the petting zoo and the train ride. Bush Country Café sells snacks, and Safari Trading Company stocks souvenirs (City of Springfield).
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Admission is $19 for adults and teens, $16 for visitors 60 and older, and $14 for children ages 3 to 12. Children 2 and younger enter free, as do Friends of the Zoo members. Groups of 15 or more paying guests qualify for discounts (Dickerson Park Zoo). The zoo accepts cash, local checks, Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
Arrive at opening, when animals are most active and before school field trips fill the paths during spring weekdays. Autumn mornings offer cooler walking weather. Seasonal hours change, so confirm times on the zoo’s website before you go. Interstate 44 and Grant Avenue provide quick access by car, and parking is on site.
