Plan Your Visit
The Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, WI is one of only a handful of admission-free, community-supported zoos in the country. Fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, our beautiful zoo features exhibits and attractions for the whole family!
The zoo relies on support from the community to remain open and admission-free. If you'd like help, please leave a donation in the donation tubes located throughout the zoo or donate online.
All are welcome at the Henry Vilas Zoo!
Zoo Hours & Admission
The zoo is open daily from 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Thanks to generous contributions from members of the community, there is no charge for admission or parking, but donations are greatly appreciated!
The indoor exhibits (Herpetarium, Aviary, Discovery Center, and Primate Building) and Children’s Zoo are open from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
The Conservation Carousel is open daily April 1st through October 31st. The Zoo Train will operate as weather allows. Rides operate daily from 10am – 4pm, and cost $3. All member punch cards are accepted.
The zoo is closed at noon on the following days:
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Zoo Map
Zoo Map (Español)
Directions
The Henry Vilas Zoo is located at 702 South Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715, just down the street from the University of Wisconsin’s Camp Randall Stadium.
Entrances
There are two entrances to the zoo, each with their own parking lot. The main entrance is on the north side at the intersection of Drake St. and Randall Ave. The alternative “bridge entrance” is on the southeast side on Vilas Park Dr. across from the beach.
Vilas Park
The zoo is surrounded by Vilas Park, which features lush, open space for active play, as well as two playgrounds for children to explore. The park boasts a ball diamond, a beach, and a lagoon maintained for ice skating in the winter.
Parking
Visitor Parking
Parking is free at the Henry Vilas Zoo, and visitors can take advantage of three parking lots. Parking is limited due to the zoo’s location and can be challenging on weekends and busy summer days. When the lots are full, visitors can usually find a space within a block or two of the zoo.
Please note: Parking is owned and managed by the City of Madison. Restrictions are strictly enforced, and zoo parking lots have a three-hour parking limit.
Bus Parking
Buses are prohibited from parking in single-vehicle parking areas within Vilas Park. All parking regulations are enforced and citations may be issued without warning. Buses should use the Wingra Drive entrance to load and unload passengers. No bus stopping, idling, or parking is allowed at the Drake Street entrance.
After unloading, bus drivers are encouraged to relocate to the rear parking lot at Bowman Park where there is no fee to park.
Directions to Bowman Park:
- Please use the Wingra Dr. entrance to drop off passengers near the Herpetarium
- Exit Vilas Park via Wingra Dr. and follow Wingra Dr. southeast
- Make a right on Fish Hatchery Rd. and a quick left onto Plaenert Dr.
- Take the first right into Bowman Park (after Wright Middle School)
- Park in the rear lot, leaving ample room for other buses
Public Transportation
Madison Metro buses will bring you across the street from the zoo’s main entrance. We encourage you to use the bus as an easy, environmentally-friendly alternative. As bus schedules are subject to vary by day, please visit Madison Metro to view the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
Bike Rentals
At the corner of Mills St. and Wingra Dr. is a Madison B-Cycle station for renting and returning bicycles. For current availability, visit madison.bcycle.com.
Electric Vehicle Recharge
Those with electric vehicles can take advantage of a charging station on the south side of the zoo in the parking lot across from Vilas Park Beach.
Exhibits & Attractions
