If Maine isn't careful, Indiana could one day steal the moniker of "Vacationland" (no, really). People might picture basketball hoops and cornfields as far as the eye can see, but there's lots of things to do in the Hoosier State, especially outdoors.
Indiana has 500 miles of beautiful state park trails to explore, amusem*nt park roller coasters promising insane G-forces, a nearly month-long state fair and — if you weren't already aware — zoos that rank among the nation's best.
From dolphins to red pandas to an adorable South American anteater named "Mr. Pickles" in Evansville, here are six zoos in Indiana worth a drive.
Where it is: 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46222
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What animals are at the Indianapolis Zoo?
The Indianapolis Zoo near White River State Park is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the country, and the largest in the state, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. At 67-acres, the zoo is home to more than 1,400 animals. This includes lions and tigers and bears (oh my), baby elephants, giraffes, chimpanzees, pythons, alligators, kangaroos, dolphins and 3,000-pound walruses.
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How long does it take to walk through the Indianapolis Zoo?
Reviews on TripAdvisor say the Indianapolis Zoo can be walked at a leisurely pace in roughly 2-3 hours.
When is the Indianapolis Zoo open?
The Indianapolis Zoo is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Thu, and 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sun for regular admission. Hours can fluctuate during holidays and other special events, so visit IndianapolisZoo.com and check the schedule for updates.
How much are tickets?
Tickets to the Indianapolis Zoo range from $15-$35 general admission when you purchase them online in advance. It's more expensive at the gate, so it pays to visit the zoo's official website for a detailed list of ticket packages. Children under age 2 get in free.
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Where it is: 500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615
How many animals does the Potawatomi Zoo have?
Opened in 1902, the Potawatomi Zoo is the oldest zoo in Indiana. It's currently home to nearly 400 animals, zoo officials said, which include giraffes, capybaras, tigers, jackals, okapis, reptiles, red foxes and sloths. Animal encounters allow a more up-close look at some of your favorite critters, such as hand-feeding a bison or touching a rhino. At roughly 23 acres in size, people who gave reviews on Tripadvisor called the Potawatomi Zoo a good smaller-sized zoo families can walk in roughly 90 minutes to 2 hours.
When does the Potawatomi Zoo open?
The zoo is open March 29 to Nov. 24 and its hours change depending on the season. Guests can visit the Potawatomi Zoo from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. spring and fall, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 1 to Aug. 31 in the summer. Holidays and special events can impact hours. Visit PotawatomiZoo.org for updates.
The cost of tickets: Getting in, riding the train and feeding giraffes at Potawatomi Zoo
Tickets are $12-$14 general admission when you purchase them online in advance. Children under age 2 get in free. Visit the Potawatomi Zoo's website for a detailed list of ticket prices. Tickets to ride the train, carousel or feed the giraffes cost $3 each.
Where it is: 3411 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808.
Does the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo have a sloth?
Yes, the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to the Hoffmann's two-toed sloth, according to its website.
How many animals does the Fort Wayne zoo have?
The 40-acre facility has among its list of roughly 1,600 critters, penguins, binturongs, sharks, dingoes, Flemish giant rabbits, servals, tree frogs, capuchin monkeys, moon jellyfish, pythons and orangutans.
How long does it take to see everything at the Fort Wayne zoo?
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo opened in 1965 and USA TODAY ranked its red panda exhibit among the top ten in the nation. Reviews on TripAdvisor are overwhelmingly positive and say the zoo can be walked in roughly three hours.
When it's open
The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 27 to Nov. 3., and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesdays from May through July.
How much does it cost to go to the Fort Wayne zoo?
Tickets are $16-$22 depending on the day you visit and whether you buy your tickets at the gate or online in advance (psst, paying online is cheaper). Children below age 2 get in free. Visit the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's official website for more details at KidsZoo.org.
Where it is: 1915 Scott St, Lafayette, IN 47904
What animals are at the Columbian Park Zoo?
The Columbian Park Zoo opened in 1908 and is one of Indiana's smaller-sized zoos, but that doesn't mean you should skip it. The six-acre park has roughly 190 animals to see, which include bald eagles, porcupines, otters, emus and laughing kookaburras.
What is there to do at the Columbian Park Zoo?
Reviews on TripAdvisor say you can walk the park in roughly 1-2 hours, but the fun doesn't stop there. When you're done with the penguins, check out the pedal boats you can maneuver around the lagoon. There's also train rides and a variety of native and North American butterflies to observe at the zoo's butterfly garden.
When it's open
Peak season hours for the Columbian Park Zoo are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. May 25 - Aug. 11. The zoo is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 13 - May 24, and Aug. 12 - Oct. 5 during its off-peak season. The zoo is closed Oct. 6 - mid-April.
How much is it to get into Columbian Park zoo?
If you're on a tight budget but want to treat your kids to a fun zoo trip, Lafayette is your best option. Tickets to the Columbia Park Zoo are $3 for anyone age 3 and older. Children age 2 and younger get in free. Visit the zoo's official website at ColumbianParkZoo.org for more information.
Where it is: 1545 Mesker Park Dr, Evansville, IN 47720
Does Mesker Park Zoo have red pandas?
Yes, the zoo has red pandas, an ocelot and a troop of Francois Langur monkeys at the Mesker Park Zoo's Discovery Center.
How many animals does Mesker Park Zoo have?
Where else but Evansville can you meet a cute anteater named "Mr. Pickles?" Opened in 1928, the Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden has around 700 animals. Its themed exhibits include Amazonia and the Children's Enchanted Forest. In addition to "Mr. Pickles," animals at Mesker Zoo include porcupines, Komodo dragons, greater kudus, tigers and takins. TripAdvisor lists the 45-acre zoo as one of the top 5 attractions in Evansville.
A zoo open 365 days a year
The Mesker Park Zoo is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. year-round. Visitors can explore the zoo until 5 p.m. but admittance is closed after 4 p.m.
How much is it to get into Mesker Park Zoo?
Admission rates vary between season but range $8-$12. From November to February, Adults pay $9 and children age 3 and older are charged $8. From March to October, Adults pay $11 and children age 3 and older pay $10. Children under age 2 get in free. Vanderburgh County residents can receive a $2 discount off the cost of admission. Visit MeskerParkZoo.com for more information.
Where it is: 115 Lake Shore Dr, Michigan City, IN 46360
How many animals are at Washington Park Zoo?
There are roughly 90 species of animals you can discover walking the tree-lined pathways at the Washington Park Zoo. Its animals include Bengal tigers, grizzly bears, grey wolves, ring-tailed lemurs, tamarins and alligators. Opened in 1928, the zoo's humble beginnings started out with a retired circus bear along with other surrendered exotic pets.
What else is there to see?
The Washington Park Zoo is a fun place to take the kids if you need a break from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Of note, there's a 70-foot tall observation tower and a castle-like structure — a replica of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official insignia built during the Great Depression — housing some of the zoo's smaller mammals, birds and other reptiles. Reviews on TripAdvisor say you can walk the 15-acre zoo at a gingerly pace in roughly an hour or less.
The Washington Park Zoo's hours change seasonally
- Summer hours: May 25 - Sept. 1.
- 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri.
- 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun
- Fall hours: Sept. 2 - Oct. 31.
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
- Winter: The zoo is closed Nov. 1 - March 31.
- Spring hours: April 1 - May 24
- 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
How much are tickets at the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City?
Tickets to the zoo cost $8-$10. Adults (age 12-61) pay $10. Seniors age 62 and up pay $9, Children ages 3-11 pay $8. Children under age 2 get in free. Michigan City residents can receive a discount off the cost of admission with proof of ID. Visit the zoo's official website at WashingtonParkZoo.com for more information.
Is there a separate charge for parking?
Yes, there's a separate charge for parking because the zoo shares a lot with the beach, splash park and Washington Park. If you don't have an annual parking sticker, the cost is $20 for all-day parking.
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John Tuftscovers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip atJTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter atJTuftsReports.
