The largest zoo in Wisconsin is the Milwaukee Zoo, and we would 100% urge you to check it out. But there are also several smaller, accredited zoos in the state that can be nice for an afternoon visit. This Wisconsin zoo comparison looks at the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Racine Zoo along the lakeshore.
Size: Both of these zoos are smaller, and right at the cutoff for stroller or no stroller. The Henry Vilas Zoo has a front and back entrance due to having a small parking lot in front, the back entrance is near public lakeshore parking. They have some larger exhibits, as well as a very nice children’s play zoo near the back entrance. The Racine Zoo is a similar size, but with one entrance. Large animals and exhibits are seen throughout this zoo as well. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Shows: I don’t recall Henry Vilas having any shows on an ongoing basis. The Racine Zoo offers volunteer-led animal demonstrations multiple times per day. Advantage: Racine Zoo
Indoor Exhibits: The Henry Vilas Zoo has an indoor rainforest with birds, capybaras, and other animals. Their children’s zoo, as well as the primate house also have indoor viewing. There is also a small animal and reptile house near the children’s zoo. The polar bear exhibit backs up to the dining area, where you can watch them from the cafeteria tables. The Racine Zoo has a tiny ambassador animal building near the exit. They also have a building in the middle of the zoo with some mammals, like Fossa and orangutans. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Animal Interactions: The Henry Vilas Zoo does not offer much by way of animal interactions. The Racine Zoo has a giraffe feeding, and also has an interactive kangaroo area that you can walk inside. There is also a budgie aviary where you can purchase feed sticks. Advantage: Racine Zoo
Habitats: The Henry Vilas Zoo has many large exhibits. However, the themes and quality of the exhibits are not always carried on throughout (many are older exhibits). The polar bear and seal exhibits are their best, while also having a recently built badger exhibit that is well designed and themed. Likewise, Racine’s exhibits are also older, and do not really feature varied terrain. The giraffes and lions could benefit from upgrades. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Wow Factor: Having two entrances, there is double the opportunity for immediate wow factor at the Henry Vilas Zoo. I would say their back entrance accomplishes this with their massive tree in the children’s zoo. The front entrance brings you to the primate house, where despite the lack of visuality, does offer you an orangutan upon entry. Racine Zoo does have a tortoise roaming its front lawn to greet you, along with their kangaroo exhibit. Both zoos doe immediately show you animals, which is a plus from my point of view. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Kids Play area: As mentioned above, the Henry Vilas Zoo has an enormous tree in their children’s zoo that is meant to be climbed and played on. It’s a very attractive feature for the zoo. The Racine Zoo also has a very nice playground, that our kids spent a good amount of time on. I would say both are above average, which is nice for a small zoo to keep locals coming back on a regular basis. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Price: The Henry Vilas Zoo is free for everyone. Racine Zoo is $8 for adults and $6 for kids. Advantage: Henry Vilas Zoo
Overall: The winner of this one is the Henry Vilas Zoo by a score of 6-1.
Henry Vilas comes in at 18th on our rankings, with the Racine Zoo coming in at 36th. Thank you for checking out our Wisconsin zoo comparison.
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