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Brookfield Zoo vs Lincoln Park Zoo

Both are recommended by expert writers. On balance, Lincoln Park Zoo scores slightly higher than Brookfield Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo ranks #11 in Chicago with accolades from 13 reviewers like Travel + Leisure, Fodor's and Where.

Brookfield Zoo
Brookfield Zoo
9 / 10
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"Spend the day among more than 2,000 animals at this gigantic zoo." Full review
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Be sure to watch the polar bears from the popular underwater viewing area.
Time Out Time Out
"Set on 216 acres, Brookfield is home to nearly 6,000 animals, including 3,000 invertebrates, representing 436 species." Full review
Not For Tourists Not For Tourists
"216 acres of creepy critters make for a memorable day trip."
Michelin Guide Michelin Guide
2 Stars
"The zoo's exhibit highlights include Seven Seas with its dolphin presentation, Tropic World's primates, The Fragile Kingdom's African desert and Asian rain forest habitat...and more." Full review
National Geographic National Geographic
"Offering up-close encounters with iconic North American wildlife, including polar bears, Mexican gray wolves, and bald eagles." Full review
i
Tip: Keep your eyes open for 38 poems artistically installed around the exhibit through a variety of media—carved into wood, sandblasted into rock, and even digitally printed on translucent Plexiglas.
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Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park Zoo
8 / 10
2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614
From $0 /night
Fodor's Fodor's
"At this urban enclave near Lake Michigan, you can face off with lions (separated by a window, of course) outside the Kovler Lion House." Full review
Concierge Concierge
"Although it's charmingly small, you should still allow yourself two to three hours to wander the paths among landmark Georgian Revival brick buildings and colorful flower gardens."
Time Out Time Out
"See some 1,200 animals, from apes to zebras, at the oldest and one of only a few free zoos left in the country." Full review
Frommer's Frommer's
"One of the city's treasures, this family-friendly attraction is not only open every day of the year, but it's also free." Full review
Not For Tourists Not For Tourists
"Oldest free zoo in the U.S."
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