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Brookfield ZoovsMuseum of Science and Industry
Brookfield Zoo and Museum of Science and Industry are both praised by experts. Overall, Museum of Science and Industry scores significantly higher than Brookfield Zoo. Museum of Science and Industry has a TripExpert Score of 95 with approval from 12 reviewers such as Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet and Time Out.
Brookfield Zoo
Fodor's
Time Out
Not For Tourists
Michelin Guide
National Geographic
Where
Travel + Leisure
Frommer's
8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
From $0/night
Fodor's "Spend the day among more than 2,000 animals at this gigantic zoo." Full review
i
Be sure to watch the polar bears from the popular underwater viewing area.
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 "216 acres of creepy critters make for a memorable day trip."
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 "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.
Where "This animal kingdom located about 15 miles west of Chicago has a wild array of wonderful creatures." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Animals from all over the world — including wallabies, lions, and dolphins — make their home just west of Chicago at the Brookfield Zoo"
14 of the Best Zoos in the U.S.
April 8, 2022
Frommer's "Brookfield, located in the western suburbs, is enormous, spreading out over 216 acres and housing thousands of animals...indoor and outdoor settings, filled with activities to keep kids interested." Full review
Museum of Science and Industry Fodor's
Concierge Travel + Leisure Time Out
Afar Magazine Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Michelin Guide Where Travel + Leisure Show All Reviews
5700 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
From $0/night
Fodor's "The sprawling open space has 2,000 exhibits on three floors, with new exhibits added constantly." Full review
Concierge "Tour a captured U-505 German Sub, take a trip into a coal mine, walk through a model of the human heart, or watch genetically engineered chicks hatch."
Travel + Leisure "Spread across roughly 14 acres, Chicago's Museum of Science & Industry is one of the world’s largest museums, with more than 35,000 artifacts displayed in 2,000-plus interactive exhibits." Full review
Time Out "If you’re into exhibits loaded with interactive bells and whistles, this expansive Hyde Park locale is your ticket." Full review
Afar Magazine "The Museum of Science and Industry has been a Chicago Institution for quite some time. During the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, it was The Palace of Fine Arts." Full review
Travel + Leisure "One of the largest science museums in the world, the museum has more than 35,000 artifacts and special hands-on areas just for kids in addition to running the Center for the Advancement of Science Education." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Its status as the largest science center in the Western hemisphere is impressive." Full review
Michelin Guide 3 Stars
"One of Chicago's most popular attractions. Dedicated to presenting science, industry and technology in an entertaining way." Full review
Where "This landmark museum features more than 800 interactive exhibits, including the "U-505 Submarine" and "YOU! The Experience," featuring high-tech, hands-on exploration of the body, mind and spirit." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Its status as the largest science center in the Western hemisphere is impressive...housing 35,000 artifacts is itself an actual architectural relic from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition." Full review
