Michigan Bucket List: Zoos to Visit
A Healthier Michigan
| 4 min read
Michigan is home to many zoos, petting zoos, refuges, and specialty animal conservancies that are an exciting, fun and educational experience for the whole family. We’ve compiled some of the best zoos and conservatories from across the state.
Detroit Zoo – Royal Oak
Details: The Detroit Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals of more than 200 species. The zoo boasts the world’s largest penguinarium with daily penguin feedings and zookeeper talks about different animals. Check the zoo’s daily schedule to see what events are happening when you plan to go. The zoo also has rides and attractions, restaurants, shops, and a carousel. Learn more at the Detroit Zoo website.
Location: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
John Ball Zoo – Grand Rapids
Details: The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids has been involved in conservation and wildlife protection since 1891. Enjoy captivating habitats at the zoo like the Aquarium and Wild Way Trail along with fun, interactive experiences like face painting, zip lining, camel rides, and the Forest Realm Amphitheater. Learn more at the John Ball Zoo website.
Location: 1300 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids
Hours: 9 a.m to 4 p.m. daily.
Binder Park Zoo – Battle Creek
Details: Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek provides many activities and experiences to see and interact with the zoo’s wildlife, including giraffe feeding, a wilderness tram, a miniature railroad, carousel, and summer camps and overnight experiences for kids and families. There are concessions and restaurants at the zoo. In July, the zoo stays open until 8 p.m. for “Wild Wednesdays”. Learn more at the Binder Park Zoo website.
Location: 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch – Newberry
Details: Oswald's Bear Ranch is a top Upper Peninsula attraction located just north of Newberry. This complex is the largest bear-only ranch in the United States. With lots of room to roam, these rescued bears are given a chance to continue their lives in natural habitats and comfort. Oswald’s has 40 bears in four different habitats, including the yearling bear habitat, which has a waterfall.
Location: 13814 Co Rd 407, Newberry
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; after Labor Day: 9:30 a.m.to 4 p.m. daily.
The Creature Conservancy – Ann Arbor
Details: The Creature Conservatory in Ann Arbor is a non-profit zoological organization with the goal of educating people of all ages about exotic animals to promote a better understanding of the animals with which we share our world. The conservatory started with a single abandoned alligator and now provides homes to more than 300 individual animals from roughly 70species. You can sign up for events like alligator training, reptile encounters, private tours, art and animal events that include art supplies and instructions, summer camps, birthday parties and more. Learn more from the conservatory website.
Location: 4940 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends
DeYoung Family Zoo – Wallace
Details: The DeYoung Family Zoo is nestled in the wilderness of the beautiful Upper Peninsula, with a natural setting filled with amazing animals from around the world. Large natural habitats, education through hands-on experiences, as well as up close and personal family fun await you at the zoo. You can book a “Critter Encounter” with otters, capybaras, and sloths.
Location: N5406 Co Rd 577, Wallace
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Indian Creek Zoo – Lambertville
Details: Animals available to see this year at Indian Creek Zoo include wolves, camels, wallabies, kangaroos, white-tail deer, fallow deer, ducks, ostriches, capybara, ring-tailed lemurs, red-ruffed lemurs, goats, sloths, spider monkeys, macaws, alligators, bobcats, reindeer, macaque monkey, great horned owl, toucans, hornbills, red-tailed hawks, marmosets, Ayam Cemani chickens, and the aviary.
Location: 2744 Consear Road, Lambertville
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.
Saginaw Children’s Zoo – Saginaw
Details: In the spring of 1930, the Saginaw Children’s Zoo consisted of a beaver, a coyote, a fox, bears, raccoons, timber wolves, owls, hawks, and a deer. More than 90 years since it began, Saginaw Children’s Zoo now has more than 150 individual animals living at the zoo (not counting the insects). The 10 acres of tree-filled park land is also home to colorful gardens, a miniature train, and the region’s only hand-carved carousel.
Location: 1730 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
