Having fun doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, you can have a wildly good time without spending a dime…all it takes is a visit to Henry Vilas Zoo. One of only a few free zoos in North America, a visit is a real treat. But don’t assume its admission-free status means it’s lacking. In addition to hundreds of animals, the zoo boasts amazing tours, opportunities for animal encounters, and the chance to dine with polar bears. Take a look:

Open year-round and always free to visit, Henry Vilas Zoo is located in Vilas Park in Madison.
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Each year, over 750,000 people take advantage of the no-cost attraction – and you should definitely be one of them.
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The 28-acre zoo is home to more than 650 animals from all around the globe.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook
The menagerie of animals includes over 115 species, 20 of which are endangered or vulnerable.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook
Lions, tigers, and bears are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the zoo’s wild residents.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook

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In addition to the variety of outdoor exhibits that fill the zoo, there are several indoor exhibits.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook
Visiting the zoo is completely free – no admission and no parking fees. However, you do have to pay for extras, like rides on the carousel and train, which are $2 each.
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Dining at the zoo will cost you, too, but you probably won’t mind since the on-site eatery, Glacier Grille, serves up tasty grub with close-up views of polar bears! Pretty unique, it’s the only indoor restaurant in the US to look onto a polar bear exhibit.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook
Behind-the-scenes tours, which are perfect for those who want a closer look at how the animals are cared for, are also available for a cost. Each tour focuses on a specific animal or species. Depending on the tour, prices range from $25 - $80.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook
The zoo also hosts a variety of events, such as zoo sleepovers and summer camps, throughout the year.
Henry Vilas Zoo/Facebook

Henry Vilas Zoo is open daily, from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., year-round. For more information, call (608) 266–4732. You can also visit the Henry Vilas Zoo website or Facebook page.

Did you know about this zoo? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another amazing admission-free attraction? Tell us in the comments section.

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