The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois offers a wide range of animal habitats, indoor and outdoor, and is well suited for a relaxed but engaging family outing. Below are all the practical details first-time visitors need to know: how to book, verified opening hours, current ticket prices and parking guidance.
History and overview of Miller Park Zoo
Miller Park Zoo is located within Miller Park and showcases habitats with animals such as a Sumatran tiger, red pandas, snow leopards, lemurs and more. The underrated stars are the river otters, though – they’re shameless entertainers.
The zoo features large indoor and outdoor areas, including a Tropical America Rainforest building, Children’s Zoo section and “Wallaby WalkAbout” where visitors can get close to wallabies. They’re pretty inquisitive little fellas, and aren’t going to cause any harm.
Operated by Bloomington Parks & Recreation and accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo emphasises conservation, education and guest experience.
Because the footprint is moderate, the visit doesn’t require a whole day but offers enough variety to make it well worth the trip for children, adults or mixed groups. Planning ahead helps ensure you get the most out of your visit.
Booking your Miller Park Zoo tickets
Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended to secure your preferred entry time and avoid potential queues. Reserve your general admission ticket online here.
Opening hours for Miller Park Zoo
The zoo is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The grounds are cleared at about 5:00 p.m. The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Ticket prices at Miller Park Zoo
Latest verified admission prices are:
- Adult (ages 13–59): US $9.00
- Youth (ages 3–12): US $7.00
- Senior (ages 60+), Military or College Student with ID: US $7.00
- Children age 2 and under: Free
- Museums for All program: Admission US $3.00 with eligible SNAP card.
Parking at Miller Park Zoo
On-site parking is free for zoo visitors. The address is 1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701.
Accessibility and visitor facilities
The zoo is handicap accessible and provides a limited number of strollers and wheelchairs free of charge from the Zootique Gift Shop.
Concession stands operate daily from about 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If arriving at opening time, it’s a good idea to bring a bottle of water with you, as you’ll not be able to buy one straight away.
Best times to visit and how long to plan
Arrival just after opening can help you make the most of popular habitats before they become more crowded. Given everybody wants to see the pandas, there’s a strong case for beelining straight to them.
Allow around 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable visit through all the exhibits. If you plan to attend any special encounters or stay for a longer period, plan for up to 4 hours.
Nearby attractions to combine with your visit
- Explore the wider Miller Park area including walking paths and gardens.
- Visit nearby downtown Bloomington for dining, historic buildings and shops.
- Pair your visit with a stop at nearby nature trails or parks in McLean County.
Tips for a smoother visit
- Book online in advance to secure your visit time and avoid entry wait.
- If you’re visiting during late afternoon, check feeding times for animals you’re interested in to make sure you don’t miss them.
- If you’re arriving by car, use the on-site free lot and allow some additional parking time for weekends or busy days.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do I need to book ahead? | Yes. Advance ticket purchase online is strongly recommended to ensure a preferred time slot. |
| What are the zoo hours? | Every day 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.; grounds cleared at about 5:00 pm.; closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. |
| What are the admission prices? | Adults US $9.00; Youth (3–12) US $7.00; Seniors/Military/Students US $7.00; children age 2 and under free. |
| Is there a parking charge? | No, parking is free on-site. |
| Is the zoo accessible? | Yes, handicap accessible and free strollers/wheelchairs available. |
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