Michigan Zoos and Aquariums

Explore world-class wildlife facilities throughout the Great Lakes State. Michigan features 6 AZA-accredited zoos including the renowned Detroit Zoo, historic Belle Isle Aquarium (oldest in America), and expansive facilities like Binder Park Zoo's 433-acre Wild Africa exhibit. From polar bears to penguins, discover 2,000+ animals across diverse habitats.

12+

Major Zoos & Aquariums

6

AZA-Accredited Facilities

600+

Acres of Zoo Property

2,000+

Animals on Display

Featured Zoos and Aquariums

Detroit Zoo AZA Accredited

Location: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Size: 125 acres with naturalistic habitats

Animals: 2,000+ animals representing 200+ species

Located 14 miles north of downtown Detroit, this premier zoo houses rhinos, lions, snow monkeys, tigers, zebras, giraffes, and apes. The Arctic Ring of Life is one of North America's largest polar bear habitats featuring a 300,000-gallon aquarium with a 70-foot underwater tunnel made of clear acrylic where visitors view polar bears swimming overhead. The Australian Outback Adventure allows visitors to walk freely among red kangaroos and red-necked wallabies with no barriers separating guests from the marsupials.

Major Exhibits: Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, Devereaux Tiger Forest, Holtzman Wildlife Foundation Red Panda Forest, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Matilda R. Wilson Free-Flight Aviary, Polk Penguin Conservatory (world's largest penguinarium). Summer 2025 features Dragon Forest with fantastical sculptures and animatronics on a 3-acre trail (May 24 - Sept 7, $6 additional admission).

Hours: Year-round operation - Generally 10 AM-4 PM winter (late Sept-March), 9 AM-5 PM spring/summer (April-early Sept), gates close 4:30 PM

Admission: Advance online $14-24 adults (13-64), $12-21 seniors (65+) and children (2-12). Gate prices: $27 adult, $24 child/senior. Parking $8.

Special Features: Tauber Family Railroad ($3 one-way), Carousel, 4D Theater, Korman Tadpole Playventure, Rissman Playventure

Website: detroitzoo.org

Binder Park Zoo AZA Accredited 433 Acres

Location: 7400 Division Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014

Established: 1977

Size: 433 acres - one of Michigan's largest zoos

One of Michigan's premier wildlife destinations features the award-winning Wild Africa Exhibit, an immersive 18-acre savanna-like setting where animals roam cage-free in naturalistic landscapes. The zoo offers one of the largest giraffe herds in the country with panoramic views from elevated feeding platforms. North American wildlife areas showcase black bears, Mexican gray wolves, Canada lynx, bald eagles, and trumpeter swans. Australian exhibits feature red kangaroos, red-necked wallabies, and laughing kookaburras.

Special Attractions: Charles & Lynn Zhang SkyLark Ridge Ropes Course and Zip Line (custom eight-pole, three-level course spanning 15,000 sq ft with platforms up to three stories high, opened September 2022). Zoorassic Park features animatronic dinosaurs, life-size brachiosaurus statue, Z.O. & O Railroad station, music garden, and children's play areas. Train, tram, carousel included with admission.

Accreditation: Through September 2030

Access: Exit 100 off I-94, 3 miles south on Beadle Lake Rd

Phone: (269) 979-1351

Website: binderparkzoo.org

John Ball Zoological Gardens AZA Accredited 10th Oldest in U.S.

Location: 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Founded: 1891 (10th oldest zoo in the United States)

Size: 31 acres within 103-acre John Ball Park

Animals: 2,000+ animals representing 200+ species

Founded after John Ball's death in 1884 when he left 40 acres to the city, this historic zoo features lions, tigers, chimpanzees, red pandas, penguins, and more. Living Shores Aquarium (built 1990s) is one of two aquariums in Michigan. The Mokomboso Valley Chimpanzee Exhibit opened in 2001. Recent additions include lions Amara and Upepo from Knoxville Zoo, with exciting giraffe habitat expansion underway.

Interactive Experiences: Face Painting, 4-story 600-foot Zip Line, 4-story Ropes Course, Camel Rides, Wild Way Trail, Forest Realm Amphitheater. Walk-through exhibits with parakeets and wallabies. Museums For All program offers $4 admission per person (up to 4) with Michigan EBT Bridge Card or out-of-state SNAP-EBT card.

Hours: Seasonal (closed December-March). Generally 9-10 AM to 4-7 PM depending on season

Admission: Adults $11-14, Children 3-12 and Seniors 62+ $9-11, Under 2 free

Contact: (616) 336-4300 or [email protected]

Website: jbzoo.org

Potter Park Zoo AZA Accredited Oldest in Michigan

Location: Lansing (along Red Cedar River)

Established: 1915 park dedication, 1920 zoo opening - Michigan's first public zoo

Size: 102 acres in beautifully landscaped old oak forest

Animals: 500+ creatures representing 160+ species

Michigan's oldest public zoo features diverse animals from rhinos and camels to lions, tigers, penguins, snakes, and binturong. Visitors observe animals in outdoor habitats or enjoy the indoor Bird & Reptile House and Feline/Primate building. The zoo's mission focuses on "Inspiring Conservation of Animals and the Natural World."

Family Features: Petting area, pony rides, nature play area, camel rides, Farmyard EdVentures with pygmy goats. Annual Wonderland of Lights transforms pathways into winter wonderland with thousands of lights (Thursdays-Sundays through December 23). Members receive free standard admission, gift shop discounts, and access to 130+ AZA accredited zoos nationwide.

Current Event: 33rd Annual Wonderland of Lights (seasonal)

Website: potterparkzoo.org

Belle Isle Aquarium Oldest in America Free Admission

Location: 3 Inselruhe Ave, Detroit, MI 48207 (Belle Isle State Park)

Opened: August 18, 1904 - oldest continually operating public aquarium in continental United States

Design: Architects George D. Mason and Albert Kahn

Collection: 200+ species of aquatic animals

This historic 10,000 sq ft building features a single large gallery with arched ceiling covered in green glass tile evoking underwater feeling. At opening it was the third largest aquarium in the world. Closed April 2005 for budget reasons, citizens voted 88% to reopen. Reopened August 18, 2012 on its 108th anniversary with free admission thanks to Belle Isle Conservancy community funding.

Unique Collections: Only known collection of all seven species of gar on the planet, including those from Great Lakes and Africa. Several species are critically endangered or extinct in the wild. Education programs focus on water and environmental conservation.

Hours: Friday-Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM

Admission: Free (community funded)

Historical Status: Federally designated historic building, 120th anniversary celebrated 2024

Operator: Belle Isle Conservancy in partnership with City of Detroit

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium AZA Accredited

Location: 4316 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, Entrance 7)

Opened: January 29, 2015

Size: Michigan's largest aquarium with 120,000+ gallons of water

Marine Life: 2,000+ creatures representing 250+ species including sharks, rays, green sea turtles

Journey from freshwater lakes of Michigan to ocean depths. Exhibits include freshwater lakes, coral reef, shipwreck, interactive touch pool, and stunning 180-degree underwater ocean tunnel where thousands of tropical fish swim overhead. Visitors can pet crabs, urchins, sea stars, and other rockpool creatures at the Interactive Touchpool.

Conservation: "Breed, Rescue, Protect" initiative conserves vulnerable species through aquarium breeding, injured marine animal rescue, and protection advocacies. Participates in watershed clean-ups with Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Detroit River, and Save Lake St. Clair. AZA accredited through March 2028.

Visit Duration: Plan 1-2 hours for full experience, suitable for all ages

Parking: Free at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets

Location: Next to Rainforest Cafe near mall food court

Website: visitsealife.com/michigan

Saginaw Children's Zoo AZA Accredited

Location: 1730 S Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48601

Size: 10 acres of landscaped paths with beautiful gardens

Mission: "BEST little zoo in Michigan"

Recently granted AZA accreditation, this regional destination features 150+ individual animals including alpaca, pygmy goats, black-tailed prairie dogs, miniature horses, cotton-top tamarins, Mexican grey wolves, North American river otters, eastern grey kangaroos, Hoffmann's two-toed sloths, white-throated capuchins, and more. Bird species include African penguins, bald eagles, barred owls, scarlet macaws, Indian peafowl, and emus.

Special Features: Hand-carved carousel (constructed over 18 months with $750,000 and 40,000 volunteer hours, carved by Tri-City Wood Carvers, opened July 18, 1998). Miniature train rides, Australian Walkabout, Forgotten Forest with rescued animals, Fossil Find, Underwater Viewing Cave, Rainforest Run playground. Participates in three Species Survival Plans: North American River Otter, African Black-footed Penguins, Cotton-top Tamarins. Only 10% of zoos achieve AZA accreditation - one of six in Michigan.

Season: Open May-September, part-time April and October

Admission: $7 ages 1+, free parking. Members receive free admission and rides.

Website: saginawzoo.com

Complete Zoo and Aquarium Directory

AZA-Accredited Facilities (6 Total)

Binder Park Zoo

Location: Battle Creek

Accreditation: Through September 2030

Specialty: Wild Africa exhibit, largest giraffe herd

Detroit Zoological Park

Location: Royal Oak

Size: 125 acres, 2,000+ animals

Specialty: Arctic Ring of Life, Polk Penguin Conservatory

John Ball Zoological Gardens

Location: Grand Rapids

Founded: 1891 (10th oldest in U.S.)

Specialty: Living Shores Aquarium, chimpanzees

Potter Park Zoological Gardens

Location: Lansing

Established: 1920 (oldest in Michigan)

Size: 102 acres, 500+ animals

Saginaw Children's Zoo

Location: Saginaw

Accreditation: Recently granted

Features: Hand-carved carousel, Species Survival Plans

SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

Location: Auburn Hills

Accreditation: Through March 2028

Specialty: Largest aquarium in Michigan, 180° ocean tunnel

Historic Aquariums

Belle Isle Aquarium Free

Location: Detroit (Belle Isle State Park)

Opened: 1904 - oldest in continental United States

Collection: 200+ species, all seven gar species worldwide

Hours: Friday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, free admission

Upper Peninsula Zoos

GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park

Location: W9104 US-2, Naubinway (6 miles east of town, 40 min west of Mackinac Bridge)

Size: 30 acres at top of Lake Michigan

Animals: North American wildlife (alligator, badgers, fox, wolves, bobcat, deer, bison) plus exotics (Siberian tigers, Syrian brown bear, lemurs, camels, reindeer, Sulcata tortoises)

Features: Family-owned since 1994, feed deer/goats/llama/bear, gift shop

Phone: (906) 477-1085

DeYoung Family Zoo

Location: N5406 County Rd 577, Wallace (15 miles north of Menominee)

Established: 1990

Animals: 400+ animals - tigers, leopards, lions, liger, hippopotamus, Russian grizzly bears, wolves, Bennett wallabies, white Bengal tigers, chimpanzees, spotted/striped hyenas

Features: Petting zoo, baby animal interactions, bottle feeding, natural wilderness setting

Season: May-October. Featured in National Geographic Wild's "My Life is a Zoo"

Privately-Owned Zoos

Wilderness Trails Zoo

Location: 11721 Gera Rd, Birch Run (3 miles east of Prime Outlets, 4 miles south of Frankenmuth)

Established: 1991 (non-profit)

Size: 56 acres with mile-long natural trail

Animals: 200+ animals, 50+ species - primates, zebras, lions, camels, parrots, alligators, tigers, monkeys

Features: Hands-on educational experience, Rain Forest Encounter, parakeet encounter, feed stations, birthday packages, Zoo Crew Camp

Season: May-October, Mon-Sat 10 AM-6 PM, Sun 11 AM-6 PM. Phone: (989) 624-6177

Indian Creek Zoo

Location: Lambertville

Animals: Wolves, camels, wallabies, kangaroos, sloths, spider monkeys, alligators

Features: Large natural habitats, hands-on experiences, Critter Encounters with otters, capybaras, sloths

Focus: Education through personal family interaction

Wildlife Rehabilitation Centers

WILDSIDE Rehabilitation Center

Location: Eaton Rapids

Experience: 28 years rehabilitating native Michigan wildlife

Animals: Cottontail rabbits, raptors (eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, vultures, osprey), cranes, herons, crows, turkeys, waterfowl, turtles, beaver, bobcats, badgers

Contact: 517-663-6153

Wildlife Recovery Association

Location: Shepherd

Incorporated: 1979

Services: Care for orphaned/injured hawks, owls, eagles, falcons. Educational outreach with live birds of prey, research programs for rare/endangered species

Features: Wetland sanctuary for rare and sensitive species

West Michigan Wildlife Center

Type: Independent nonprofit volunteer organization

Mission: Rehabilitation of orphaned, abandoned, injured, or incapacitated wildlife

Contact: Text only 616-606-5805 (10 AM-5 PM)

Blandford Nature Center

Location: Grand Rapids area

Focus: Wildlife Education Center with rehabilitated animals unable to survive in wild

Outreach: Educational programming reaching thousands of West Michigan students and families

Specialty Facilities

Great Lakes Zoological Society

Location: 6885 Jackson Rd, Ann Arbor

Type: Indoor zoo experience

Animals: Reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates

Butterfly Houses

Meijer Gardens Butterfly House: Grand Rapids

Butterfly House: Mackinac Island

Features: Live butterfly exhibits in climate-controlled environments

Planning Your Visit

Membership Benefits and Discounts

AZA Reciprocal Admission: All 6 Michigan AZA-accredited zoos offer reciprocal discounts (typically 50% off) to members of other AZA facilities nationwide.

Museums For All: John Ball Zoo participates - $4 admission per person (up to 4) with Michigan EBT Bridge Card or SNAP-EBT card.

Michigan Activity Pass (MAP): Check out 7-day passes to 400+ cultural attractions with library card.

Detroit Zoo Discounts: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members, Michigan Farm Bureau members, Library Network members receive special pricing.

Seasonal Operations

Year-Round: Detroit Zoo, Potter Park Zoo, Belle Isle Aquarium (Fri-Sun), SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium

Seasonal (May-October): John Ball Zoo (closed Dec-March), Binder Park Zoo, Wilderness Trails Zoo, DeYoung Family Zoo, GarLyn Zoo

Saginaw Children's Zoo: May-September full-time, part-time April and October

Best Times: Spring/fall for comfortable weather, summer for all exhibits open, winter for special events like Potter Park's Wonderland of Lights

Admission Price Ranges

  • Free: Belle Isle Aquarium
  • Under $10: Saginaw Children's Zoo ($7)
  • $11-24: John Ball Zoo ($11-14), Detroit Zoo ($14-24 advance, $24-27 gate)
  • Parking: Most facilities offer free parking, Detroit Zoo charges $8
  • Extras: Train rides ($3), special exhibits (Dragon Forest $6), zip lines and ropes courses vary

Visitor Tips

  • Book Ahead: Purchase Detroit Zoo tickets online to save up to $8 per person
  • Arrive Early: Animals most active in morning, avoid crowds
  • Plan Full Days: Major zoos (Detroit, Binder Park) require 3-5 hours
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Extensive walking on trails and exhibits
  • Check Schedules: Feeding times, keeper talks, special animal encounters
  • Seasonal Events: Dragon Forest (Detroit summer), Wonderland of Lights (Potter Park winter)

Frequently Asked Questions

Michigan has 6 AZA-accredited facilities: Binder Park Zoo (Battle Creek, accredited through September 2030), Detroit Zoological Park (Royal Oak), John Ball Zoological Gardens (Grand Rapids, founded 1891), Potter Park Zoological Gardens (Lansing, established 1920 - oldest in Michigan), Saginaw Children's Zoo (Saginaw, recently granted accreditation), and SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium (Auburn Hills, accredited through March 2028). AZA accreditation represents the gold standard in animal care with rigorous inspections every five years covering animal welfare, veterinary care, staff training, safety, education, conservation, and facility operations. As of September 2025, only 240 institutions nationwide hold AZA accreditation.

Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek is Michigan's largest zoo, spanning 433 acres since its opening in 1977. The award-winning Wild Africa Exhibit covers 18 acres where animals roam cage-free in naturalistic savanna-like settings. The zoo features one of the largest giraffe herds in the country and includes the Charles & Lynn Zhang SkyLark Ridge Ropes Course and Zip Line (opened September 2022), an eight-pole, three-level course spanning 15,000 square feet with platforms up to three stories high. Zoorassic Park features animatronic dinosaurs and a life-size brachiosaurus statue. The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is second largest at 125 acres with over 2,000 animals representing 200+ species.

Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit is the oldest, opening August 18, 1904, making it the oldest continually operating public aquarium in the continental United States. Designed by George D. Mason and Albert Kahn, it was the third largest aquarium in the world at opening. Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is Michigan's oldest zoo, with the park dedicated July 5, 1915 and the zoo officially opening in 1920. John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids (founded 1891) is the 10th oldest zoo in the United States, created after John Ball left 40 acres to the city following his 1884 death. All three facilities continue operating today with Belle Isle offering free admission Friday-Sunday.

Yes, Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit offers completely free admission Friday-Sunday 10 AM-4 PM, thanks to community funding through the Belle Isle Conservancy. The historic facility features 200+ aquatic species including the only known collection of all seven gar species on the planet. Additionally, John Ball Zoo participates in the Museums For All program offering $4 admission per person (up to 4 people) with a Michigan EBT Bridge Card or out-of-state SNAP-EBT card. Many Michigan zoos offer free admission to children under 2-3 years old, and AZA member discounts provide 50% off admission at reciprocal facilities.

Four major facilities operate year-round: Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak (10 AM-4 PM winter, 9 AM-5 PM spring/summer), Potter Park Zoo in Lansing (102 acres along Red Cedar River), SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium in Auburn Hills (at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets), and Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit (Friday-Sunday only, 10 AM-4 PM, free admission). Most other Michigan zoos operate seasonally May through October including John Ball Zoo (closed December-March), Binder Park Zoo, Wilderness Trails Zoo, DeYoung Family Zoo, and GarLyn Zoo. Saginaw Children's Zoo operates May-September full-time with part-time hours in April and October. Winter visitors can enjoy Potter Park's annual Wonderland of Lights event and Detroit Zoo's indoor exhibits.

Michigan zoos offer numerous interactive experiences. Binder Park Zoo features giraffe feeding from elevated platforms with panoramic savanna views. Detroit Zoo's Arctic Ring of Life includes a 70-foot underwater acrylic tunnel to view polar bears swimming overhead, and the Australian Outback Adventure allows walking freely among red kangaroos and wallabies with no barriers. John Ball Zoo offers 4-story zipline, ropes course, camel rides, and walk-through parakeet aviaries. Potter Park Zoo provides camel rides, pony rides, and Farmyard EdVentures with pygmy goats. Wilderness Trails Zoo offers hands-on encounters including feeding stations throughout trails. DeYoung Family Zoo and Indian Creek Zoo allow visitors to hold and bottle-feed baby animals. SEA LIFE Michigan features an interactive touch pool with crabs, urchins, and sea stars.

Several Michigan zoos excel for young families. Saginaw Children's Zoo lives up to its name with 10 acres of child-friendly paths, hand-carved carousel (built with 40,000 volunteer hours), miniature train, Rainforest Run playground, and petting areas. Potter Park Zoo offers manageable 58-acre size with camel rides, pony rides, nature play area, and Farmyard EdVentures featuring cuddly pygmy goats. Detroit Zoo provides Korman Tadpole Playventure and Rissman Playventure areas specifically designed for children. Wilderness Trails Zoo emphasizes hands-on experiences with feed stations and baby animal encounters. Indian Creek Zoo features Critter Encounters with otters, capybaras, and sloths. Belle Isle Aquarium's free admission makes it budget-friendly for families. All facilities welcome strollers and offer accessible pathways.

Admission prices vary significantly. Belle Isle Aquarium offers free admission. Saginaw Children's Zoo charges $7 ages 1+ (infants 11 months and under free). John Ball Zoo costs $11-14 adults, $9-11 children 3-12 and seniors 62+ (under 2 free), or $4 per person with EBT/SNAP card. Detroit Zoo ranges $14-24 adults and $12-21 seniors/children when purchased online in advance, or $27 adult/$24 child-senior at gate, plus $8 parking. Most facilities charge extra for special experiences: train rides typically $3, ziplines and ropes courses vary, special exhibits like Detroit Zoo's Dragon Forest cost $6 additional. Annual memberships offer best value for frequent visitors and include reciprocal benefits at 130+ AZA zoos nationwide. Free parking available at most facilities except Detroit Zoo.

Yes, the Upper Peninsula has two family-owned zoos. GarLyn Zoo Wildlife Park in Naubinway (W9104 US-2, 6 miles east of town, 40 minutes west of Mackinac Bridge) spans 30 acres at the top of Lake Michigan across from beaches. Founded in 1994 by Gary and Lynn, it features North American wildlife including alligators, badgers, wolves, bison, and exotic animals like Siberian tigers, Syrian brown bears, ring-tailed lemurs, camels, and reindeer. Visitors can feed deer, goats, llamas, and even the bear. DeYoung Family Zoo in Wallace (15 miles north of Menominee) opened in 1990 and houses 400+ animals including tigers, leopards, lions, a liger, hippopotamus, Russian grizzly bears, chimpanzees, and white Bengal tigers. Both facilities operate seasonally May through October and emphasize hands-on experiences in natural wilderness settings. DeYoung Family Zoo was featured in National Geographic Wild's "My Life is a Zoo."

Yes, Michigan's AZA-accredited zoos actively participate in conservation. Saginaw Children's Zoo participates in three Species Survival Plans (SSPs): North American River Otter, African Black-footed Penguins, and Cotton-top Tamarins. SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium's "Breed, Rescue, Protect" initiative conserves vulnerable species through breeding programs, marine animal rescue, and protection advocacies, plus watershed clean-ups with Clinton River Watershed Council, Friends of the Detroit River, and Save Lake St. Clair. Belle Isle Aquarium maintains the only collection of all seven gar species worldwide and focuses on water and environmental conservation education. Wildlife Recovery Association (Shepherd, incorporated 1979) manages wetland sanctuaries and participates in research for rare and endangered raptors. DeYoung Family Zoo successfully bred endangered Siberian tigers in 2008, producing a litter of four cubs, and rehabilitates local species including white-tailed deer and raccoons.

Related Resources

Last updated on November 27, 2025