Things I Like - Chicago

Have you been to Lincoln Park Zoo lately? If not, it’s time to take advantage of the nice weather and pay a visit to the country’s oldest public zoo and one of only three major zoos in the country with free admission. The zoo was founded in 1868 and during that year,

…the Lincoln Park Commissioners were given a gift of a pair of swans who bore the distinction of being the first occupants of the zoo. In 1874, a bear cub, which was the first animal that was purchased for the Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo, joined them. Additionally, the first bison that was ever born in captivity was born in the Lincoln Park Zoo... Marlin Perkins, who eventually became the host of the television program Wild Kingdom, was director of the zoo from 1944 until 1962.
~destination360

The Lincoln Park Zoo is open 365 days a year and, in addition to hosting more than 1,250 animals, offers educational and conservancy programs. There are two children’s exhibits – the farm in the zoo with farm animals that can be fed and petted and the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo with its tree top canopy climbing adventure.

The Zoo’s latest effort is the development of the Nature Boardwalk. The south pond adjacent to the beautiful Café Brauer is being transformed into a landscape that will provide a haven for native birds, frogs, fish, insects and mammals while serving as an outdoor classroom for students of all ages. The Nature Boardwalk is due to be completed early next year and will include a pavilion for use as an outdoor classroom and an interactive boardwalk that will circle the pond.

So stop in and say hello to all the animals at the zoo – and enjoy the amazing city views while you’re there!