The Indianapolis Zoo is a modest institution compared to the many mega-zoos we’ve featured in the past, but with that modesty comes an effortless charm that us folks at USA Travel Guide always appreciate. If nothing else, it’s proof that you don’t have to be a car nut to get your kicks in Indiana.
We also don’t want to overstate that modesty. The Indianapolis Zoo is a perfect family destination and really a terrific zoo, double-accredited by the AZA and AAM as a zoo, aquarium and botanical garden. At any given time, the zoo has about 360 species, totaling to thousands of furry, scaly and feathery friends for you to meet. And you can actually do it without blowing out a knee.
The Indianapolis Zoo is structured into themed clusters of habitats or biomes. Depending on how you want to count it, there are five biomes: Temperate/Tropical Forests, Oceans, Plains, Deserts, and the unique “Encounters” biome. The forests are my favorite. You’ll see Siberian tigers (Amur tigers) and often their cubs, red pandas, white-handed gibbons, Asian small-clawed otters, and more lemurs than you can shake a prehensile tail at.
Throughout the other biomes you’ll find a host of zoo favorites: slender-tailed meerkats, African pancake tortoise, inland bearded dragon, zebras, reticulated giraffes, African white rhinos, African elephants, polar bears and a surprising aquatic collection with seahorses, eels, jellyfish, penguins, seals, sea lions, dolphins and sharks.
I wish I could send you to a page with the full list, but the zoo’s Web site still needs some usability tinkering. Until then, you can start your search here, but expect to do some digging.
If you’re one of the 99% of women who wanted to be a marine biologist growing up, and therefore loves dolphins, the Indianapolis Zoo has a special treat just for you: Dolphin Adventure. Three incredible dolphin-centric attractions come together in this modern and standard-setting habitat.
The massive show tank is impressive, yes, but that’s not the whole story. Square in the middle of the tank, guests can access an underwater dome for a one-of-a-kind 360-degree vantage point. Admire the grace and beauty of these playful creatures like nowhere else in the country. For true enthusiasts, you can also register to swim with the dolphins. The Indianapolis Zoo is the only place in the Midwest you can. Learn more.
The Indianapolis Zoo is open daily throughout much of the year and is currently charging a very reasonable $8.50 for adult admission. The Zoo is located in White River State Park, downtown Indianapolis, also home of the White River Gardens (but that’s another post). Visit the Web site.
850 W. Michigan St.
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone: 317-269-9000
Web site: http://www.universityplace.iupui.edu/
University Place Hotel in Indianapolis is located just a minute from downtown, and they offer a shuttle for easy to and from travel. The hotel is technically located on the IUPUI campus, but it’s so much more than a campus hotel. The rooms provide cool, low-key décor with upscale amenities for a surprisingly chic stay in the heart of Indianapolis. We like it a lot.
Have fun at the Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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