Description: Madison has a nice zoo and it is free! For the past 10 years the zoo has been replacing old cages with more modern "environmental" type displays of animals. There is much to see and do here and kids love it. They have a children's section that is educational and has a petting section. The zoo is located on the near west side of Madison and is part of Vilas Park. It's a great place to spend the day. If you like picnics, this is the place. My personal favorites are the polar bears, but most people like the lion and tiger display in the middle of the zoo as well as the primate center. Currently they are replacing the aviary with a new building. Vilas Park is also connected to a huge network of bike paths and is right next to the arboretum which is an immense natural habitat of prairie, woods and lakes right in downtown Madison.
Close