Henry Vilas Zoo

Henry Vilas Zoo, located in Madison, Wisconsin is free to the public, open year-round and supported by The Henry Vilas Zoological Society and Dane County. The Vilas Zoo is located near Lake Wingra and the UW Arboretum.

Dane County's Henry Vilas Zoo is surrounded by a park. The city park includes lush open green spaces for active play, as well as two playgrounds for children to explore. There is a ball diamond, a beach and in the winter the lagoon is maintained for ice skating.

The Henry Vilas Zoo is ready to make your visit fun and educational. We are free, but we do greatly appreciate your donations. Donation tubes are located throughout the zoo to make your generous giving easy!

Zoo concessions sell great food at reasonable prices, including: hot dogs, bratwursts, barbecues, ice cream, beverages and many other treats. Grilling is not allowed on Zoo grounds.