Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Chicago, United States
1. Lincoln Park Zoo
A free, historic zoo with a variety of wildlife exhibits including African penguins, primates, and an arctic tundra exhibit.
- Free Admission: Unlike many zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission for all visitors.
- Historic Site: Established in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in North America.
- Community Connection: The zoo partners with conservation organizations to support wildlife around the world.
2. Brookfield Zoo
A large zoo featuring a wide range of animals, including elephants, tigers, and penguins. Also offers animal encounters and a 4-D theater experience.
- Large Size: Brookfield Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States with over 200 acres.
- Animal Encounters: Visitors can interact with some animals during scheduled animal encounters.
- 4-D Theater: The zoo's 4-D theater provides a unique, immersive experience combining film, special effects, and physical sensations.
3. Nature Boardwalk at Northerly Island
A boardwalk trail through a restored prairie and wetland habitat, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and beavers.
- Restored Habitat: The nature boardwalk is part of a larger effort to restore natural habitats on Northerly Island.
- Observation Deck: An observation deck at the end of the boardwalk provides panoramic views of the city and the lake.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available for those who want a more in-depth understanding of the local ecosystem.
4. Chicago Riverwalk
A pedestrian waterfront featuring restaurants, boat tours, and opportunities to observe wildlife along the river.
- Waterfront Dining: The Chicago Riverwalk offers a variety of dining options with views of the river and city skyline.
- Boat Tours: Visitors can take boat tours along the river, offering unique perspectives on the city's architecture and wildlife.
- Wildlife Observation: The Chicago River is home to a variety of wildlife, including herons, egrets, and even seals.
5. Chicago Wolf Habitat at Reggio Park
A sanctuary for rescued wolves, offering educational programs and opportunities to observe these magnificent animals.
- Rescue Sanctuary: The Chicago Wolf Habitat provides a safe haven for wolves that have been rescued from poor living conditions.
- Educational Programs: Visitors can learn about the biology, behavior, and conservation of wolves through educational programs.
- Observation Deck: An observation deck allows visitors to watch the wolves in their enclosures.
6. Saganashkee Slough Nature Sanctuary
A marshy wetland area with hiking trails and opportunities to observe local wildlife such as birds, turtles, and beavers.
- Wild Marshlands: Saganashkee Slough is a rare example of an urban marshland in the Midwest.
- Hiking Trails: The sanctuary offers several hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the marshlands at their own pace.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife, including rare species such as the Henslow's Sparrow.
7. Cook County Forest Preserve
A network of forest preserves offering hiking trails, birdwatching, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
- Network of Preserves: The Cook County Forest Preserve is a network of more than 60 preserves covering over 70,000 acres.
- Hiking Trails: The preserves offer numerous hiking trails, providing opportunities for exploration and wildlife observation.
- Birdwatching Opportunities: Many of the preserves are excellent locations for birdwatching, with a variety of species to observe.
8. Palos Forest Preserve
A large forest preserve with hiking trails, horseback riding trails, and opportunities to observe wildlife such as deer, foxes, and birds.
- Large Size: Palos Forest Preserve is one of the largest preserves in Cook County.
- Hiking and Horseback Riding Trails: The preserve offers both hiking and horseback riding trails, catering to a variety of interests.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats, including deer and foxes.
9. Chicago Botanic Garden
A large botanic garden featuring a variety of landscapes and opportunities to observe local wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and bees.
- Large Size: The Chicago Botanic Garden covers over 385 acres, making it one of the largest botanic gardens in the United States.
- Variety of Landscapes: The garden features a variety of landscapes, from wetlands to woodlands and even a rock garden.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the garden, including birds, butterflies, and bees.
10. Indiana Dunes National Park
A national park featuring sand dunes, beaches, and opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, deer, and foxes.
- Sand Dunes and Beaches: Indiana Dunes National Park is known for its beautiful sand dunes and beaches.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the park, including birds, deer, and foxes.
- Nature Trails: The park offers numerous nature trails for exploring the dunes and surrounding ecosystems.
11. Wolf Lake Fish & Wildlife Area
A wildlife area featuring wetlands, forests, and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife such as waterfowl, deer, and foxes.
- Wetlands and Forests: The area features both wetland and forest habitats.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the area, including waterfowl, deer, and foxes.
- Hunting and Fishing Opportunities: The area offers hunting and fishing opportunities for those with appropriate licenses.
12. Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area
A wildlife area featuring wetlands, forests, and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife such as waterfowl, deer, and bears.
- Wetlands and Forests: The area features both wetland and forest habitats.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the area, including waterfowl, deer, and bears.
- Hunting and Fishing Opportunities: The area offers hunting and fishing opportunities for those with appropriate licenses.
13. Indiana Dunes State Park
A state park featuring sand dunes, beaches, and opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, deer, and foxes.
- Sand Dunes and Beaches: Indiana Dunes State Park is known for its beautiful sand dunes and beaches.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the park, including birds, deer, and foxes.
- Nature Trails: The park offers numerous nature trails for exploring the dunes and surrounding ecosystems.
14. Shabbona Lake State Park
A state park featuring a lake, forests, and opportunities to observe wildlife such as birds, deer, and foxes.
- Lake and Forests: Shabbona Lake State Park features both a lake and forested areas.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the park, including birds, deer, and foxes.
- Boating and Fishing Opportunities: The lake offers boating and fishing opportunities for those with appropriate licenses.
15. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie
A national tallgrass prairie featuring a variety of grasslands and opportunities to observe wildlife such as bison, birds, and butterflies.
- Tallgrass Prairie: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is one of the few remaining large tracts of tallgrass prairie in North America.
- Wildlife Observation: Visitors can observe a variety of wildlife in the prairie, including bison, birds, and butterflies.
- Hiking Trails: The prairie offers numerous hiking trails for exploring the grasslands and surrounding ecosystems.