Detroit Zoo
Zoo · Royal Oak, Michigan
The Detroit Zoo is in Royal Oak, a suburb just north of the city, on about 125 acres off 10 Mile Road. It opened in 1928 and was among the first zoos in the United States to use barless, natural-looking habitats, with moats and terrain in place of cages. Its best-known exhibit is the Arctic Ring of Life, with polar bears, seals and a tunnel you walk through, and it also has the Polk Penguin Conservation Center, one of the largest penguin facilities in the world, the Great Apes of Harambee, giraffes and many other animals. It suits families, school groups and anyone who likes animals, and visitors should allow three to four hours. The grounds are large and mostly flat. Parking costs extra, and timed tickets can apply on busy days, so buy ahead online. Wildlights runs in winter, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water - confirm the dates and prices before you go, and arrive early in summer.
8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan, 48067, United States
The zoo is generally open daily, with longer hours in the warmer months and shorter hours in winter. A typical day opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon, with the last entry before closing, but hours change by season and holiday, so confirm the current times on the zoo website before you drive. Some exhibits, rides and food outlets run on shorter seasonal schedules than the gates. Wildlights, the winter light display, runs in the evening for a set period around November to January and uses a separate ticket - confirm dates, times and prices. On very hot or very cold days or in bad weather, some outdoor areas may close, so check for notices on arrival.