When it opened in 1892 the Milwaukee County Zoo was a simple miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s downtown Washington Park. By 1902, the Zoo had expanded to 23 acres and 800 animals. In 1958 the Zoo moved to its present location at the intersection of Interstate 94 and Highway 45.  The Milwaukee County Zoo currently sits on 200 acres of beautiful parkland where more than 3,100 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles representing over 375 species of animals live in naturalistic habitats.  The Zoo is open 365 days a year, but hours and admission fees vary by season.  Please visit www.milwaukeezoo.org for up-to-date information about tickets, parking, free-days, and season passes. And don’t forget to download the Zoo app free for Apple and Android devices.

WHERE TO STAY

Lions and tigers and bears- Oh my! And don’t forget the giraffes and apes and monkeys…There’s so much to do and see at the Zoo, why not extend your stay?  Brookfield’s 14 hotels offer more than 2,100 hotel rooms with a variety of amenities to choose from. Enjoy complimentary breakfast options, Wi-Fi, workout facilities, pet-friendly properties, extended stay options with complete kitchens and so much more. Click here to find the perfect spot for your zoo-tastic getaway.

WHERE TO EAT

And if by now you’re as hungry as a bear or a hungry, hungry hippo, you’ll be glad to know that Brookfield is home to 150 restaurants.  From burgers and pizza to salads and pasta, Brookfield has a restaurant to please the most finicky taste buds.  Click here to find the perfect meal (or dessert).

WHERE TO SHOP

What’s a mini-vacation without a little shopping?  Brookfield is home to some of the best shopping Wisconsin has to offer.  3 million square feet of it to be exact!  National anchor stores, local shopping plazas and unique boutiques make Brookfield a shopping destination you don’t want to miss.  Click here for a complete store listing.

WHAT TO DO

If a day at the zoo has you motivated to show off your wild side, there’s plenty for you to do in Brookfield. Places like Adventure Rock, Helium Trampoline Park, Pump It Up of Brookfield and Wirth Aquatic Park provide hours of family fun that will have you laughing like a hyena, climbing like a monkey and jumping like a kangaroo.