Michigan is a state known for being the home of the automobile industry, beautiful Great Lakes shorelines, and a bustling college town atmosphere.
1. About Michigan
Located in the upper Midwest in the United States is the state called Michigan. There are some beautiful lakes in Michigan, but it is also called the “Great Lake State.” With a population of 11-12 million, the state stands at the 10th position in the United States for its population. Michigan is the best place for those who love to go outdoors and for those who are socially active and interactive, and the best part is they have affordable housing and a low cost of living.
The University of Michigan stands 3 in the top public colleges in the United States. So, many students find Michigan the best option for further studies as it offers great schooling with a low cost of living. Michigan has a 10% lower cost of living than the national average.
Hence, it is more affordable for all students from around the world. Michigan is also where people move to start their lives again. So, Michigan is a great place to call home as it has everything from stunning lakes and beaches to busy cities and charming small towns, there are many reasons Michigan is a perfect place for people.
Well, that sounded offensive as not just for people, it is also a great place for animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, etc. Michigan has more than 25 amazing aquariums and zoos. Well, let me take you to five of my favorite Zoos, which are also quite popular in the state.
1.3. Famous Zoos in Michigan
Well, as mentioned earlier, Michigan has more than 25 zoos in the state, but we’ll know more about only the five most famous and local favorite zoos in this article.
1.3.1. Detroit Zoo, RoyalOak
The Detroit Zoo is one of the best zoos in Michigan state. The Zoo opened in 1928 and ranked number one in the United States. The zoo is known as Michiganders and is home to over 3000 animals from over 24 species.
The zoo is over 51 ha of land, so wear your most comfortable shoes as you will walk a lot more. If you keep moving without a break, it takes around three hours to see the zoo.
They have many attractions besides animals, like the fun Tauber Family Railroad, the Carousel, and the amazing Korman Tadpole Playventure. But you are still missing the best part the 4D theater these attractions and fun spots in the zoo make the experience more amazing for the visitors as there are not just animals to watch there are some fun stuff as well. The must-visit spot will be the Polk Penguin Conservatory.
The Zoo is open all year round but is closed on holidays like New Year’s and Thanksgiving. Try visiting the Zoo for the special events, which include Zoo Brew, an after-hours event featuring over 100 beers by Michigan Brewers and Spooky Spirits, a Halloween-themed evening event in October featuring live music, gamers, haunted attractions, and many more activities.
- Address – 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI, 48067
1.3.2. John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids
Located on the Western edge of Grand Rapids the John Ball Zoo is in the John Ball Zoological Garden. The Zoo has over 2400 animals from over 220 species. The Landmass of the Zoo includes 140 acres and around 600,000 people visit the zoo annually. The Zoo donates much of its earnings to more than 55000 economically disadvantaged children for their better future.
They have very popular animals like the red panda, snow leopard, bald eagle, spider monkey, and lion. Also, their newest addition in 2023 is an exhibit of pygmy hippos.
Other than that, they have some fantastic rides for the visitors, like the Zip lines, rope course, Camel rides, Aquarium, etc. Though this place may look like just another fun zoo place, it hosts many educational opportunities for the youth, including camps, classes, and preschool programs. Since 1985, the zoo has protected and supported conservation efforts in 30 countries and has saved many animals; they are also involved in many local animal protection projects.
The zoo is ranked the fourth most attractive place in Michigan, so it is usually busy as school groups typically visit in the mornings on weekdays. The zoo is open from late March to mid-November and closed the rest of the year. To avoid crowds, visit late afternoon on weekdays.
- Address- 1300W.Fulton St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504
1.3.3. Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek
The Binder Park Zoo opened in 1977 and is spread over 433 acres; with such a big land mass, this zoo is the most prominent and largest in Michigan. The Zoo features more than 500 animals from over 140 different species. At the zoo in Battle Creek, you will encounter many animals like addax, cheetahs, Mexican grey wolves, ring-tailed lemurs, red kangaroos, and many more.
The zoo has two sections: the East Zoo and the Africa Wild. The East section features mostly North American and Australian animals, including the Mexican grey wolf.
On the other hand, Wild African sections feature large African mammals and birds like the Twiga Overlook, and make sure to buy feeding for giraffes you get to hand feed them.
The Zoo offers many fun activities like testing your climbing skills by wall climbing at SkyLark Ridge, ropes, and obstacle courses for both children and adults. You can even rent space for events like birthday parties. They also offer summer camp programs and overnight stays for a better zoo experience.
If you want to avoid crowds, visit on weekdays afternoon. You must visit special events like Cheetah Chase, a 5km race in a zoo in June. Older visitors attend the Corks&kegs event in August, featuring live music, regional and national beers, and wines.
- Address- 7400 Divison Dr, Battle Creek, MI 49014
1.3.4. Potter Park Zoo, Lansing
Opened in 1920, the Potter Park Zoo is the oldest public zoo in Michigan. The zoo has more than 350 animals from over 160 species. The zoo allows visitors to see amazing animals like amur tigers, binturongs, black rhinos, Magellanic penguins, spiders, monkeys, and many more.
They have the best reptile house where you can see many endangered and rare species of reptiles like the Madagascar hognose snake and the Farmyard EdVentures zone to get a close-up view of the farmyard animals like cattle, chickens, goats, and pigs. The zoo also offers fascinating camel rides and animal “meet and greet,” where you get to see the zookeepers feeding the animals like the big cats, penguins, otters, rhinos, etc.
The zoo also provides a variety of educational opportunities; they even host on-site animal science and zoo management classes for local high schoolers, summer camps, and overnight experiences.
The Potter Peak Zoo is open every day except for Christmas Day. The zoo offers numerous free tickets on special days. That way, you can save money. For example on Mother’s Day, mothers get a free ticket; similarly, on Father’s Day, father gets free tickets, and military members get free tickets on the 4th of July. For a spooky experience, do visit the zoo and check out the Boo at the Zoo in October during the Halloween holidays.
- Address- 301 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
1.3.5. Saginaw Children’s Zoo, Saginaw
The Saginaw Children’s Zoo is a favorite zoo in local Michigan. The zoo has more than 150 animals, birds, and reptiles of different species spread over 20 acres of land.
The Zoo celebrates Michigan’s nature with the wetland experience with plants and fish native to Michigan wetlands. If you are a bird lover, the best part for you will be Walk Through Aviary where different species of birds fly freely, you can even feed them. Next to that is the Australian exhibit, which has lots of kangaroos.
They have many activities like the Rides, including a carousel and train, Fossil Find for children where they learn and play, and the Loons Baseball Diamond activity. If you want to avoid large crowds, visit during the afternoon on weekdays.
They are only open from May through September and part-time from April to October.
- Address- 1730 S. Washington Ave. Saginaw, MI 48601
Conclusion
These were my favorites, as well as some famous zoos in Michigan. Well, a very interesting point in these zoos is that each of them has animals, of course, because it is a zoo, but to make the boring animal zoo more fun, each zoo has its fun, unique activities to catch the visitor’s attention. They even used the spaces for birthday parties, events, etc.
But the best part is Michigan’s most zoo offers educational programs, summer camps, and overnight experiences and helps underprivileged children with their education.
2. Question & Answers
Q) The Oldest Zoo in Michigan?
A)Potter Park Zoo is the oldest public zoo in Michigan and is currently home to over 160 species of animals. The zoo is owned by the City of Lansing and operated by Ingham County.
Q) How many Zoo are there in Michigan
A) There are more than 25 Zoos in Michigan State.
Q) Which is the largest and biggest zoo in Michigan?
A) The biggest of the Michigan Zoos is the Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, which has over 433 acres of landmass with 140 species.
Q)Which Zoo has the most animals in Michigan
A) The Detroit Zoo has the most animals in the state.
Q) What animal is Michigan known for?
A) Michigan is known for very beautiful and unique white-tailed deer. In 1997, they were designated as the state game mammal.
Q) What makes Michigan unique from the other states of the United States?
A) Michigan is the only state in the United States divided into two peninsulas, that’s what makes it different from the other states of the U.S.
