St. Louis Zoo

This zoo, which is located in Forest Park and is six miles west of downtown St. Louis, is the third largest zoo in the country.  It features more than 700 species of animals, many of which are endangered.   It is situated on 90 acres and offers attractions that include shows, exhibits, a railroad tour,  a carousel, Children's Zoo, Motion Simulator, 3-D Movie and an Animal Nutrition Center.  The best part about this zoo is that general admission is FREE.  There are attractions that you have to pay to enter but you can see plenty if you decide not to spend any money.

Zoo Exhibits

The River's Edge is a ten acre exhibit that allows visitors to cross four continents to discover how wildlife, plants and people interact.  You will find hippos, elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, hyenas and more.  In the Wild Exhibit you will find grizzly and black bears enjoying their open, moated habitat with waterfalls, fountains and pools; the penguin and puffin coast; the orangutans, chimpanzees and gorillas summer and winter exhibits.  This is also home to the Conservation Carousel which features 64 colorful hand-carved wooden animal to ride.  In the Discovery Corner exhibit you will find the zoo's most hands-on, interactive exhibits. This area is home to the Anhesuer-Busch 3-D theater.  Show times: Every 1/2 hour between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.  The Insectarium is the place to find spiders, beetles, and ants as well as butterflies.  Lastly, at this exhibit you will find the Children's Zoo where you can get up-close with animals like guinea pigs, rabbits, and goats.  The indoor space is great for hot, rainy or cold days and will  allow the kids to climb in a tree house and pretend to drive a jeep.  A truly unique attraction is the acrylic see-through tube slide that allows underwater views through the otter pool. Admission is charged for entry into the Children's Zoo. The Historic Hill exhibit is one of the oldest parts of the zoo with architecture dating back to the 1920s.    It is home to sea lions, otters, monkeys, reptiles, doves, eagles and more.  The Red Rocks exhibit features lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes in their natural settings.

From US 40/I-64 eastbound and westbound
Take the Hampton exit (34-B) and follow signs to Forest Park. At the first roundabout, turn left (west) on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance. To North Entrance, go straight through first roundabout, left at second roundabout on Washington Blvd., turn left on Government Drive.

From I-44 eastbound and westbound
Take the Hampton Ave. exit. Drive north about one mile and cross the Hampton Ave. bridge. At the first roundabout, turn left on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance. To North Entrance, go straight through first roundabout, left at second roundabout on Washington Blvd., turn left on Government Drive.

From I-270 North
If you're coming from north or northwest, take I-70 or I-270 to I-170 south. Merge onto I-64/40 east. Take the Hampton exit (34-B) and follow signs to Forest Park. At the first roundabout, turn left (west) on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance.

From MetroBus or MetroLink

MetroBus and MetroLink options are also available check the official website for details: St. Louis Zoo Directions.

Insider Tips

Food is available to purchase or you can bring your own picnic lunch. There are tables on the outside of the Zoo Administration Building.

Feeding times for the animals are spaced throughout the day and vary by animal.  You will see lots of activity if you visit the animal during feeding so be sure to check the schedule and fit it into your itinerary.

• Sea Lions located in the Sea Lion Basin feed at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. (none on Thursdays)