11 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Michigan

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Michigan is a unique state in many ways.

While it sits in the midwestern United States, it manages to boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the country.

You can be at the center of everything in Detroit or Lansing in the morning and be hiking in the Huron mountains in the afternoon.

There’s so much to see and do in this state, that even a month’s vacation would not do.

This includes zoo and aquarium enthusiasts.

Michigan is home to a large number of zoos, aquariums, and wildlife preserves. Below are details of 11 of them. 

The 11 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Michigan

1. Belle Isle Aquarium (Detroit, Michigan)

Belle Island Park is a 982-acre island (yes, an island in Detroit).

Belle Isle Aquarium was one of the first structures built on the island.

The historic building opened as an aquarium in 1904, making it the oldest operating marine life center in North America.

The basement even served as a speakeasy during prohibition.

The aquarium was closed in 2005 due to a lack of funds.

But vigilant volunteers raised money and the aquarium was reopened in 2012.

Inside the amazing building, visitors are greeted by a large, arched ceiling made of green glass that gives an underwater vibe.

You’ll get to stroll through and see Moray eels, turtles, a Koi pond, and many fish that are native to The Great Lakes.

The aquarium is currently run entirely by volunteers, so it’s only open Friday-Sunday, but admission is free.

It’s a must-see if you’re visiting the island.

You’ll be able to grab lunch from one of the many food trucks on hand in the warm weather months.

2. Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak, Michigan)

Plan to spend the bulk of your day at this exciting 125-acre zoo complex.

Opened in 1928, it’s the largest zoo in Detroit.

The zoo is divided nicely by animal habitat and they house over 2500 unique wildlife, including:

• Grizzly bears
• kangaroos 
• wolves
• anteaters
• Polar Bears
• gorillas
• apes
• camels
• ostriches 
• pandas otters

A conservation campus houses a butterfly garden, aviary, and penguins.

There is a reptile and amphibian house.

Many fully stocked lakes are sprinkled throughout the park where visitors can watch fish and birds native to the area.

When it’s time for lunch, there are many options, from pizza and hot dogs to chicken and salads.

There are also various snack and treat stands around the park.

A picnic area is available and visitors are welcome to bring their own lunch.

A train runs through the park for those who need a break from walking.

Other attractions include a wood and brass carousel, a 4D theater, a kids’ play area separated by age groups, and a huge fountain with beautiful statues of animals.

3. John Ball Zoo (Grand Rapids, Michigan)

John Ball opened in 1891, making it the oldest consecutively operating zoo in Michigan.

With 120 acres and over 2,000 animals, there’s plenty to see and do at this zoo.

Many reviews have stated that the animals here are some of the best cared for and happy they’ve ever seen.

The zoo does go above and beyond feeding its residents nothing but top-quality local produce.

They also provide full-time customized medical care.

Education is a top priority as well.

The zoo teaches visitors about conservation and protecting ecosystems.

Some of the habitats the zoo displays are:

• aquarium
• aviary
• primates
• pandas
• big cats
• bears
• penguins
• reptiles
• amphibians

There is also a petting zoo to get up close and feed some of the animals.

Additional activities include face painting, zip lining, and camel rides.

There are plenty of food options for purchase, but feel free to bring your lunch.

A gift shop is available for souvenirs.

The zoo takes about 2-3 hours to see everything.

4. Potter Park Zoo (Lansing, Michigan)

Set inside of an 80-acre park, Potter Park is a great place to stop with smaller children.

It’s only 20 acres and is home to about 350 animals, so it takes about 1-1/2 to 2 hours to walk through.

But don’t let the size fool you, there are some great habitats and the animals are active and energetic (unless it’s nap time).

The animals that you’ll see include otters, bald eagles, big cats, penguins, foxes, ponies, primates, hoofstock, amphibians, and tons of birds.

Educational tours, special events, and summer camps are offered at Potter Park.

The zoo also has a grill restaurant where food can be purchased and a covered pavilion in which to enjoy your food.

A gift shop and first aid station are also on site.

5. Binder Park Zoo (Battle Creek, Michigan)

Opened in 1977, Binder Park has over 500 animals on a sprawling 433 acres.

This well-kept facility invites visitors to feed the giraffes and other animals at the petting zoo.

Other animals include:

• gazelles
• giant tortoises
• monkeys
• dingoes
• black bears
• Balad eagles
• zebras
• kangaroos
• pandas

Guides are available to answer questions about the animals and facilities and are always happy to inform guests about the zoo’s conservation efforts.

Binder Park has successfully bred several endangered species.

Other activities guests can enjoy include the Wilderness tram, a carousel, a train, and a zip line/rope course.

A huge check in the plus column for Binder Park is their consideration for people with sensory processing needs.

They offer specialized equipment to make their zoo experience more enjoyable.

 Plenty of food options are available, from sit-down meals to quick snacks.

There’s plenty of shade and wooded areas to get out of the sun.

Plan to spend about 4 hours.

6. SEA LIFE Aquarium (Auburn Hills, Michigan)

SEA LIFE is Michigan’s largest aquarium with over 250 species and 10 exhibits.

The aquarium also has the only 180-degree underwater ocean tunnel in the state.

You’ll feel like you’re swimming with the sharks and sea turtles while surrounded by seawater.

The tour takes about 1-2 hours to complete.

You’ll be able to see themed exhibits like the tropical ocean, stingrays, shoaling rings, sea creatures, jellyfish, clownfish, seahorses, and a freshwater habitat that includes many fish native to Michigan.

There’s also a touch pool where visitors can pet some sea life and learn about their habits.

There are always special activities and events to take part in, like toddler time and behind-the-scenes.

A play area is available for kids to let off some steam.

7. GarLyn Zoo (Naubineay, Michigan)

This adorable 30-acre zoo is only open from May- October, due to the extreme weather conditions of its location in the upper peninsula.

But, if you’re in the area, it’s a great place to stop and it only takes about 90 minutes to walk through.

That doesn’t mean you won’t see some great animals.

There are over 450, including lions, bobcats, fruit bats, monkeys, emus, foxes, pigs, and an array of birds and reptiles.

Guests can get feed to give to the deer, alpacas, and goats.

Apples are available to give to the bears.

The zoo has a covered pavilion for you to eat the lunch you brought and a gift shop.

The property is located in the woods, so bring bug repellent.

GarLyn is right across from scenic Lake Michigan, so you can add that to your list of things to see when in the area.

8. Saginaw Children’s Zoo (Saginaw, Michigan)

Saginaw is an adorable zoo, centered around kids and their unique needs and interests.

 Upon entering, visitors may be greeted by the zoo’s resident domestic cat.

He was rescued from a dumpster and now roams freely, acting as the welcoming committee.

That is when he’s not sleeping on the job.

Other animals that the kiddos can visit and learn about are:

• Bald eagles 
• goats
• chickens 
• owls
• prairie dogs
• ducks 
• kangaroos 
• otters
• tarantulas
• mini horses

Children can feed the birds in the aviary and crawl through a simulated beaver dam.

Other fun outdoor activities are the carousel, a train, a baseball diamond, and a fossil find.

Visitors can bring their lunch or purchase food at the Train Whistle cafe.

A gift shop is also available with items as low as one dollar.

9. Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park (Alto, Michigan)

This 80-acre animal park was voted “best field trip destination” in Michigan several times.

Boulder Ridge houses many rare and endangered animals.

With over 1500 animals, some of the more unique creatures include:

• Bearded dragons
• African Grey parrots
• buffalo
• jackals 
• bison
• rhinos
• hissing cockroaches
• zebras
• turkeys
• antelope

An educational building is on site where visitors can view artifacts, learn about conservation and ecosystems, and look and find tables where children can search for objects.

The zoo hosts special events such as Park Before Dark and Jr. Detective Day.

A picnic area is available for guests to eat a bagged lunch.

There is a gift shop and a kiosk with snacks and drinks.

The park takes about 2 hours to walk through.

10. Wilderness Trails Zoo (Birch Run, Michigan)

Open from May through October, Wilderness Trails is 56 acres of natural beauty and interesting animals.

Visitors will be treated to animals like lions, monkeys, zebras, parrots, and an array of reptiles.

Feed stations are available to help guests interact with deer, fish, and goats.

A picnic pavilion is available for visitors to eat a lunch they brought along.

The zoo also hosts seasonal events like the Spring Festival with games, face painting, and a silent auction.

All proceeds go to the care of the zoo’s residents.

The attractions can be completed in about 2 hours.

11. Roscommon Zoo (Roscommon, Michigan)

This quaint 20-acre zoo is family owned and operated.

It’s a great place to visit if you’re in the area.

The zoo houses native and non-native animals like white tigers, tortoises, lemurs, camels, mini-horses, and macaws.

Roscommon zoo also has a petting zoo with various farm animals.

Buckets of feed are available to purchase at the gift shop.

11 Best Zoos And Aquariums In Michigan – Summary Table

Michigan Safety Overview

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Safety Index:

80

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: LOW
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: LOW
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW