Lincoln Park Zoo wheelchair accessibility

Lincoln Park Zoo sits at 2001 North Clark Street in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, just north of downtown. The parking lot entrance is at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive (2400 North Cannon Drive). The zoo borders Lake Michigan to the east.

The Brown and Purple lines stop at Armitage and the Red Line stops at Fullerton; both stations are several blocks west of the zoo. Buses 22 Clark, 36 Broadway, 151 Sheridan, and 156 LaSalle all stop along the zoo's western edge on North Clark Street.

By car, 28 accessible parking spaces are in the zoo lot. They fill up on summer weekends and during popular events; arrive before 10 am on weekends for the best chance. Paratransit and WAV taxis can drop off at the East Gate near the Searle Visitor Center.

Manual wheelchairs are at the Searle Visitor Center near the East Gate. Rentals are first-come-first-served with either a photo ID or a refundable 20 dollar fee as deposit.

Electric mobility scooters (ECVs) are also rented at the Searle Visitor Center. ECVs cost 30 dollars plus a deposit and are also first-come-first-served. Power-driven mobility devices must be set on the lowest speed setting (typically the 'walk' setting) inside the zoo grounds, both for safety and to comply with zoo rules.

Zoo paths mix brick, concrete, tile, carpet, dirt, and aggregate. The terrain is uneven in places, so a powered wheelchair or scooter handles the variety better than a small-wheel manual chair. The paved main loop connects the major exhibits and is the smoothest route.

Regenstein Center for African Apes has large viewing windows and lots of natural light; the apes may pound on the glass which is part of the experience. Pepper Family Wildlife Center (the modern lion habitat that includes the historic Kovler Lion House structure) is fully step-free. The Walter Family Arctic Tundra (polar bears) and the Regenstein Macaque Forest are both accessible.

Sensory bags with fidget tools and noise-reduction headphones are at the Searle Visitor Center, free with photo ID. Weighted lap pads are also free on request.

ASL interpreters and open captioning are provided on request for zoo events, classes, and programs. The Pritzker Family Children's Zoo building can be loud and hectic; visitors who prefer quieter conditions can take advantage of weekday mornings or fall and winter visits, which the zoo recommends. Service animals are welcome.

The full zoo loop is about 1.5 miles. Plan a 3 to 4 hour visit if you want to see the apes, lions, polar bears, and small mammals without rushing.

Adjacent to the zoo, Lincoln Park itself is a flat 1,200-acre lakefront park with paved paths. Combine a zoo visit with a roll along the lakefront trail north or south for a full day out. The Lincoln Park Conservatory next door is also free and step-free.

Address: 2001 North Clark Street. Free admission, open 365 days. All four gates step-free. All public buildings have a wheelchair-accessible entrance. Manual wheelchair rentals at Searle Visitor Center (photo ID or 20 dollar deposit). ECV rentals 30 dollars plus deposit. 28 accessible parking spaces. Accessible restrooms throughout. Adult changing table at Searle. Sensory bags and weighted lap pads free with ID. ASL interpreters on request. Service animals welcome. Nearest CTA: Fullerton (Red) or Armitage (Brown, Purple).