Washington Park Zoo, Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana
Washington Park Zoo is an animal facility located on a hilly sand dune property near Lake Michigan in Michigan City, where visitors can observe animals from around the world. The grounds make use of the natural topography to create habitats that reflect the landscapes where these creatures originally come from.
The facility began in 1925 when a retired animal trainer brought a bear to the lakefront to attract visitors, and from this simple start a larger project gradually developed. During the 1930s, federal work programs helped construct additional structures and enclosures that enabled the zoo to expand and serve more animals.
The name Washington Park honors the city's first president connection, and the zoo has developed into a community gathering place where families spend afternoons observing animals in naturalistic habitats. The layout reflects how local visitors have traditionally used the space, with winding paths that encourage exploration and observation from multiple angles.
The zoo is open during the warmer months and offers visitors shaded areas and benches along the walking paths. Plan time for rest breaks, as the hilly terrain means visitors will be walking up and down grades throughout their visit.
The zoo serves as a refuge for injured wildlife and abandoned pets that cannot return to the wild, providing them with a permanent home. This rescue function is a meaningful part of the facility's daily work and mission.
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