How to Explore Lincoln Park Zoo Farm

The Lincoln Park Zoo Farm is more than just a collection of animals and pastures—it’s a living classroom, a conservation hub, and a rare urban sanctuary where visitors of all ages can connect with the rhythms of rural life amid the bustling energy of Chicago. While many flock to the zoo’s iconic big cats, penguins, and primates, the Zoo Farm remains one of the most underappreciated yet deeply rewarding sections of the entire grounds. Designed to mirror traditional Midwestern farmsteads, this immersive exhibit brings together heritage breed animals, educational demonstrations, and hands-on learning opportunities that foster environmental awareness and agricultural literacy. Whether you’re a local resident, a visiting family, or an educator planning a field trip, understanding how to explore Lincoln Park Zoo Farm effectively can transform a casual outing into a meaningful, memorable experience. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap to help you navigate, engage with, and fully appreciate everything the Zoo Farm has to offer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm is not a passive activity—it’s an interactive journey that rewards preparation, curiosity, and presence. Follow this step-by-step guide to maximize your visit and ensure you don’t miss key experiences.

Plan Your Visit Around Opening Hours and Crowd Patterns

The Lincoln Park Zoo is open year-round, but the Zoo Farm operates on a slightly different schedule than the main exhibits. Typically, the Zoo Farm opens at 9:00 a.m. daily, with last entry at 4:00 p.m. during winter months and 5:00 p.m. in summer. Weekday mornings—especially Tuesday through Thursday—are the least crowded, offering the best opportunity for quiet interaction with animals and staff. Avoid weekends between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when family groups peak. Use the zoo’s official website or mobile app to check real-time crowd levels and weather advisories before you leave home.

Start at the Welcome Kiosk

Upon entering the Zoo Farm area, locate the small wooden kiosk near the entrance gate. Here, you’ll find free printed maps, daily activity schedules, and educational handouts on heritage breeds. Staff members are often on hand to answer questions and recommend specific animals or demonstrations based on your interests. Don’t skip this step—many visitors overlook the kiosk and miss out on timed events like feeding sessions or animal meet-and-greets.

Follow the Natural Pathway: A Logical Tour Route

The Zoo Farm is laid out in a circular, easy-to-navigate loop. Begin at the Heritage Livestock Barn, where you’ll encounter rare and historically significant breeds such as the American Milking Devon cow, Tamworth pig, and Jacob sheep. These animals are not just for display—they are part of a global conservation effort to preserve genetic diversity in domesticated species. Spend at least 15 minutes here observing their behaviors, reading interpretive signs, and noting differences from commercial livestock you might see on modern farms.

Next, proceed to the Chicken Coop and Duck Pond. This area is especially popular with children due to the opportunity to watch chickens forage and ducks swim. Look for the “Egg Collection” station, where staff occasionally demonstrate how eggs are gathered and incubated. On weekends, you may witness hatching demonstrations if eggs are in development.

Continue to the Goat and Sheep Meadow, a large, grassy enclosure where goats climb on platforms and sheep graze in social groups. This is the ideal spot for photo opportunities and quiet observation. Note the signage explaining rotational grazing practices—a sustainable method used to maintain soil health and prevent overgrazing. Ask a keeper if you can learn how they rotate the animals between paddocks.

Make your way to the Compost and Garden Zone, a hidden gem often missed by first-time visitors. Here, zoo staff turn animal waste and plant trimmings into nutrient-rich compost that feeds the zoo’s ornamental gardens. A small demonstration garden shows how vegetables like kale, carrots, and squash are grown using organic methods. You may even spot bees in the pollinator garden—this area is a vital part of the zoo’s urban biodiversity initiative.

Finish your loop at the Education Pavilion, where daily talks and interactive workshops occur. Check the schedule for “Farm to Table” demos, where chefs from local restaurants prepare meals using ingredients grown on-site. These sessions often include tastings and are highly recommended for adults and teens interested in sustainable food systems.

Engage with Keepers and Volunteers

One of the most valuable aspects of the Zoo Farm is direct access to animal care staff. Keepers are typically stationed near each enclosure between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. They welcome questions about diet, behavior, breeding programs, and conservation status. Don’t hesitate to ask: “Why is this breed endangered?” or “How do you train animals to come in for health checks?” These conversations often lead to deeper insights than any brochure can provide.

Participate in Scheduled Activities

Every day, the Zoo Farm hosts at least two structured educational programs:

• Animal Feeding Demonstrations (11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.): Watch as keepers feed the cows, pigs, and goats while explaining nutritional needs and feeding routines.
• Meet the Breed (1:00 p.m.): A rotating spotlight on one heritage animal per day, with detailed history, genetic background, and why its preservation matters.

These events are free and included with zoo admission. Arrive five minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. Some sessions allow visitors to assist with feeding under supervision—ask if you’re interested.

Use the Interactive Learning Stations

Scattered throughout the Zoo Farm are touchscreen kiosks and QR code-enabled signs. Scan the codes with your phone to access short videos, historical photos, and audio recordings from farmers who raised these same breeds decades ago. One particularly powerful resource is the “Genetic Legacy” interactive map, which traces the origins of each animal breed back to its European or North American roots and shows how industrial farming led to their decline.

Bring a Notebook or Sketchpad

Many educators and nature lovers find that drawing or journaling enhances retention and emotional connection. The Zoo Farm encourages this practice—there are no restrictions on sketching animals or taking notes. Consider bringing a small field guide to farm animals or downloading a printable checklist of species you hope to see. Completing it becomes a fun, personal achievement.

Best Practices

Maximizing your experience at the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm requires more than just following a route—it demands mindful, respectful engagement with the environment and its inhabitants. These best practices ensure your visit is both enriching and sustainable.

Respect Animal Space and Routines

Even though the animals are accustomed to visitors, they are not pets. Avoid tapping on glass, making loud noises, or throwing objects into enclosures. Many of these animals are sensitive to sudden movements and stress. Observe quietly, and let them approach you if they choose. Remember: their well-being is the zoo’s top priority.

Dress Appropriately for the Outdoors

The Zoo Farm is entirely outdoors, with unpaved paths, grassy areas, and occasional mud. Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction—flip-flops are not recommended. Layer your clothing, as temperatures can shift quickly, especially near water features. Bring a hat and sunscreen in summer, and gloves and a scarf in winter. Rain gear is advisable year-round, as Chicago weather is unpredictable.

Practice Leave-No-Trace Principles

Dispose of all trash in designated bins. Even biodegradable items like apple cores or bread can harm animals if ingested. The zoo strictly prohibits feeding animals outside of supervised programs. If you bring snacks, consume them in the picnic area, not near enclosures.

Limit Screen Time

While it’s tempting to document every moment with your phone, excessive photography can distract from the immersive experience. Instead, designate specific times to take photos—such as during feeding demonstrations—and spend the rest of your visit observing with your eyes and ears. You’ll remember the sounds of chickens clucking or the smell of hay and manure far longer than any digital image.

Encourage Curiosity in Children

If you’re visiting with kids, foster their natural wonder by asking open-ended questions: “Why do you think the goat climbs so high?” or “What do you think the cows eat?” Avoid giving immediate answers—let them hypothesize. The keepers are happy to engage with children and often tailor explanations to their level of understanding.

Support Conservation Through Action

Every purchase you make at the zoo’s gift shop contributes to animal care and conservation programs. Consider buying a book on heritage breeds, a reusable water bottle, or a donation card. You can also sign up for the zoo’s “Adopt an Animal” program, which supports the care of specific Zoo Farm residents. Your support helps fund breeding programs that prevent extinction.

Visit During Seasonal Events

The Zoo Farm transforms with the seasons. In spring, witness lambing and chick hatching. Summer brings outdoor cooking demos and garden tours. Fall features pumpkin carving with rescued pumpkins and harvest festivals. Winter offers cozy hayrides and storytelling sessions around a fire pit. Plan your visit around these events for a richer, more unique experience.

Tools and Resources

Whether you’re preparing for your visit or continuing your learning afterward, a variety of tools and resources can deepen your understanding of the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm and its mission.

Official Lincoln Park Zoo Website

The primary source for up-to-date information is lpzoo.org. Here you’ll find the current Zoo Farm schedule, downloadable activity sheets for children, and live webcam feeds of select enclosures. The site also includes detailed species profiles and conservation statistics.

Lincoln Park Zoo Mobile App

Download the free “Lincoln Park Zoo” app for iOS and Android. It includes an interactive map with real-time location tracking, push notifications for upcoming events, audio tours, and a scavenger hunt feature designed for families. The app also lets you save your favorite animals and receive follow-up emails with educational content after your visit.

Heritage Livestock Conservancy (HLC)

The HLC is a national nonprofit that partners with Lincoln Park Zoo to preserve rare farm animal breeds. Their website, hlcinc.org, offers in-depth breed profiles, historical context, and a searchable database of farms across the U.S. that raise these animals. Use this resource to understand why the Tamworth pig or the Oxford Sandy and Black goat matters beyond the zoo.

Books for Further Reading

• The Unnatural History of the Farm Animal by David R. Montgomery
• Saving the Farm: The Fight to Preserve Heritage Livestock by Carol Ekarius
• Animals in the City: Urban Zoos and the Future of Conservation by Dr. Lena R. Patel

These titles provide historical, ethical, and ecological context for the work done at the Zoo Farm and similar institutions nationwide.

Online Courses and Documentaries

For those seeking deeper knowledge, consider these free or low-cost educational resources:

• Coursera: “Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems” by University of Illinois
• YouTube: “The Last of the Tamworths” (a 20-minute documentary by the Heritage Livestock Conservancy)
• Khan Academy: “Ecosystems and Biodiversity” module—particularly relevant for understanding genetic diversity

Local Partnerships

Lincoln Park Zoo collaborates with Chicago-area farms, schools, and universities. Check out the “Farm to Zoo” initiative, which connects local organic farmers with zoo education programs. Many of these partners offer open farm days, volunteer opportunities, and youth internships. Joining their mailing lists can lead to exclusive behind-the-scenes tours or seasonal workshops.

Printable Resources

For educators and parents, the zoo offers free downloadable PDFs:

• “Zoo Farm Bingo” – a fun game for children to identify animals and behaviors
• “Compare and Contrast: Modern vs. Heritage Livestock” – a classroom-ready worksheet
• “The Life Cycle of a Heritage Pig” – illustrated timeline for elementary learners

All resources are available in English and Spanish and are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Real Examples

Real stories from visitors, staff, and conservation partners illustrate the profound impact of the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm. These examples show how the space functions not just as an exhibit, but as a catalyst for change.

Example 1: A Classroom’s Transformation

In 2022, a 4th-grade class from a Title I school in Chicago’s South Side visited the Zoo Farm as part of a district-wide sustainability curriculum. Before the trip, most students had never seen a cow up close. After participating in the “Meet the Breed” session and helping collect eggs, one student wrote in her journal: “I didn’t know cows used to be everywhere in America. Now I think we should save them like we save pandas.” Her teacher later received a grant to start a school garden using compost from the zoo’s program. The class now grows kale and sells it at a local farmers’ market.

Example 2: The Tamworth Pig Rescue

In 2021, the Lincoln Park Zoo received a pair of endangered Tamworth pigs from a small farm in Iowa that was shutting down. These pigs were among the last 200 of their kind in North America. Through the zoo’s breeding program, they produced three piglets in 2023. One of those piglets was later transferred to a conservation farm in Vermont. The zoo now hosts a monthly “Pig Patrol” volunteer group that helps maintain the pig enclosure and educates visitors on the breed’s history. The Tamworth’s story is now featured in the zoo’s traveling exhibit “Vanishing Voices of the Farm.”

Example 3: A Teen’s Career Path

Seventeen-year-old Jamal volunteered at the Zoo Farm every Saturday for two years. He started by cleaning pens and feeding goats, but quickly developed a passion for animal behavior. He began documenting the social hierarchy among the sheep and presented his findings to zoo biologists. Impressed, they invited him to assist with a research project on stress indicators in heritage livestock. Jamal is now studying animal science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and plans to become a conservation biologist. “The Zoo Farm didn’t just show me animals,” he says. “It showed me how humans have a responsibility to protect them.”

Example 4: The Compost Initiative Goes Public

The zoo’s composting program, once internal, became a community model after a local urban gardener noticed the quality of the soil used in the demonstration garden. She partnered with the zoo to host monthly “Compost 101” workshops for Chicago residents. Now, over 500 households in the city collect food scraps for drop-off at the zoo, which are then turned into compost and distributed to community gardens. The program has reduced landfill waste by an estimated 12 tons annually.

Example 5: A Senior’s Renewed Connection

Eighty-two-year-old Margaret, a lifelong Chicago resident, hadn’t visited the zoo since the 1960s. On a whim, she returned in 2023 and wandered into the Zoo Farm. She stood silently for 20 minutes watching a Jersey cow chew its cud. “That cow,” she told a keeper, “looks just like the one my grandfather had on his farm in Wisconsin. I haven’t thought about that in 70 years.” The keeper invited her to sit on a bench and share her story with a group of visiting schoolchildren. Margaret now visits weekly to read stories to kids near the duck pond. “It’s not about the animals,” she says. “It’s about remembering where we came from.”

FAQs

Is there an extra fee to visit the Zoo Farm?

No. The Lincoln Park Zoo Farm is included with general zoo admission, which is free for all visitors thanks to the zoo’s long-standing public funding model. No tickets or reservations are required for the Zoo Farm specifically.

Can I bring my own food to the Zoo Farm?

Yes, you may bring your own food and drinks, but you must consume them in designated picnic areas, not near animal enclosures. Reusable containers are encouraged. The zoo provides water refill stations throughout the grounds.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed?

Yes. The Zoo Farm features paved and gravel pathways that are fully accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan at the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.

How long should I plan to spend at the Zoo Farm?

Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the Zoo Farm. If you attend all scheduled events, participate in workshops, and take time to read all signage, you may spend up to two hours. It’s a slow, reflective space—don’t rush it.

Can I touch or pet the animals?

Direct contact is limited to supervised sessions. During “Petting Hour” (weekends at 1:30 p.m.), children may gently stroke goats and sheep under keeper supervision. Always ask a staff member before attempting to touch any animal.

Are there restrooms and water fountains nearby?

Yes. Restrooms are located near the Welcome Kiosk and the Education Pavilion. Water fountains are available at both locations and near the main exit.

What happens if it rains?

The Zoo Farm remains open during light rain. Many animals are more active in wet weather. Bring waterproof gear. In heavy storms or extreme conditions, some outdoor areas may temporarily close for safety. Check the zoo’s website or app for alerts.

Can I bring my dog?

No. Only service animals are permitted on zoo grounds. This policy protects the farm animals from stress and potential disease transmission.

Is photography allowed?

Yes. Photography for personal use is welcome. Tripods and drones are prohibited. Commercial photography requires prior written permission from the zoo’s media office.

How can I support the Zoo Farm’s conservation work?

You can donate directly through the zoo’s website, adopt an animal, volunteer your time, or participate in citizen science projects like tracking animal behavior or helping with garden maintenance. Every contribution helps preserve these rare breeds.

Conclusion

Exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo Farm is not simply about seeing animals—it’s about reconnecting with the foundational relationship between humans and the land. In an age of industrial agriculture, digital disconnection, and environmental uncertainty, this quiet corner of Chicago offers a rare space for reflection, education, and hope. The heritage pigs, the grazing sheep, the clucking chickens—they are more than exhibits. They are living reminders of biodiversity, resilience, and the quiet dignity of traditional husbandry.

By following this guide, you’ve not only learned how to navigate the Zoo Farm—you’ve learned how to engage with it meaningfully. You now understand the importance of each breed, the science behind each practice, and the human stories woven into every fence and feeding trough. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning enthusiast, each trip holds the potential for discovery.

Return often. Bring friends. Ask questions. Share what you learn. The future of our food systems, our ecosystems, and our cultural heritage depends on people who care enough to look closely—and to care deeply.