The Indianapolis Zoo is in White River State Park, less than a mile west of downtown Indianapolis, with animal exhibits, gardens and presentations among the things to do at Indianapolis Zoo. For a day trip from Greencastle, plan around the zoo’s seasonal schedule and parking arrangements.
- Location: 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
- Hours: Daily during warmer months, with reduced hours in winter.
- Admission: General admission covers zoo exhibits and White River Gardens; rides and animal feedings cost extra.
- Parking: First-come, first-served; fees apply for nonmembers and large vehicles.
At a glance
5 places · swipe
01Getting to the zooThe zoo is less than a mile west of downtown Indianapolis, alongside the White River.
02Checking hours, tickets and seasonal accessZoo hours vary by season, so check the official site before you go.
03A simple zoo day planOnce inside, start with the exhibits you most want to see, then leave room for a presentation or keeper chat.- 04Planning the return driveBefore leaving, check your route back to Greencastle and allow for any parking-lot shuttle if you were…
- 05FAQsIt is at 1200 W.
Is Indianapolis Zoo practical from Greencastle?
The zoo makes a full-day Indianapolis outing, but the drive from Greencastle depends on your route and traffic. Greencastle Inn in Greencastle is a starting point for the road trip; use your preferred navigation app to check the current journey time before you plan the day.
The zoo itself is at 1200 W. Washington Street, along the White River in White River State Park.
Getting to the zoo
The zoo is less than a mile west of downtown Indianapolis, alongside the White River. Its address is 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Parking is first-come, first-served. The zoo lists free parking for members, $10 for nonmembers and $20 for large vehicles. On busy days, you may be directed to the South Lot or an overflow lot on Harding Street, with shuttle service available.
If you drive an electric vehicle, the zoo has two charging stations in its parking lot. Charging is available for a nominal fee for up to eight hours. Stow items out of sight and lock your vehicle; the zoo says it is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Checking hours, tickets and seasonal access
Zoo hours vary by season, so check the official site before you go. The zoo is open daily during warmer months, reduces its hours in winter, and closes on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
General admission includes access to the zoo exhibits and White River Gardens, along with keeper chats, demonstrations and presentations, including the daily Dolphin Presentation. Rides and animal feedings cost extra, and concessions are sold separately. You can buy rides and feedings individually or use a 10-ticket package.
Reservations are not required, and the zoo encourages buying tickets online ahead of time for a discount. Check current ticket and parking details when planning, since prices and operating information can change.
A simple zoo day plan
Once inside, start with the exhibits you most want to see, then leave room for a presentation or keeper chat. The zoo’s animal areas include Oceans, Forests, Deserts and Plains, as well as the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and the International Chimpanzee Complex.
For a broader city itinerary, a day in Indianapolis from Greencastle can help you consider what else to include. General admission also covers White River Gardens, so you can include the gardens alongside the animal exhibits without buying a separate admission ticket.
Rides and animal feedings are additional purchases; decide whether to add them as you go or buy a 10-ticket package. Presentation and animal-feed schedules can depend on the animals and weather. Check the day’s schedule before building your visit around a particular activity, and leave time for food or a break between exhibits.
Planning the return drive
Before leaving, check your route back to Greencastle and allow for any parking-lot shuttle if you were directed to an overflow area. If you need accessible parking or a shuttle, the zoo has accessible parking by the Visitor Services Center, in the main lot and in the South Lot; wheelchair-accessible shuttles run to and from the South Lot.
The zoo says its facility is fully ADA-accessible, with ramps at multilevel exhibits and buildings, automatic doors at at least one entrance and exit per building, and wheelchair-accessible tables at food venues.
Wheelchairs, electric scooters, strollers and wagons are available to rent at the Visitor Services Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Free sensory bags can be borrowed from the Visitor Services Center or Carousel ticket booth.
If you are flying into the area, Indianapolis International Airport is about 43 minutes by car from Greencastle Inn; the Indianapolis airport transportation guide for Greencastle covers that part of the trip.
FAQs
Where is the Indianapolis Zoo?
It is at 1200 W. Washington Street in Indianapolis, along the White River in White River State Park.
Does zoo admission include White River Gardens?
Yes. General admission includes access to White River Gardens as well as zoo exhibits.
Are rides and animal feedings included?
No. They cost extra and can be purchased individually or through a 10-ticket package.
Can you bring a service animal?
Service animals are welcome under the zoo’s guidelines but are not permitted in aviaries. Therapy and emotional-support animals are not permitted.