Location: Omaha, Nebraska Years Active: 1894 – Active Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo? Yeah, it’s got the classics. But the real deal is the weird stuff, the world’s biggest indoor desert, freaky creatures of the night, you won’t see this anywhere else. Pro tip: Skip the summer crowds, go off-season. They’ve got a killer holiday lights…
Location: Billings, Montana Years Active: 1995 – Active Forget those fancy zoos. ZooMontana shows you Montana’s wild side – grizzlies, wolves, the tough critters that survive here. Enclosures are small, and that’s controversial. Are the animals cramped, or does it get you closer to their reality? ZooMontana doesn’t hide the harsh truths, which can be…
Location: St. Louis, Missouri Years Active: 1954 – Active Grant’s Farm is a St. Louis thing – part zoo, part history, part chaos. It’s got the Budweiser Clydesdales, a ton of animals, and crowds galore (especially on weekends). The tram ride’s cool, but those goats are relentless. Skip their food, hit a local spot instead….
Location: Kansas City, Missouri Years Active: 2012 – Active Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium isn’t fancy, but it’s got sharks, sea turtles, and a cool touch pool. It’s small and kinda kid-focused, but who doesn’t love jellyfish? Catch a shark feeding! They even do events like Shark Week and bring in ocean experts. Weird fact:…
Location: Kansas City, Missouri Years Active: 1909 – Active The Kansas City Zoo is a Kansas City classic. It’s got those big-ticket animals everyone wants to see – think elephants, giraffes, and roaring lions. Plus, with over 1,700 animals, it’s definitely an all-day adventure. The exhibits vary in quality, though. The newer areas, like Polar…
Location: St. Louis, Missouri Years Active: 1910 – Active The Saint Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, Missouri, spans 90 acres and features over 16,000 animals across 600 species. Known for its free admission, the zoo offers popular attractions such as Big Cat Country, Penguin & Puffin Coast, and the Zooline Railroad for easy navigation….
Location: Branson, Missouri Years Active: 1980 – Active Okay, let’s be honest. Silver Dollar City’s White Water isn’t the newest or flashiest water park in the world. But here’s the thing: some people love it exactly for that reason. It’s got classic Ozark vibes, thrilling-enough rides, and a whole lot of laid-back fun. Families flock…
Location: Branson, Missouri Years Active: 1960 – Active Silver Dollar City Theme Park isn’t your standard amusement park. Tucked into the Ozarks, it’s a weird and wonderful slice of 1880s America with a modern twist. The Herschends opened it back in 1960, and it’s only gotten more fun over the decades. This place is built…
Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi Years Active: 1950 – Active Hattiesburg Zoo is a place of secrets. It’s been around for ages, and those winding paths hold stories you won’t find in any guidebook. This isn’t about perfectly manicured exhibits – it’s about finding the hidden wonders. The animals here are a mixed bag. Some are zoo…
Location: Bloomington, Minnesota Years Active: 1996 – Active Ever been to Minnesota? Forget the snow. Head straight to the Mall of America Aquarium and dive into the aquarium! It’s a massive underwater wonderland – a true escape. And get this: it’s been amazing visitors since 1996. The highlights are mind-blowing. Imagine walking through an underwater…
