Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana Years Active: 1970 – Active Baton Rouge Zoo, located in Louisiana, spans 147 acres and is home to over 800 animals representing nearly 200 species. The zoo features habitats like the Realm of the Tiger and Otter Pond and emphasizes education and conservation through various programs and interactive exhibits. This page…
Location: Horse Cave, Kentucky Years Active: 1990 – Active Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo… it’s a weird concept, right? Australia in Kentucky? But it kind of works. Since 1990, it’s been a quirky stop for families and animal lovers. Expect kangaroos, sure, but also Kentucky critters you might know better. Want to pet a kangaroo?…
Location: Eddyville, Kentucky Years Active: 1997 – Active Escape the summer heat at Venture River Water Park! This Kentucky gem has been splashing up fun since 1997. Think Caribbean vibes without leaving the state. Looking for a thrill? Brave the FreeFall Speed Slides. If relaxation’s your thing, the Wild River’s lazy current awaits. Little ones…
Inside the full-scale wooden vessel in Williamstown, Kentucky, walkways spiral upward through three decks of exhibits built to feel like a single continuous hull. The Ark Encounter inside the ark map keeps visitors oriented as they pass animal cages, living quarters, and immersive galleries that tell the flood story from stem to stern. It’s easy…
Location: Louisville, Kentucky Years Active: 1969 – Active The Louisville Zoo isn’t your standard animal park. Sure, this place has lions, tigers, and elephants, but it boasts something extra: a real Kentucky attitude. Since 1969, they’ve been all about showcasing amazing creatures with a healthy dose of down-home charm. Get ready to explore! Gorilla Forest…
Location: Newport, Kentucky Years Active: 1999 – Active Newport Aquarium isn’t your average fishbowl. It opened in 1999 and has been blowing minds ever since. You’ll find it in Kentucky right on the Ohio River – a cool spot to watch the water and explore the deep. This place is seriously dedicated to ocean life…
Built around a spiraling, multi-level layout that mirrors the ascent of spaceflight itself, the Cosmosphere keeps visitors moving from Earth’s history to the edge of orbit and beyond. A Cosmosphere map helps ground that journey—tracing paths between exhibit bays, flight simulators, and theaters that loop back through tight stairwells and gallery junctions. It’s your guide…
Location: Garden City, Kansas Years Active: 1927 – Active Forget the usual zoo experience. Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas offers a wild side with a touch of Great Plains charm. It’s a small but mighty place – think fewer crowds, closer animal encounters, and surprisingly affordable prices. Here’s the inside scoop: stroll through the zoo…
Location: Kansas City, Kansas Years Active: 2009 – 2018 Schlitterbahn Waterpark… it promised thrills in the heart of America. Sure, the Bavarian theme was quirky, but the real excitement came from the slides. Verrückt, once the world’s tallest, was a beast – if you dared. The wave pools and lazy rivers were classic, good for…
Location: Dubuquem, Iowa Years Active: 2003 – Active Ready to dive into the mysteries of the Mississippi? The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium isn’t your average attraction. This place is a true gem, but don’t let the polished exhibits fool you – this museum’s got secrets. You’re wandering the aquarium halls, giant catfish swirling…
