Which Is Best: Detroit Zoo Or Wilderness Trails Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Michigan, USA

Immerse yourself in our comprehensive comparison of two of Michigan's popular wildlife havens - the expansive Detroit Zoo, renowned for its dedication to conservation and education, boasting an enchanting variety of creatures like tigers, giraffes, and penguins, and the Wilderness Trails Zoo, known for its natural landscapes, up-close wildlife encounters, and exotic inhabitants like capybaras.

Unravel their accessibility features, behind-the-scenes operation, pricing, and the unique experiences each facility offers to families seeking adventure and engaging, immersive experiences with wildlife.

You're about to embark on a journey through the wild side of Michigan.

Which Is Best: Detroit Zoo Or Wilderness Trails Zoo. A Guide To Which Is The Best Zoo In Michigan, USA

At A Glance

The Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo, both located in the state of Michigan, provide visitors with diverse experiences of wildlife and nature.

The Detroit Zoo, found in Royal Oak, is substantial in size, spanning an impressive 125 acres.

It boasts a sizeable species count of 245, with a notable animal lineup that includes tigers, giraffes, and penguins.

The admission prices range from $12-23, with an overall cost for a family of four averaging at $84.

This zoo is dedicated to conservation and education and is particularly family-friendly for those with older children.

Conversely, the Wilderness Trails Zoo in Saginaw is considerably smaller, covering 56 acres and housing over 200 animals featuring special species like capybaras.

The admission prices here are a bit more affordable, costing $13-16, with a total family expense of $60 on average.

Defined by its natural setting and focus on exotic animal encounters, it also offers trails suitable for wheelchairs, offering a family fun environment.

Both zoos have food stalls and permit visitors to bring their own meals and refreshments.

Pets are not allowed in the parks for visitors but service animals are welcomed.

Size

Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo, both located in Michigan, USA, offer expansive areas for visitors to explore.

In terms of size, Detroit Zoo spreads over a significantly larger area.

Covering a total of 125 acres, it exceeds Wilderness Trails Zoo’s 56 acres by more than twice.

However, despite the clear difference in their physical spaces, the amount of time visitors tend to spend at either zoo doesn’t notably vary.

Both the Detroit Zoo and the Wilderness Trails Zoo typically require an estimated 2-3 hours to fully experience all the attractions.

Thus, while Detroit Zoo provides a larger space for its inhabitants and visitors, both zoos offer a comparable exploration time.

More About Detroit Zoo

About Detroit Zoo

Size (acres) 125
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $14-23
Child Price $12-19
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $84
Parking $8
Number Of Animals 245 species
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://detroitzoo.org/

Price

Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, and Wilderness Trails Zoo in Saginaw, both in the state of Michigan, offer differing ticket prices that cater to a variety of audiences.

Adult tickets at the Detroit Zoo range from $14 to $23, whereas at Wilderness Trails Zoo, the cost of an adult ticket is a standard $16.

Child tickets are a little less expensive in both zoos, with Detroit Zoo ranging from $12 to $19, and Wilderness Trails Zoo fixed at $14.

Concession tickets for each of these zoos are priced on par with their child pricing, ranging from $12 to $19 for Detroit Zoo and a flat rate of $13 for Wilderness Trails Zoo.

It’s worth noting that both zoos offer free entry for children under 2 years of age.

However, an outing for an average family of four would be slightly more expensive at Detroit Zoo as the total cost reaches approximately $84 compared to Wildlife Trails Zoo’s set price of $60.

The cost of an average family of 4 at Detroit Zoo is $84 compared to 60 at Wilderness Trails Zoo.

As two of Michigan’s most distinguished wildlife centers, both the Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo offer unique encounters with a broad array of species.

The Detroit Zoo, spanning 125 acres, is home to 245 different species, including penguins, kangaroos, zebras, camels, and giraffes.

Also featured are majestic carnivores like tigers, bears, and lions.

Wilderness Trails Zoo, while smaller in acreage, hosts an impressive over 200 animals and emphasizes a more intimate experience with nature.

Among the residents are capybaras, often referred to as “giant guinea pigs.” Additionally, the lions and bears give Wilderness Trails some overlap with its Detroit counterpart.

While every animal at these zoos might not be identical, both destinations offer a comprehensive array of creatures sure to spark curiosity and appreciation for the animal kingdom. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-wilderness-trails-zoo”>

More About Wilderness Trails Zoo

About Wilderness Trails Zoo

Size (acres) 56
Time To Walk Around 2-3 Hours
Adult Price $16
Child Price $14
Infant Price Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4 $60
Parking Free
Number Of Animals Over 200 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food? Yes

Information from https://wildernesstrailszoo.org/

</div>

Accesibility

Both Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo prioritise the comfort and accessibility of their disabled visitors.

Detroit Zoo, being a larger establishment covering 125 acres, does provide access for those with mobility challenges, but it is important to note that the terrain includes hills and sloped areas.

While there are clear walkways, they are a combination of paved, gravel, and woodchipped surfaces, which may require extra caution for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments.

On the other hand, Wilderness Trails Zoo, though smaller in size at 56 acres, boasts trails that are specifically wheelchair-friendly, providing a more seamless and comfortable journey for those who might face challenges in maneuverability.

Both these extra measures aid in insuring that all visitors, regardless of physical ability, are able to enjoy their experience to the fullest.

Pefect For

Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo, both located in Michigan, offer unique experiences that cater best to families with older children.

The Detroit Zoo, with its focus on conservation and education, provides a larger expanse of land brimming with a diversity of exotic animals like tigers, giraffes, and penguins - a perfect adventure for families who have older children with a penchant for wildlife.

They also provide a range of walking surfaces, from paved to gravel and wood-chipped, accommodating families with varying degrees of mobility.

Meanwhile, Wilderness Trails Zoo, known for its natural setting and exotic animal encounters, offers a smaller, more manageable terrain, best suited for those keen on viewing distinctive creatures such as capybaras.

The zoo has wheelchair-friendly trails that cater well to families with mobility concerns.

Both zoos have made commendable strides in disability access, making them suitable for all families while prioritizing safety and convenience.

Neither zoo allows pets, though service animals are permitted, ensuring a tranquil and danger-free environment for the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Detroit Zoo and the Wilderness Trails Zoo rank high as superb family-friendly destinations that foster a deep sense of respect and love for wildlife.

The Detroit Zoo, located in Royal Oak, covers a sprawling area of 125 acres and is home to over 245 species of notable animals like tigers, giraffes, and penguins, among others.

Key offerings include disability access, educational programs, and a strong emphasis on conservation.

On the other hand, the Wilderness Trails Zoo, situated in Saginaw, hosts a number of unusual animals over its 56 acres, such as capybaras.

This zoo has a more natural setting conducive to intimate exotic animal encounters, and also supports those with disabilities.

While both zoos take an estimated 2-3 hours to tour, they have slight differences in admission prices and parking provisions.

The Detroit Zoo’s tickets range between $14-23 for adults, with an $8 parking fee, while the Wilderness Trails Zoo offers slightly cheaper entry at a flat rate of $16 for adults and free parking.

However, both allow you to bring your own snacks and provide for food stalls.

Ultimately, the choice between Detroit Zoo and Wilderness Trails Zoo depends on your personal preference whether you value larger variety of species and conservation efforts or a more natural and intimate experience with exotic creatures.

But rest assured, both offer a wonderful, fun-filled, and educational outing for the whole family.

Zoo Near Me