Animal lovers and anyone looking for a fun time out will enjoy visiting Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan. Not only is it just 20 minutes from The English Inn, it’s also not your typical zoo!
Beautifully landscaped Potter Park Zoo is nestled in an old oak forest along the Red Cedar River, in the heart of Michigan’s Capital City. The 100-acre park, gardens, and zoo opened in 1920 and are home to nearly 600 animals, representing well over 160 different species.
Visitors are treated to African lions, Amur tigers, snow leopards, black rhinos, meerkats, lemurs, mandrills, and a great many others. With such a variety of residents, there is always something new and exciting to see at the zoo. More than at your average zoo, in fact.
How so?
Not Your Typical Zoo
Beyond housing such a wide variety of animals, Potter Park also presents a variety of special events throughout the year. Special visits, guest speakers, holiday celebrations, and even concerts. They also host a number of annual events like “Boo at the Zoo” for Halloween, winter’s “Wonderland of Lights” or the popular “Wine & Stein” beer and wine tasting parties.
Potter Park is also home to some other unusual, full-time and seasonal attractions.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to ride a camel? You can find out at Potter Park Zoo with their popular Camel Rides! The kiddies can also enjoy Pony Rides, when in season.
Like birds? The zoo’s Wings of Wonder exhibit features over 200 parakeets and cockatiels in free flight. Better yet, you can hand feed them a seed stickfor only $1!
The Farmyard EdVentures attraction reminds visitors that wild and endangered species aren’t the only animals on the planet. Enjoy a visit with the zoo’s adorable pygmy goats, burros, pigs and even a huge African tortoise.
The zoo gift shop features a good selection of items, including some eco-friendly gifts, the profits of which go towards conservation education and other worthy causes.
Potter Park Zoo
1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912
Open every day except for December 25th.
Potter Park is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and an active participant in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs. Consequently, you can feel good visiting this zoo because they are actively involved in helping to protect species and preserve wild habitats. Learn more at the zoo website. You can also follow the zoo on Facebook.
Lansing Lodging
The English Inn Restaurant & Pub is just twenty minutes outside Lansing, nestled along the Grand River in Eaton Rapids, MI. The lush, old-world beauty of our historic estate makes us worth a visit any time of the year! Come enjoy fine dining at our full-service restaurant, cocktails in our English pub, and unbeatable accommodations and service at our historic inn.