Mill Mountain Zoo
A charming, affordable zoo atop Mill Mountain offering diverse animals, scenic views, and a fun train ride for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Mill Mountain Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, affordable zoo atop Mill Mountain offering diverse animals, scenic views, and a fun train ride for families.
"A charming little zoo that’s well cared for and perfect for a relaxed outing with kids."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is on a mountain with trails; good footwear is essential for exploring!
🚂 Don't Miss the Train!
The miniature train ride is a highlight for many, especially families.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exotic Animal Encounters
Throughout the zoo
See over 50 native and exotic animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Don't miss Norbert the Bearded Dragon!
The Miniature Train Ride
Zoo perimeter
Enjoy a charming ride around the zoo, a hit with kids and adults alike. "Lucky" the engineer is a crowd-pleaser!
Roanoke Valley Views
Various vantage points
Take in breathtaking panoramic views of Roanoke and the surrounding mountains from the zoo's elevated location.
Interactive Bird Exhibit
Bird enclosure
Step inside the aviary and get up close with a variety of fascinating birds. A truly immersive experience!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Zoo's Location and Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is on a mountain with trails; good footwear is essential for exploring!
🚂 Don't Miss the Train!
The miniature train ride is a highlight for many, especially families.
☀️ Plenty of Shade
Enjoy the zoo's shaded areas, perfect for escaping the summer sun.
💰 Affordable Fun
Reasonably priced admission and concessions make it a great value outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The zoo is on a mountain with trails; good footwear is essential for exploring!
🚂 Don't Miss the Train!
The miniature train ride is a highlight for many, especially families.
☀️ Plenty of Shade
Enjoy the zoo's shaded areas, perfect for escaping the summer sun.
💰 Affordable Fun
Reasonably priced admission and concessions make it a great value outing.
🐦 Interactive Bird Exhibit
Step inside the aviary for a unique, up-close bird encounter.
📸 Capture the Views
The zoo offers stunning panoramic views of Roanoke.
👶 Kid-Friendly Playground
A small playground is a great bonus for younger visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mill Mountain Zoo for its affordability, well-maintained grounds, and friendly, helpful staff. It's highlighted as a perfect, relaxed outing for families with younger children due to its manageable size and engaging attractions like the train and interactive exhibits. The beautiful views from the mountain top are also a significant draw.
"I had an exciting time looking at the animals and riding the choo choo train while being entertained by my engineer "Lucky". LookIng forward to coming back and visiting again soon. The surrounding trails and landmarks make for an awesome experience seeing the Roanoke valley and beautiful mountainous landscape."
John Mooney
"The Zoo was a great stop for our family. It’s a smaller zoo, which actually made it perfect for our younger kids easy to walk around without getting overwhelmed or too tired. Despite its size, there was a nice variety of animals to see, and the staff was very friendly and happy to answer questions. There's also a small playground that our little ones enjoyed, which was a great bonus. It’s a charming little zoo that’s well cared for and perfect for a relaxed outing with kids."
Theresa N.
"Fairly priced, very well maintained, and tons of wonderful animals to see. This is a great family destination for a 2-3 hour excursion. Seems like a perfect birthday or special occasion place too. Cannot understate that the quality of the staff is exemplary. Everyone is happy and helpful."
Alistair Greer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mill Mountain Zoo is located atop Mill Mountain in Roanoke, VA. You can drive up to the park, and there's a paved walkway from the parking lot to the zoo. Some visitors mention a pickup option if needed.
Yes, there is parking available at Mill Mountain Park, which is where the zoo is located.
Yes, there is a paved walkway from the parking lot to the zoo. You can also walk through a wildflower garden to get there.
The zoo has a paved walkway, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. However, being on a mountain, some areas might have inclines.
The address for Mill Mountain Zoo is 2000 J.B. Fishburn Parkway SE, Roanoke, VA 24014. It's easily accessible by car via J.B. Fishburn Parkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Mill Mountain Zoo is fairly priced, with entrance fees around $12 per person. Concessions are also affordable, ranging from $1-$5.
Mill Mountain Zoo is open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
While not explicitly stated in the provided content, it's common for zoos to offer online ticket purchases. Checking their official website is the best way to confirm.
Information on specific discounts or coupons like Groupon for Mill Mountain Zoo was not readily available in the provided content, but it's always worth checking their website or local deal sites.
The provided information doesn't specify group rates, but it's a popular spot for family outings and events, suggesting they may accommodate groups.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Mill Mountain Zoo houses over 50 native and exotic animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals. Visitors have enjoyed seeing baby porcupines and red foxes.
Yes, there is a miniature train that goes around the whole zoo, which is a popular attraction for families.
Absolutely! Besides the animals and train ride, there's a small playground for kids, and they even offer a Zookeeper Academy camp for young aspiring zookeepers.
The zoo is situated on top of Mill Mountain, offering beautiful, panoramic views of the Roanoke Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Yes, there's a pig and goat area where you can feed the animals, adding to the interactive experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo has a concession stand offering affordable snacks and drinks, with prices typically ranging from $1-$5 per person.
While not explicitly stated, many zoos allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks for a picnic. It's best to check their specific policy.
Since the zoo is located within Mill Mountain Park, there are likely restaurants in the nearby downtown Roanoke area if you're looking for more dining options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the animals, the panoramic views of Roanoke, and the charming miniature train. The interactive bird exhibit also offers unique photo ops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at Mill Mountain Zoo. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography or specific animal enclosures.
While the zoo is near the Roanoke Star, the star itself is a separate landmark within Mill Mountain Park. You can get great photos of the star and the city from various viewpoints in the park. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Parents will appreciate the zoo's focus on education and conservation, providing a learning experience alongside the entertainment. The shaded areas are a welcome relief on warmer days, and the interactive bird exhibit offers a memorable experience for the whole family.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Beyond the zoo itself, exploring the surrounding Mill Mountain Park, including the Roanoke Star and hiking trails, is free of charge. This allows visitors to extend their experience and enjoy the natural beauty and city views without additional cost.
🔬 Science and Animal Enthusiasts
For those interested in the broader context, the zoo's evolution from an amusement park to a conservation-focused institution is a fascinating aspect to explore.
The stunning natural setting of Mill Mountain Park also adds to the appeal, offering opportunities for nature observation and appreciation. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Community Gem: Mill Mountain Zoo's History and Mission
The zoo plays a vital role in the Roanoke community, serving as a hub for learning and appreciating wildlife. It offers hands-on experiences through programs like the Zookeeper Academy, inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Despite facing challenges, such as damage from winter storms, the zoo's resilience and community support, including fundraising efforts, highlight its importance. Mill Mountain Zoo is committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for its diverse collection of over 50 native and exotic animals. Their dedication to conservation and education makes it more than just an attraction; it's a valuable resource for understanding and protecting wildlife.
Exploring Mill Mountain Park: Beyond the Zoo
One of the most iconic features of Mill Mountain Park is the Roanoke Star, a large illuminated star that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.
Beyond the zoo and the star, the park features a wildflower garden and various picnic areas, making it an ideal destination for a full day of outdoor enjoyment. The combination of the zoo's educational exhibits and the park's natural attractions creates a comprehensive experience for all visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit