Dickerson Park Zoo
A charming and affordable zoo in Springfield, MO, offering diverse animal encounters and conservation education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Dickerson Park Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming and affordable zoo in Springfield, MO, offering diverse animal encounters and conservation education.
"This little Zoo had a surprisingly large variety of animals to view and interact with."
Pack Snacks & Drinks
Bring your own food and drinks; staff are generally relaxed about it, saving you money! :moneybag:
Follow Zoo Tour Signs
Easy navigation with zoo tour signs, but grab a map if there's construction. :world_map:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giraffe Feeding
Giraffe Enclosure
Get up close and personal by feeding the giraffes! They'll eagerly reach out for a treat, creating a memorable interaction.
Baby Cheetah Triplets
Cheetah Exhibit
Witness the adorable new baby cheetah triplets, a rare and exciting sight for any animal lover.
Asian Elephant Pumpkin Smash
Elephant Enclosure
Experience the joy of elephants like Hugo smashing pumpkins, a fun enrichment activity during spooky season.
Maned Wolf Encounter
Maned Wolf Exhibit
Discover the unique Maned Wolf, often nicknamed 'fox on stilts,' a fascinating creature not related to wolves or foxes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Check for Construction
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Pack Snacks & Drinks
Bring your own food and drinks; staff are generally relaxed about it, saving you money! :moneybag:
Follow Zoo Tour Signs
Easy navigation with zoo tour signs, but grab a map if there's construction. :world_map:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check for Special Events
Look out for unique events like 'Brew at the Zoo' for an adult-only after-hours experience. :beer:
Tips
from all over the internet
Pack Snacks & Drinks
Bring your own food and drinks; staff are generally relaxed about it, saving you money! :moneybag:
Follow Zoo Tour Signs
Easy navigation with zoo tour signs, but grab a map if there's construction. :world_map:
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Check for Special Events
Look out for unique events like 'Brew at the Zoo' for an adult-only after-hours experience. :beer:
Penny Press Souvenirs
Fun souvenir option! Look for the penny press machines for unique keepsakes. :coin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dickerson Park Zoo is a charming and affordable destination, praised for its manageable size, friendly staff, and engaging animal exhibits, especially the giraffe feeding. While some areas may be under construction, the overall experience is positive, offering a great value for families and animal lovers.
"What a wonderful little zoo. My wife and I found this place as we were waiting for our commercial truck to be repaired. We went on Wends 9-10-25, and it felt like we had the whole zoo to ourselves. Took about 3 hours to walk the whole park, and we maybe saw 2 other groups of people. While people weren’t seen as much, the animals were all out for viewing. Minus the bear enclosure that was being reworked, every exhibit was open/looked well maintained. Would highly recommend and at only $19 won’t break the bank. Walked in with drinks and food, no one seemed to care. So can probably save some money packing drinks/snacks."
Smitty Son
"It was too hot for the poor Animals to be outside and to say hi! We saw a few and enjoyed that. Loved the fact that they had restrooms through out the park and food and drink! Loved the gift shop! Big fan of the penny press souvenir machines so I managed to grab a couple. Staff was good. Well maintained area! Fun for the whole family. Bought the tickets online."
Lori Papineau
"This little Zoo had a surprisingly large variety of animals to view and interact with. The layout is easily navigated. Different paths to see all the facility or partial, with food, snacks, and restrooms strategically placed throughout. Plenty of rest benches and shade as well! Low entry cost is a bonus!"
Brian Whitney
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Dickerson Park Zoo is located in Springfield, Missouri. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method. Check local transit schedules if you plan to use public transport.
Yes, there is parking available at the zoo. Visitors have reported it to be generally sufficient, though it can fill up on busier days.
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks into the zoo. This is a great way to save money and cater to specific dietary needs.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dickerson Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special closures.
Absolutely! Dickerson Park Zoo is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a variety of animals and activities to fill your day with fun and discovery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, with one reviewer mentioning a cost of $19. This makes it a budget-friendly option for families and individuals looking for an enjoyable outing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets online in advance. This is recommended, especially if you're visiting during peak times, to save time at the entrance.
While specific discount programs aren't detailed, the low entry cost is frequently highlighted as a major plus. Keep an eye on their social media for any special promotions.
'Brew at the Zoo' is an adults-only event held after hours, featuring beer sampling. It's a unique way to experience the zoo with a different atmosphere.
Yes, Dickerson Park Zoo is an AZA-accredited facility, which signifies a high standard of animal care and conservation efforts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a diverse range of animals, including black bears, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, maned wolves, howler monkeys, capybaras, and various reptiles like Gila monsters and pancake tortoises. +10
Yes, the zoo offers interactive experiences like feeding the giraffes and has a petting zoo area for closer encounters with some animals.
The description mentions train rides as an attraction, offering a fun way to see the park, especially for younger visitors.
If you encounter construction, grab a map from the gift shop to help navigate around closed areas. Zoo tour signs might be misleading during these times.
Yes, the zoo is well-equipped with restrooms strategically placed throughout the park, and plenty of rest benches and shade are available for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The giraffe feeding area offers fantastic photo opportunities. Also, look for unique animals like the Maned Wolf or baby cheetahs for memorable shots. +1
Yes, photography is generally encouraged. Be mindful of any posted rules regarding flash photography, especially for sensitive animals.
The peacocks roaming freely around the zoo can provide unexpected and delightful photo moments.
A zoom lens is helpful for capturing animals from a distance, but a standard smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors.
While not explicitly stated, always be respectful of the animals and other visitors. Avoid using flash photography directly at animals, as it can startle them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Animal Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Encounters & Conservation
The zoo also celebrates rehabilitation success stories, such as Myrtle the Turtle, who was taken in after an injury, rehabilitated, and now serves as an educational animal.
Visitors can witness firsthand the dedication of the zoo staff through videos showing veterinary exams for animals like Pickle the Howler Monkey and Cordelia the Red-Ruffed Lemur.
Family Fun & Activities
Beyond the main exhibits, the zoo often has peacocks roaming freely, adding an element of surprise and delight to the visit.
Special events, like the 'Pumpkin Smash' for elephants during spooky season, add an extra layer of excitement and unique viewing opportunities.
Visitor Experience & Tips
However, visitors should be aware of potential ongoing construction, which can sometimes lead to detours or closed exhibits, such as the bear enclosure. It's advisable to check for updates or grab a map from the gift shop to ensure a smooth visit.
Practical tips from visitors include packing snacks and drinks to save money
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit