Potawatomi Zoo

500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, USA

Address:	500 S Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615, USA
Phone:	+1 574-235-9800
Site:	potawatomizoo.org
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 15

Matthew Bernard

This is a small zoo, but it has a lot to offer. They have been adding even more animals over the last summer. They have four new tigers, leopard cubs that were actually born on site, two different types of monkeys that live on the islands in the pond, porcupines, and mongeese. This adds to the already impressive collection that includes lions, kangaroos, bison, otters, and more. They have a petting zoo where you can feed them and a place to feed the fish which my kids like. They offer zoo keepers talks about different animals as well as other activities and camps for kids. The train ride has an informative tour that actually goes by animals. The food is good, if a little overpriced, but what zoo isnt? As I said, it isnt very big. You can walk the whole thing in about an hour, but that can be a good thing. I often took the kids there after daycare as a way to get them outside and get some exercise. We probably went 25-30 times last summer. You would think that it would get old, but every visit is unique. Well worth the price of membership.

Sean Poyser

Viisted the Zoo on Aug 1st, 2016. Heat of the season. Admission was a bit high for the quality of the zoo. The general grounds were unkempt. weeds were overgrown to the point of obfuscating many exhibits. It seemed generally run-down. The atmosphere was kind of depressing, as reflected by one of the primates, and not what it used to be in years past. I was overall unimpressed. Will not return until my son is a bit older, say 3 years or so. Hopefully by then admission isnt rediculous. I would reccomend people start donating, time and money, to this zoo for I fear it wont be much longer without.

Craig H

The zoo is a great zoo with a nice selection of animals. The park is clean, safe, and well shaded. My only complaint is that South Bend needs to add or relocate parking for all the picnic area and reserving more for the zoo visitors. It was not inviting to have to walk nearly half a mile to get into the zoo because of all the parking used up by picnickers. Also, the food is great but it took over an hour to get for the 6 of us. Makes a 6 & 8 year old and 8 month old get very impatient! All in all a great place to visit!

Melanie Page

The zoo is constantly coming up with something new to make it more appealing. Ive had a membership for a number of years now, and Im always happy to go back. On nice days, sometimes I just go to walk for exercise and end up seeing something that makes my heart happy. :) My husband loves the Zoo Brew, and the zoo is planning on an expansion/update soon, for which I am pretty excited! I also appreciate the conservation efforts they do. Three Amur leopard cubs, which are very rare, were born this summer!

Joe Tran

This is a neat little zoo to visit. There is a train and carousel as well which makes it unique compared to other zoos. The only downside about this popjlar place is the parking is usually very full so youll need to park about a block away. However, the exhibits are awesome and designed well to see the animals. The membership is very very affordable so I suggest getting one if you are going to visit more than twice in a year. We look forward to frequently visiting this zoo.

Ellen Licina

This is my all time favorite zoo.Facilities are now fabulous , the animals the cleanest ever. I would be happier if they were open later in the summertime. And Zoo Brew could start earlier in the day.There must be a way to do away with the long lines for special events. Over all the service is good,Everyone Ive been in contact with at this zoo is pleasant and helpful. South Bend can be proud of the efforts that brought this zoo back from what it was in the 70s.

Scott Farza

Small enclosures. Grounds are overgrown and unkept. Mostly....small enclosures. If you want to conserve species, purchase several thousand acres and allow these animals to roam freely. Animals all look mangy and drugged. Go check out the lion and chimpanzee exhibit and see how you would fare living there. Pure sadness in the eyes of the souls. Once again. Conservation is allowing animals to be healthy and "free"

Tree Moon

This is not the first time I seen rescued animal in neglect. Some of the people runnng these places are sick! Dont forget about these animals. There are places that give open space to wildlife. Its important that wildlife live in a natural environment for them. Arboreal primates cant live in Plains or deserts without trees. Its like a neglected prison to them with no way out unless you provide it.

Sanny M.

Came here for my grandsons 1st birthday and what a hidden jewel. Normally, zoos make me feel sad for the animals but this one seemed to have the animals habitat in mind in the design. Though I did feel bad for the Lions, as their area seemed more confined and I noticed visitors continually trying to provoke them to wake up,etc. For the money, this was a nice experience and I will be back.

A Private User

Best SMALL ZOO in a great small town ~ ENJOY! GPS travelers! ZOO ENTRY GATE is Cesare E Chavez Dr. Be aware that the address given (500 S. Greenlawn Ave, South Bend, IN 46615) will take you to the BACK of the zoo, at a locked gate! You end up on the wrong side and its a ONE WAY EXIT ONLY from the Potawatami Park. The actual ONE WAY ENTRY is from the intersection of Wall St & Cesare E Chavez Dr.

shaylah yother

Its a nice place but seems like everything is closed. The amount of fun that it gives is great but its a little disheartening that you go to see an animal and the exhibit is down for repair. Which ous what it said on the same exhibits as it did 5 years before. But on the hood side it kept the kids I care for busy all day which made my job a lot easier.

Padraic Moran

As usual everything is overpriced animals are not out to be seen closing the concession stands down two hours before the place closes Im a member that doesnt get you anything everything else cost money its a rip-off the cages are too small its one of the worst things Ive ever been to save yourself a wasted afternoon and dont come just watch Nova

Liz B.

Nice zoo. Lots of animals. And they seem to have a decent amount of space, but not too many places to hide where you cant see them. The train and merry-go-round were hits with my three yr old. Only complaint is that quite a few of the pens were empty and closed for maintenance. But hopefully that means it will be even better in the future.

Linda Mojica

My family lives coming here. Its small enough to get through within a few hours but still has plenty to see. The carousel and train rides are nice activities, there is also a gift shop and a couple snack shops. Parking is usually the only complaint. Especially being a zoo membership holder, I wish parking was more available.

Brian Neises

Very nice zoo. They dont have some of the big animals like elephants or giraffe, but they have some fun smaller animals like red panda and okapi. We love our family pass! Especially with the great park and playground just outside, which makes picnics a great addition to our zoo visits.