Macaque Island, Milwaukee, WI 53226, US

The Milwaukee County Zoo is a longtime (1892) attraction on Milwaukee's west side that features more than 3,000 specimens from 420-plus species on 200 acres and is open 365 days each year. Exhibit buildings include Small Mammals, Big Cat Country, Aviary, Apes of Africa, Primate Complex, Aquatic & Reptile Center, Temple Monkeys, Macaque Island; outside groupings are paired by continent, plus a flamingo exhibit, dairy farm, and family farm/petting zoo area.Best and worst time to go to the Milwaukee County ZooIt is especially busy at the zoo during field trip season towards the end of the school year, and during the annual Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte in August (though it's a great time if you enjoy crowds to sample the local restaurant offerings and free music stages). Late fall and winter gives you a chance to walk the grounds in lesser crowds and see the animals from a different perspective.Must see/do at the Milwaukee County ZooThe Zoomobile 30-minute ride is a great way to see an overview of the 200 acres for first-timers. The zipline was a recent addition for the adrenaline-seeking visitors; miniature train and pony rides are available for the rest of us. Whether or not you like winged things, the Birds of Prey show is a wonderfully informative and lively demo of raptors and their nature. Eating at the zoo includes several concession areas throughout the park in the spring and summer; Flamingo Lake Cafe and the Gift Shop are year-round.Admission to the Milwaukee County ZooThe Milwaukee County Zoo is typically open at 9 a.m. most of the year (9:30 am. from Nov.-Feb.) and closes 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m. depending on the season. Admission in the winter months is under $12 for adults, under $11 for seniors, and under $9 for kids 3-12 (under 2 are free). Prices rise about $2.50 at each level during summer peak months. Milwaukee County residents with ID get a $1.75 discount every day, even deeper discount on Wednesdays, and free admission on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day (9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.).Parking and Public TransportationThe Milwaukee County Zoo is at 10001 W. Bluemound Road situated just north of I-94 between U.S. 45 and Wis. Highway 100; ample parking onsite is $12 for cars, $16 for buses and free street parking nearby if you can find it. The Milwaukee County Transit System bus lines GL and 85 go right outside the Zoo's front gates on Bluemound Road; nearby connectors include the 6, 28, 31 and 67. The I-94/I-894/U.S. 45/U.S. 41 "Zoo Interchange" will be under construction through approximately 2016; check for local construction updates before leaving.Insider tip for visitors to the Milwaukee County ZooFrom May to September, do not miss the Sting Ray & Shark Bay temporary tropical exhibit to pet the rays, bonnethead sharks and bamboo sharks. Easily worth the extra couple dollars to get in. The sea lion and seal show runs about 20 minutes four times a day (except winter) and entertains and informs.Author's bio: T. Rose grew up in Milwaukee and has lived around or near it much of his life.