Columbian Park Zoo is open daily from mid-April to mid-October each year, including holidays.

The Butterfly Garden Party Exhibit  is open (weather-permitting) Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The Columbian Park Zoo Express is in operation (weather-permitting) during the Zoo's open season mid-April through mid-October*. During its operating season, the Express runs during Zoo open hours, with the last train leaving the station 30 minutes before Zoo closing.  The Wild Tykes Play Zone kiddie rides are open daily (weather-permitting), from Memorial Day weekend through Summer Hours season. During Fall Hours, The Wild Tykes Play Zone kiddie rides will only be open on the weekends through Labor Day. 

The Zoo is CLOSED for the winter each year from mid-October through mid-April (except for a limited reopening for the ticketed event, Boo at the Zoo). 

*Please check the Construction Updates section to see if park improvement projects impact these services.

Directions and Parking

From Interstate 65

Take exit 172 (Lafayette/Rossville) and head west on SR 26. The road will narrow and become South Street. Turn left onto Park Avenue. Parking is available along the street on Park Avenue, Wallace Avenue, or in the lot on Scott Street. The Zoo entrance is located in the middle of Columbian Park (no car access).

From Downtown Lafayette

Take South Street (SR 26) east, away from the river. Turn right onto Main Street. After passing Tropicanoe Cove Family Aquatic Center and Loeb Stadium on your left, turn left onto Wallace Avenue. Parking is available along the street on Park Avenue, Wallace Avenue, or in the lot on Scott Street. The Zoo entrance is located in the middle of Columbian Park (no car access).

Using a GPS device?

  Enter 2404 Wallace Avenue, Lafayette, IN as a destination.