Building A Better Zoo Experience

Milwaukee County Zoo Front Entry Reconfiguration Project

“Free Flow” Into the Zoo Begins April 21

Milwaukee County Zoo is embarking on a project to improve traffic congestion on Bluemound Road and prioritize pedestrian safety. High-volume attendance days at the Zoo can affect the traffic on Bluemound Road and the surrounding neighborhood. While we do this work, construction will be on Bluemound Road and could potentially impact drive times. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we undergo a better solution for the future!

PROJECT IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:

• New signalized entry at Bluemound Road and 99th Street
• Pedestrian crosswalk with signals
• Reconfigured ticketing entry to the Zoo, eliminating traffic congestion on community roads

TRAFFIC IMPACT: Bluemound Road reduces to one lane both east and westbound from approximately April 2026-July 2027

ENTERING THE ZOO: WHAT TO KNOW
Beginning April 21, here’s what you can expect when arriving at the Zoo.

Be Aware of Construction

• Part of Bluemound Road may be reduced to one lane in both directions.
• Follow digital signage for Zoo entry.

Proceed Past the Admission Booths

• Free flow into the Zoo — the longstanding ticket booths will be unstaffed, and there’s no need to stop. Drive straight through and park in any available space.
• A few areas of the main parking lot will be fenced off, for construction staging.

Entry and Exit Shifts to the Gathering Place

• All guests will now enter and exit through the U.S. Bank Gathering Place.
• Pay for admission at the temporary admission booths located just outside the Gathering Place. Then proceed inside with your ticket for scanning.
• Pre-ticketed guests and Zoo Pass/Platypus Circle members: Enter directly through the Gathering Place with your tickets/cards for scanning, bypassing the admission booths outside.
• Because of this entry/exit change, the gates by the Education building and picnic areas will no longer be open for guests.
• Need to go back to your vehicle? Please see the Administration Office in the Gathering Place for a hand stamp to re-enter the Zoo.

A Faster Way to Park

The Zoo is moving to a license-plate based parking system. All vehicles parked at the Zoo will register their license plate, including Zoo Pass/Platypus Circle members. Use any of the convenient QR codes throughout the parking lots or near admission.

Buy Online and Save

Avoid the ticket line and receive a lower rate when you purchase your admission online. Pre-ticketed guests can go right into the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to get their tickets scanned and start exploring!

(Parking must be purchased on-site.)

Questions about construction and the front entry reconfiguration project? Please email mkezoo@milwaukeecountywi.gov.