About ZooAmerica
Description
Right next to the sweet wonderland of Hersheypark sits ZooAmerica, an intimate 11-acre wildlife park that's seriously worth your time. I gotta tell ya, this place is different from your typical mega-zoos - it's like taking a walk through North America's wild backyard. The cool thing is, you can actually get pretty close to the animals here without feeling like you're fighting crowds all day.
What really caught my attention during my visits was how the zoo focuses exclusively on North American wildlife. You'll come face-to-face with some incredible creatures like mountain lions (they're way bigger in person than I expected!), various species of owls that'll make you question everything you thought you knew about these night hunters, and even reindeer that'll have you thinking about Christmas in July.
The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats - we're talking rocky mountain landscapes, woodland areas, and desert environments. And y'know what? The smaller size actually works in its favor. You can take your time, really observe the animals, and not feel exhausted by the end of your visit.
Key Features
• Five themed regions showcasing different North American habitats • Natural behavior demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day • Interactive educational programs and hands-on learning experiences • Indoor exhibits perfect for weather-challenging days • Seasonal special events and holiday celebrations • Photography opportunities with minimal barrier interference • Night tours during select seasons • Adjacent location to Hersheypark with combo ticket options • Dedicated conservation and rehabilitation programs • Kid-friendly discovery zones and learning stationsBest Time to Visit
Listen, I've been here during different seasons, and here's the real scoop - spring and fall are absolutely prime time. The animals are super active when temperatures are mild, and you won't be sweating buckets or freezing your toes off. Early mornings (right when they open) or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, plus that's when many animals are most active.
If you're coming in summer, try to plan your visit for a weekday morning. The animals are usually more active before the heat of the day kicks in, and you'll dodge the weekend crowds. Winter visits have their own charm - especially when there's snow on the ground. Plus, you'll get to see how animals like the arctic foxes and snow leopards thrive in colder weather.
How to Get There
Getting to ZooAmerica is pretty straightforward. It's right beside Hersheypark, and you really can't miss it. If you're already planning to hit up Hersheypark, there's actually an entrance right from inside the park. But here's a pro tip from someone who's done this a few times - if you're only visiting the zoo, use the separate zoo entrance instead of going through the park.
Public transportation isn't the best option here, so your best bet is driving. There's plenty of parking available, and unlike some tourist spots, it won't cost you an arm and a leg. Most GPS systems will get you there without a problem, but just keep an eye out for the ZooAmerica signs once you're in Hershey.
Tips for Visiting
Ok, here's where I'm gonna share some insider knowledge that'll make your visit way better. First off, grab a map when you enter - yeah, the zoo isn't huge, but the layout can be a bit winding, and you don't wanna miss anything. Download their app too - it's actually pretty helpful for checking out feeding times and special programs.
Bring a water bottle! You can refill it at fountains throughout the zoo. And don't skip the keeper talks - they're not your typical boring presentations. I learned some pretty wild stuff about mountain lions during one of these sessions that completely changed how I view these amazing creatures.
For photography buffs (or just anyone wanting good pics), morning light is your friend here. The exhibits are designed with some pretty good viewing angles, but that early golden light makes everything look amazing. Oh, and bring some quarters for the feed dispensers - watching deer and goats munch away is weirdly satisfying.
If you're visiting during summer, the indoor exhibits are excellent spots to cool off. They've got some fascinating nocturnal creatures in there too. And speaking of weather - don't let a rainy day scare you off. Some animals are actually more active in light rain, plus the crowds thin out considerably.
Last but not least, consider a combo ticket if you're also hitting up Hersheypark. It'll save you some cash, and you can pop into the zoo for a quieter break when the park gets crazy busy. Just remember that once you leave either attraction, you'll need to use the main entrance to return - no hopping back and forth through the connecting entrance.
Description
Right next to the sweet wonderland of Hersheypark sits ZooAmerica, an intimate 11-acre wildlife park that’s seriously worth your time. I gotta tell ya, this place is different from your typical mega-zoos – it’s like taking a walk through North America’s wild backyard. The cool thing is, you can actually get pretty close to the animals here without feeling like you’re fighting crowds all day.
What really caught my attention during my visits was how the zoo focuses exclusively on North American wildlife. You’ll come face-to-face with some incredible creatures like mountain lions (they’re way bigger in person than I expected!), various species of owls that’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about these night hunters, and even reindeer that’ll have you thinking about Christmas in July.
The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to mimic natural habitats – we’re talking rocky mountain landscapes, woodland areas, and desert environments. And y’know what? The smaller size actually works in its favor. You can take your time, really observe the animals, and not feel exhausted by the end of your visit.
Key Features
• Five themed regions showcasing different North American habitats
• Natural behavior demonstrations and keeper talks throughout the day
• Interactive educational programs and hands-on learning experiences
• Indoor exhibits perfect for weather-challenging days
• Seasonal special events and holiday celebrations
• Photography opportunities with minimal barrier interference
• Night tours during select seasons
• Adjacent location to Hersheypark with combo ticket options
• Dedicated conservation and rehabilitation programs
• Kid-friendly discovery zones and learning stations
Best Time to Visit
Listen, I’ve been here during different seasons, and here’s the real scoop – spring and fall are absolutely prime time. The animals are super active when temperatures are mild, and you won’t be sweating buckets or freezing your toes off. Early mornings (right when they open) or late afternoons tend to be less crowded, plus that’s when many animals are most active.
If you’re coming in summer, try to plan your visit for a weekday morning. The animals are usually more active before the heat of the day kicks in, and you’ll dodge the weekend crowds. Winter visits have their own charm – especially when there’s snow on the ground. Plus, you’ll get to see how animals like the arctic foxes and snow leopards thrive in colder weather.
How to Get There
Getting to ZooAmerica is pretty straightforward. It’s right beside Hersheypark, and you really can’t miss it. If you’re already planning to hit up Hersheypark, there’s actually an entrance right from inside the park. But here’s a pro tip from someone who’s done this a few times – if you’re only visiting the zoo, use the separate zoo entrance instead of going through the park.
Public transportation isn’t the best option here, so your best bet is driving. There’s plenty of parking available, and unlike some tourist spots, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Most GPS systems will get you there without a problem, but just keep an eye out for the ZooAmerica signs once you’re in Hershey.
Tips for Visiting
Ok, here’s where I’m gonna share some insider knowledge that’ll make your visit way better. First off, grab a map when you enter – yeah, the zoo isn’t huge, but the layout can be a bit winding, and you don’t wanna miss anything. Download their app too – it’s actually pretty helpful for checking out feeding times and special programs.
Bring a water bottle! You can refill it at fountains throughout the zoo. And don’t skip the keeper talks – they’re not your typical boring presentations. I learned some pretty wild stuff about mountain lions during one of these sessions that completely changed how I view these amazing creatures.
For photography buffs (or just anyone wanting good pics), morning light is your friend here. The exhibits are designed with some pretty good viewing angles, but that early golden light makes everything look amazing. Oh, and bring some quarters for the feed dispensers – watching deer and goats munch away is weirdly satisfying.
If you’re visiting during summer, the indoor exhibits are excellent spots to cool off. They’ve got some fascinating nocturnal creatures in there too. And speaking of weather – don’t let a rainy day scare you off. Some animals are actually more active in light rain, plus the crowds thin out considerably.
Last but not least, consider a combo ticket if you’re also hitting up Hersheypark. It’ll save you some cash, and you can pop into the zoo for a quieter break when the park gets crazy busy. Just remember that once you leave either attraction, you’ll need to use the main entrance to return – no hopping back and forth through the connecting entrance.
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