Where To Find Indianapolis's Incredible Wildlife

Indianapolis isn’t very well known for exotic wildlife, though you can find foxes and coyotes in more rural spots of the city. However, Indianapolis is home to many places where visitors can experience exotic animals from all across the globe. Indiana also has its fair share of farm animals, since it’s primarily an agricultural state. From giant cats and dolphins to horses, chickens, and even llamas, here are the best places to find Indianapolis’s wildlife.

The Indianapolis Zoo

This world-class zoo holds many opportunities to see rare and exotic animals. From lemurs and red pandas to giraffes and zebras to lions and elephants, this zoo has over 1,400 animals nestled within its walls. With animals spread out in habitats including Deserts, Plains, and Forests, and chances to feed and interact with the wildlife, visitors will get their fill of animal fun here.

Best of all, this zoo also has an incredible aquarium where visitors can view all types of fish, watch seals play, get up close to penguins, and even pet sharks. There’s also a dolphin exhibit and dolphin show available to watch.

Indiana Zoo, 1200 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN, USA +1 317 630-2001

Eagle Creek Park

While this state park is full of natural wildlife such as deer and other small mammals, visitors at this park can get up close and personal with a variety of incredible birds. Eagle Creek Park houses blue herons, double-crested cormorants, grebes, loons, and even bald eagles. The ornithology center also has resident birds that are unable to survive in the wild, that Hoosiers can visit with.

Eagle Creek Park, 7840 W 56th St, Indianapolis, IN, USA +1 317 327-7110

Fort Harrison State Park

This Indianapolis State Park is home to a Saddle Barn, a premiere spot for viewing the park from atop a horse. Visitors can experience horses up close and even take one out for a ride on one of Fort Harrison’s scenic trails. The Horse Barn at this state park is generally open April through October, annually.

Fort Harrison State Park, 6000 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN, USA +1 317 591-0904

Conner Prairie

Just north of Indianapolis in the beautiful city of Fishers sits the interactive history museum of Conner Prairie. This historic site is home to a variety of educational events and attractions, including their animal encounters. Hoosiers can interact with farmyard friends including goats, cows, chickens, sheep, hogs, and more. There are also rare breeds of livestock available to view.

Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd, Fishers, IN, USA +1 317 776-6000

The Indiana State Fair

Though it only comes around once a year, the Indiana State Fair is one of the best places in Indianapolis to view Indiana’s most famous wildlife: farm animals. As a huge farming state, Indiana prides itself on livestock, and Indy visitors can enjoy the company of cattle, horses, rabbits, turkeys, ducks, chickens, hogs, sheep, llamas, and even alpacas.