Brookfield Zoo

Brookfield Zoo which is sometimes known as by its alternative name as the Chicago Zoological Park is located about 10 miles from the Best Western Inn and Suites Midway

The zoo is home for around 450 species of animals which are enclosed In safe and appropriate housing only 200+ Acre grounds of the zoo. Animals available for viewing include big cats, butterflies, desert animals and specific exhibits for leopards, bears,  African animals, elephants, crocodiles and many others.

Sea life lovers will enjoy seeing beautiful coral, colorful fish, and sharks and should be sure not to miss the penguin exhibit. The highlight of your day is sure to be the Seven Seas Exhibit featuring our amazing bottlenose dolphins. Be sure to check out the show schedule and leave yourself plenty of time as these shows are very popular and have limited seating availability.

As with all our exhibits, the emphasis is on learning about the animals from their environmental needs, social structures and adaptations to zoo life.

Ever dreamed of being a zookeeper? Check out our backstage Adventures before you go and you can enjoy unprecedented access to your favorite animal working side by side with the zookeepers as the care for the animals that live at Brookfield Zoo.

Special attractions include:

• The dolphin shows in the Seven Seas exhibit (Brookfield was the first inland zoo to build a dolphinarium)
• A children’s zoo
• Tropic World – a vast enclosed exhibit of mixed species from the three main rainforest habitats of the world (African, Asian, and South American)

While you stay with us at the Best Western Inn and Suites Midway, enjoy all that Chicago has to offer and the Brookfield Zoo is something your kids will never forget.

Free Admission for Military Personnel

To show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the men and women in the United States Armed Forces, the Chicago Zoological Society is offering free admission to Brookfield Zoo to all active, reservist, and retired members of the military. Qualified personnel who present a valid ID at one of the zoo’s admission booths will be admitted free of charge.