Camels, red pandas, and a 600-foot zipline over a waterfall don’t usually show up in the same sentence, but that’s exactly what you get on the west side of Grand Rapids. John Ball Zoo has been drawing families and animal lovers since 1891, making it the 10th oldest zoo in the country, and it’s built its reputation on packing serious variety into a hillside park that overlooks the city skyline.
The land itself has a good story behind it. Lumber baron John Ball donated the original 40 acres to the city, and what started as a modest public green space grew into an internationally accredited zoo now home to more than 2,000 animals across upwards of 200 species. Whether you’re there for the wildlife or the adrenaline rush of flying above the treetops, it’s the kind of place that rewards a full afternoon.
Best Things to Do
The Forest Realm is the section most people talk about first, and for good reason. It’s where you’ll find Amur tigers, snowy owls, and a pair of red pandas named Wyatt and Wasabi who made headlines locally when they became first-time parents to triplets in 2020. Watching the red pandas move through their elevated habitat is one of those small moments that tends to stick with visitors long after they leave.
Right along that same trail sits the zoo’s signature thrill: a four-story, 600-foot treetop zipline that sends riders soaring over a waterfall to a ridge on the other side. It’s a paid add-on experience, but it’s become one of the defining reasons people mention John Ball Zoo to friends who’ve never been. For a slower-paced adventure, the funicular and the Sky Trails ropes course give you elevated views of the grounds without quite the same speed.
Beyond the big-ticket attractions, there’s a gem sluice for kids who want to dig for treasure, camel rides during warmer months, and a rotating set of virtual reality experiences that put you face-to-face with gorillas, dinosaurs, sharks, or dolphins without leaving the park. It’s an unusual mix for a traditional zoo, and it gives repeat visitors a reason to come back even after they’ve seen every animal habitat.
Seasonal programming adds another layer worth planning around. The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival, held in the spring, transforms the grounds into an evening spectacle of illuminated displays, giving the zoo a completely different personality after dark than it has during a typical daytime visit.
Atmosphere & Décor
Because the zoo sits on a hillside, the layout has natural elevation changes that keep the walk interesting rather than flat and predictable. Paths wind through wooded sections and open overlooks, and the terrain itself becomes part of the experience, especially once you’re riding the funicular or looking out from the ropes course.
The habitats lean toward naturalistic design, with the Forest Realm in particular built to mimic the wooded environments its animals would actually live in rather than feeling like a row of enclosures. Shade is plentiful in most areas, which matters on a warm Michigan summer day when you’re walking the grounds for a few hours.
Cleanliness and upkeep come up consistently when people describe their visits, and the overall mood leans toward relaxed and family-friendly rather than crowded or chaotic, aside from occasional bottlenecks at busy entry points during peak season.
Other Considerations
Is it good for young kids? Yes, the mix of gentle animal viewing, the gem sluice, and camel rides gives younger children plenty to enjoy, while the zipline and ropes course give older kids and adults something more adventurous.
Should I expect lines? During peak summer weekends, ticket lines and popular exhibits can get busy, so arriving earlier in the day tends to make for a smoother visit.
Is there parking on site? Yes, the zoo has an on-site parking lot for visitors, located right off Fulton Street.
Are the zipline and VR experiences included with admission? No, these are separate paid add-on experiences on top of general zoo admission, so budget a little extra if you want to try them.
John Ball Zoo
📍 1300 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Website: https://jbzoo.org
