Zoo Idaho
Zoo Idaho is a zoo in Pocatello, Idaho, that features animals native to the Intermountain West and has been open since 1932. Its story as a place to visit starts in 1932. Worth the trip, Fort Hall is 16 mi off.
A zoo & aquarium inside Pocatello
Winters are cold
January nights drop to 19°, with about 64" of snow a year. When to go ↓
You can stay in Pocatello
Zoo Idaho is inside Pocatello, which has 24 places to stay, so you won’t need a base farther out. Where to stay ↓
Best months: May, Jun and Sep
May, June and September are the mild months, with highs of 67–76°. When to go ↓
An airport 10 miles away
Pocatello Regional (PIH) has airline service, about 10 miles from Zoo Idaho.
Established in 1932
Zoo Idaho dates from 1932. About ↓
Written from NOAA 1991–2020 normals, Overture places to stay, Census town figures, Wikidata and Wikipedia.
Picking a season
Each month’s highs and lows around Zoo Idaho are below.
Zoo Idaho
Zoo Idaho is a zoo in Pocatello, Idaho, that features animals native to the Intermountain West and has been open since 1932.
The zoo has more than 100 animals representing about 40 different species. "It is one of two zoos in the United States specializing in animals native to the Intermountain West." Zoo Idaho is the only zoo to incorporate the Shoshone-Bannock tribal culture into its program and design. The zoo itself sits on a natural landscape covering 25 acres (10 ha) in Ross Park. For many of the exhibits there is a 40-foot (12 m) high lava cliff as a backdrop. The cliff divides the zoo into two levels known as Upper and Lower Ross Park.
- Type
- Zoo & aquarium
- Animals
- 145 animals · 40 species
- Area
- 25 acres
- Established
- 1932
Lodging near Zoo Idaho
The closest towns with hotels, motels or campgrounds are Pocatello (24) and Chubbuck (4).
Compare 8 towns
| Town | From Zoo Idaho | Drive | Places to stay | People | Typical home | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocatello | in town | — | 24 16 hotels · 2 motels · 2 inns & B&Bs · 2 campgrounds · 2 RV parks | 58,771 | $271K | C |
| Chubbuck | 6 mi north | 10 min | 4 3 hotels · 1 RV park | 16,823 | $342K | C− |
| Lava Hot Springs 33% vacation homes | 26 mi southeast | 40 min | 24 9 hotels · 1 motel · 7 inns & B&Bs · 1 lodge or cabins · 6 campgrounds | 374 | $317K | — |
| Fort Hall | 12 mi north | 20 min | 2 1 lodge or cabins · 1 RV park | 2,654 | $203K | — |
| McCammon | 18 mi southeast | 25 min | 3 1 hotel · 1 campground · 1 RV park | 828 | $296K | — |
| American Falls | 22 mi west | 35 min | 4 2 motels · 2 campgrounds | 4,785 | $186K | B |
| Blackfoot | 25 mi north | 35 min | 5 1 hotel · 2 motels · 1 lodge or cabins · 1 RV park | 13,361 | $263K | C+ |
| Groveland | 26 mi north | 40 min | 1 1 lodge or cabins | 1,422 | $360K | — |
Getting there
Nearest airports with airline service
Worth adding to a visit
More places people know lie within 69 miles.
116 mi Ancient siteFort Hall
227 mi State parkMassacre Rocks State Park315 mi Ski areaPebble Creek58 runs · 2,133 ft vertical
42 mi MuseumIdaho Museum of Natural History
524 mi MuseumIdaho Potato Museum68 mi Ski areaKelly Canyon Ski Resort56 runs · 874 ft vertical
49 mi MuseumMuseum of Idaho68 mi National MonumentCraters of the Moon National Monument260K visitors a yearPhoto credits
Fort Hall: National Park Service photographer, Public domain · Massacre Rocks State Park: Matthew Trump, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Idaho Museum of Natural History: Abbaby, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Idaho Potato Museum: KRRK at English Wikipedia, CC0 · Museum of Idaho: Jcarr29, CC BY-SA 4.0
Asked about Zoo Idaho
Is Zoo Idaho in Pocatello?
Yes. It’s inside Pocatello, ID.
When is the best time to visit Zoo Idaho?
May, June and September, with highs of 67–76°.
What is the closest airport to Zoo Idaho?
Pocatello Regional (PIH), about 10 miles away. The nearest big hub is Salt Lake City (SLC), about 144 miles.
Where should I stay near Zoo Idaho?
Pocatello (in town, 24 places to stay), Chubbuck (6 mi, 4 places to stay) and Lava Hot Springs (26 mi, 24 places to stay).
Word from Pocatello
People in Pocatello have not posted tips yet; their Town Square is open.
Sources: National Park Service · ski areas © OpenSkiMap / OpenStreetMap contributors · Wikidata · Wikipedia readership · NOAA climate normals · U.S. Census.