Ochsner Park And Zoo

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Ochsner Park and Zoo is a small zoo located in Baraboo, Wisconsin.


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Summary

It is a great place to visit for families with children as it offers a variety of activities for all ages. The zoo features over 100 animals, including lions, tigers, bears, and a variety of primates. In addition to the animals, the park also has a playground, picnic area, and walking trails.

One of the main attractions at Ochsner Park and Zoo is the petting zoo, where visitors can interact with domesticated animals such as rabbits, goats, and sheep. Another highlight is the aviary, which features a variety of exotic birds from around the world. The zoo also offers guided tours and educational programs for school groups.

Interesting facts about Ochsner Park and Zoo include its history as a private park owned by the Ochsner family, who donated it to the city for use as a public park. The zoo was established in 1926 and has been a popular attraction ever since. The park is named after Charles Ochsner, who built the park's original playground in memory of his daughter who died at a young age.

The best time of year to visit Ochsner Park and Zoo is during the summer months when the animals are most active and the weather is warm. The park is open year-round, but some of the outdoor exhibits may be closed during the winter months due to inclement weather.

Overall, Ochsner Park and Zoo is a great destination for families looking for a fun and educational experience. With its wide variety of animals and activities, it is sure to be a hit with visitors of all ages.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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