The size of the zoo itself and the crowds in the zoo prevent challenges for a variety of types of accessibility, but the Lincoln Park Zoo generally does a good job of including all visitors. Most of the information below can also be found at the zoo's accessibility page, which also has other reference guides.
There is very limited accessible parking at the Lincoln Park Zoo: there are 19 accessible parking spaces in the main parking lot, and 8 free spots on northbound Stockton Drive for vehicles with accessibility placards (see the zoo's accessibility page for details on where those spots are).
Wheelchairs are available from the visitor's center for free, although a $20 deposit and driver's license or state ID are required. These cannot be reserved in advance.
Service animals are allowed, with very specific limitations to prevent problems with other animals. See the zoo's accessibility page for the full set of rules.
For individuals who are blind or have low vision, a sighted volunteer guide can give a tour of the African Journey exhibit, highlighting animal sculptures and other sensory exhibits. For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, ASL interpreters or real-time captioning is available for zoo classes and programs, and printed scripts for seal training and feeding or ape training are available upon request. For all of those services, the zoo asks for an Accommodation Request Form to be submitted at least 14 business days before your visit. The form is available on the zoo's accessibility page.
The zoo's accessibility page has an excellent set of sensory information at the bottom. I will add that the Small Mammal-Reptile House has some very dark areas, particularly leaving the large entrance room to continue to the rest of the building. Also, the Farm-in-the-Zoo can be particularly crowded on play days or sing-along days (Tuesdays and Saturdays for the play days, and Wednesday and Friday for the sing-along). The red barn in general gets very busy and chaotic.
TOPICS AND EXHIBITS