Believe it or not, the Milwaukee County Zoo’s (10001 W. Bluemound Rd., 414/256-5411, www.milwaukeezoo.org) innovative designs have been mimicked nationally and internationally for the past five decades. Yep, they set the standard for what many today take for granted in zoological park settings. The animals’ five global environments, grouped in specific continental areas with a system of moats, create apparent juxtaposing of predator and prey. Almost 5,000 specimens live here, many of them also residents of the endangered species list.

Perennially popular are the polar bears and other aquatic leviathans viewable through subsurface windows.

In a century-old barn is a dairy complex—an educational look at milk production. Zoomobiles ($3) roll about the expansive grounds, and minitrains ($1.50) also chug around. On occasion, you can even hop aboard an elephant or a spitting camel. Animal shows take place throughout the day.

Milwaukee County Zoo is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday and holidays May– September, till 4:30 p.m. the rest of the year. The rides and animal shows have varied schedules. Admission is $12 adults; parking is $11. All rides and activities within are extra. Admission rates are lower October–May.