The Wildest Era at the Indianapolis Zoo: A Swiftie’s Dream Day Out!

We are in Indianapolis, Indiana right now to catch one of the final legs of Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour. This blog post will be a look at the Indianapolis Zoo through the lens of a Swiftie but also everything else that you need to know to plan your visit like Parking, Accessibility, Food, Rides, animals, and more!

“The Wildest Era” at the Indianapolis Zoo celebrated Taylor Swift’s many eras

Experiencing “The Wildest Era” at the Indianapolis Zoo

The Indianapolis Zoo outdid itself with The Wildest Era. Inspired by the unique style and energy of Taylor Swift’s albums, the event runs November 1-3, 2024 from 2 to 6 pm. We attended and were absolutely enchanted by every detail:

Scavenger Hunt: We embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the White River Gardens, a botanical garden inside the Indianapolis Zoo. It was filled with Taylor Swift-inspired placards and artwork. It’s a fun way to explore the gardens!
Friendship Bracelet Trading: Bring along bracelets to trade with other fans and take part in this nostalgic activity that feels right out of Swift’s world. We traded a few of the one’s that Katie made (which are absolutely stunning) with fellow swifties.
Special Animal Guests: We had the chance to get up close to some unique animal guests, making it even more special. These encounters added a magical touch to an already exciting event.
Themed Food and Drinks: The zoo’s offerings include a bar with adult beverages inspired by Taylor Swift’s lyrics, plus a cozy s’mores stand. It was the perfect way to get excited for the upcoming concert!

Bottleworks Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana

The Indianapolis Zoo‘s scavenger hunt hid lyrics across the gardens for guests to find

More Than Just an Event: Discovering the Zoo’s Amazing Animal Encounters

While “The Wildest Era” was the highlight of our visit, we also spent hours exploring the zoo’s exhibits.

The Indianapolis Zoo offers an impressive range of animal encounters that make it one of the top zoos in the Midwest. Here are some of the must-see exhibits:

Grizzly Bears: These majestic animals were a definite favorite. The zoo’s bear habitat provides an immersive experience that lets you see these powerful creatures up close. The bears had many toys into their habitat but it seemed like the giant ball was one of their favorites.
Elephants: The elephant enclosure was spectacular, giving us a chance to observe these gentle giants in a well-designed space that resembles their natural habitat.
Walruses: Watching the walruses swim and interact was a memorable highlight—these incredible creatures are always a crowd-pleaser.
Rhinoceros: Few animals are as awe-inspiring as the rhino, and the Indianapolis Zoo’s rhino habitat doesn’t disappoint. Even though they were busy snoozing in the sun, we really enjoyed watching them.
Chimpanzees: One of the most interesting exhibits were that of the Chimpanzees. They are free to roam a large area of the Zoo through tunnels in the sky above the crowds.
Orangutans: When you are at the Indianapolis Zoo, make sure to look up. You never know when you’ll catch a glimpse of an Orangutan in a tower overlooking the entire zoo. It’s a bit unsettling to see these massive animals directly above you but the towers must be designed to discourage them from ever thinking about dropping in to get a closer look at the visitors.
Kangaroos: This was a first for us, we went into the Kangaroo exhibit at the Indianapolis Zoo! If they came up to you, you’re allowed to pet them. Unfortunately they were all too busy napping to want pets (even thouh

The zoo’s animal enclosures are designed to mimic natural habitats as closely as possible, which creates a respectful and enriching experience for both the animals and visitors.

Below are a bunch of photos that we took from our time at the Indianapolis Zoo. Grizzly Bears, Elephants, Kangaroos, Rhinos, Cheetahs, Orangutans, and Joey.

Helpful Information for Visiting the Indianapolis Zoo

Planning your visit to the Indianapolis Zoo? Here’s what you need to know:

Tickets:

If you are coming to Indianapolis, we highly suggest getting the 3-day City Card that allows you to visit 8 different attractions across the city.

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
Conner Prairie
Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Indiana Historical Society
Indiana State Museum
Indianapolis Zoo
Newfields: A Place for Nature and the Arts

Get your 3-Day Indianapolis City Card Here And Save Money $$$

Zoo Hours:

General hours vary seasonally, so be sure to check the Indianapolis Zoo’s official website before you go.

Directions and Parking:

The Indianapolis Zoo is located at 1200 W. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46222 along the banks of the White River. Located in the heart of Indianapolis, the zoo is accessible from most major highways. Parking is available onsite for a small fee. Find more information here.

Accessibility:

The zoo is committed to accessibility, offering rental wheelchairs and scooters, along with accessible pathways throughout the grounds. Check out their accessibility page for more details.

Rides and Attractions:

There are a few rides and attractions that would definitely elevate your experience at the Indianapolis Zoo. but unfortunately as we came in the off-season most were closed. It seemed like the coasters and trains cost money but the feeding was a free experience.

Endangered Species Carousel: The Carousel features many different hand-carved animals, such as seahorses, penguins, seals, elephants, rhinos, dolphins, lions, and many others! This charming ride is always a favorite of our younger guests.
Kombo Family Coaster: Featuring 13 two-seater cars individually themed as safari jeeps, the Kōmbo Coaster delivers just the right heights, speeds, twists and turns for the whole family to enjoy. The coaster reaches a top speed of 21mph over a 656-foot-long track with a maximum height of 24 feet.
Skyline: This slow-moving, gondola-style ride offers incredible views of the Zoo, especially the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and downtown Indianapolis. The Skyline reaches heights of up to 50 feet in the air. The 8-minute ride will give you a new perspective of how orangutans view the world, and you might even see one swinging nearby on the Myrta Pulliam Hutan Trail!
White River Junction Train: Climb aboard the White River Junction Train Ride for a tour of the “Zoo behind the Zoo.” Riders will enjoy a 10-minute narrated journey and learn about our Plains animals, greenhouse, gardens, the Zoo’s 15,000-square-foot veterinary hospital, maintenance and commissary departments and other behind-the-scenes operations necessary to run the Zoo.
Various Animal Feedings (Giraffe, Kangaroo, and Flamingo)

Food and Refreshments:

There are a few restaurants inside the zoo that serve a variety of items like Hot Dogs, Brisket Sandwiches, Salads, and Ice Cream. We did eat inside the zoo because we had just had breakfast.

Zoo Map:

There’s a lot to experience at the Indianapolis Zoo, so plan your day using this map. We started in the gardens and worked our way counter-clockwise.

This is a short guide to the Indianapolis Zoo so if you’ve got any other questions, make sure to check out the “Plan Your Visit” section of their website for more information.

Final Thoughts: The Indianapolis Zoo’s Wildest Era is a Must-Visit Event!

Whether you’re a Taylor Swift fan or just looking for a fun day in Indianapolis, Indiana, The Indianapolis Zoo is a great time.

This limited-time experience offers something for everyone, from music-inspired activities to unforgettable animal encounters. With its beautiful exhibits, convenient location, and accessible facilities, the Indianapolis Zoo makes for a fantastic day out for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike.

So grab your friendship bracelets, put on your favorite Swiftie outfit, and head to the Indianapolis Zoo before The Wildest Era ends on November 3rd. It’s an experience that’s 100% worth checking out!