Since 1952, Mill Mountain Zoo has given Roanoke families a mountaintop spot to meet animals up close while learning what it takes to protect them, all through a nonprofit built around wildlife conservation and education.

The Quick Facts

What it is: A nonprofit, ZAA-accredited zoo on top of Mill Mountain, dedicated to wildlife conservation and hands-on education for families.
Address: Mill Mountain Spur, Roanoke, VA 24014
Phone: (540) 343-3241
Who it’s for: Every Roanoke Valley family, with a real emphasis on getting kids excited about wildlife through field trips, camps, and a ride on the Zoo Choo, the zoo’s own miniature train.
Cost: Ticket and membership pricing available on their website.
Best for: Family visits, school field trips, birthday parties, camps, and hands-on wildlife education.

Why Choose Mill Mountain Zoo

Mill Mountain Zoo is home to animals that are critically endangered, vulnerable, or otherwise unable to be released into the wild, which means you can see a red wolf, snow leopard, or red panda without leaving the Roanoke Valley. Beyond the exhibits, the zoo plays an active role in research and species survival programs. It’s the only zoological entity in Virginia’s Blue Ridge offering education programming tied specifically to Virginia’s SOL academic standards, reaching close to 20,000 children a year through that programming alone.

Why Families Love It

Beyond the animal exhibits, the zoo runs field trips, camps, and outreach programs that bring hands-on wildlife encounters directly to kids. And don’t skip the Zoo Choo, the zoo’s own miniature train, which loops guests around the exhibit area for a different vantage point. Mill Mountain Zoo also hosts events throughout the year, from Brew at the Zoo evenings for the grown-ups to themed mornings like Breakfast with the Rodents.

What to Expect on a Visit

The zoo is open daily, 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm, so plan to arrive with enough time to actually enjoy it. Membership is available for families who plan to visit often, and it includes unlimited visits for the year. If you’re planning a school or group trip, field trips and guided tours require advance booking through their education department, so reach out ahead of time rather than showing up and hoping to arrange one on the spot.