Timeline
07:39
Walk up the paths to the Eagle's Nest viewing area. The zoo opens at 09:00, so you will have the space to yourself as you wait for the sun to crest the horizon.
08:04
Watch the sunrise. The sun sets toward the WSW, but in the morning it rises in the opposite direction. The glass dome offers a clear view of the city waking up.
08:44
Conner's Kitchen + Bar Indianapolis
Head to Conner's Kitchen + Bar for breakfast. It opens at 06:30 on weekdays, so it is fully ready for you by this time. Grab a coffee and a hot meal to start your day.
09:14
Explore the Indianapolis Zoo grounds. With the morning light now fully established, you can see the Dolphin Adventures Gallery and the Plains exhibit clearly before the midday crowds arrive.
Local tip
The zoo is closed before 09:00. Use the time before opening to find a quiet spot in the Eagle's Nest area. After sunrise, Conner's Kitchen is the nearest open place for food.
Check before you go
- The zoo opens at 09:00.
- Conner's Kitchen is open Mo-Fr 06:30-10:00 and 11:00-23:00; Sa-Su 07:00-15:00 and 16:00-22:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Indianapolis (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).