Reviews of Ellen Trout Zoo (Zoo)

Olivia Senn

Place is awesome! They have shade for the hot days. Not over crowed. And it’s very affordable. My family always makes the trip here instead of the Houston Zoo.

leslie Paterson

We came for a school field trip! Everyone had a blast!!!

Whitney Daigle

We had a lovely time. Beautiful well-shaded trails, wonderful animals. The Komodo dragon was fantastic! Staff were great and the animals seemed well care for. We enjoyed the train ride and, after visiting the zoo we played at the park a while. Very nice, clean, zoo and park.

Bobby Griffin

Every visit was great . Enjoy eating here.

Mahlon Hammetter

Nice zoo for a relatively small city. Dollar train rides are very popular.

Kaitlyn Lewis

This is a fantastic zoo. Don't discount it because of the size of the town. It has a lot to offer! They have excellent education programs for the community, in addition to a wide array of animals, train ride, playground, picnic area, and more! I love spending time here whenever the weather is nice.

Kim Denson

What a great place for just a visit to the zoo or for fishing, train rides, playgrounds or picnic. I must add we were with a group that have wheelchair accessible issues and seem to do well.

Suzanne Ruege

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Ellen Trout Zoo today! This is an excellent place to spend an hour and a half in the shade, see animals, and enjoy a nice Texas day. You will never get the chance to get sunburned because the entire place is shaded. The free roaming peacocks are so much fun for children and adults alike. I have a Houston Zoo pass but felt like a change if pace, so I drove the two hours to Lufkin to meet a dear friend. Highly recommended little zoo in a beautiful setting! We will be back to check out the train and playgrounds.

Samantha Van Pelt

Small zoo that is easy to get around in. Lots of shade for hot summer days.

Melissa Palaile

This was one of the smallest Zoos I've ever been to and also the Greatest!!!! They have peacocks roaming free❤, and a small assortment of animals. The prices for concession were out of this world cheap (compared to the Houston zoo). The entry and the trian ride cost was again SUPER cheap and reasonable. We live a couple hrs away but we WILL be back.

Joshua Kratochvil

Amazing! Only took a few hours, prices are great and the animals were all healthy. Can't wait to go back!

Tammy Nugent-Blleaudeaux

It was great. Animals looked healthy, nice shaded walk even in the summer....

Katherine Banick

I had a great time at this zoo! It is an easily manageable size, with lots of informative displays and beautifully designed enclosures for the animals. I spent about an hour and a half here, but I'd recommend a little longer! The clouded leopard was very handsome! Best $7 I've spent in a long while. I highly recommend visiting if you have a chance.

Megan Tennant

We had a blast first zoo trip and it was nice and we were able to enjoy it and get through it in a timely manner. And the train was a hit with our little guy. Highly recommend!!!

James Bean

Very nice and small zoo. Alot packed in to this place. Very nice. Plenty of shade. Will be back

Da C.

This was my first trip to Ellen Trout Zoo and it was great. Loved the train ride that was only 2 dollars per person. The only things I wish was better is I did not see any maps for lay out of the animals and a tiny gift shop. Other than that this is perfect place for a family to spend the day either at the Zoo, the small lake next door or play ground by the lake. Loved this trip.

Joshua Ackley

We love this Zoo but wish they would finish the reptile house. That's my favorite part of the whole place but it's been under construction for a really time. My kids love the peacocks walking around, riding the train, and seeing the animals being fed. I wish there was a feeding schedule published so you could know when certain animals are most likely to be fed.

Kevin Bledsoe

The Zoo is large enough to have a great time but not too large that your little ones get over exhausted

Donna Robinson

Several animals were hiding because it was so hot but still enjoyed it.

melissa hall

Great place to spend the day with your family. See the animals,ride the train,have a picnic, play on playground toys,take a walk through woods.

Jaelynn Deutschman

I had soooooooooooooooooooiii much fun

Flora Bartee

The grandkids loved it. We saw turtles fighting. WOW!!!

Pure Romance by Kaydren

I took my son for his 8th birthday and he loved it. The train was great as well.

kelli pizarro

I always loved visiting here with the kids because it is a smaller more personal Zoo. Peacocks roam freely. The Lions Club provides $2 rides on a little train around the zoo. Admission to the zoo is free before 10 on Sunday and Mondays. Lots to see, shady spots to rest, and well-maintained.

Rene Guerrero

Great family place.. they have train ride. And park for kids

Robert Beck

Love everything about the Ellen Trout zoo!

Heather Johnson

We especially enjoyed the zookeeper (Taylor) that was feeding the hippos. She was very engaging with the zoo visitors.

Mike Kunkel

First off, let me say that we had an enjoyable visit. The zoo had a lot to offer in such a small environment. However, there are 2 reasons that I can't give the zoo 2 stars. First off, with the cost ($7 is not that bad) there should be some workers present to keep watch. We saw kids chasing peacocks. We also saw teenagers tearing up foliage and feeding it to some of the animals. The second time I saw them doing it, I said something to them. Most zoos I have been to, at least some personnel can be seen walking around keeping watch. You need some more help or you are going to lose some animals!

Kyle Melancon

Great zoo with lots of shade. Great price for a day with the kids.

Amber Bunker

I enjoyed this zoo, with my family, a lot! Lots of vegetation around and inside the zoo, making for a authentic zoo trip. Not as large as some other zoo's I've been too, spent about 45 minutes there. There is a komodo dragon, which was very cool to see. Have never been to a zoo with one of those before! The price for the zoo was decent, only $14 for my boyfriend and I, our toddler was free.

James Barnes

With over 800 species of animal, plenty of shade, a train that goes around the zoo perimeter, a park with 2 playgrounds, a lake that offers fishing and paddle boats and a very friendly staff, the Ellen Trout Zoo is defiantly a favorite for family fun.

Debbie Coker

I know our zoo is little. But I have always loved it.

Origami Soldier

Way more shade than Caldwell in Tyler. Smaller, more manageable when taking kids. Overall, nice.

Chasity Jarry

Our very favorite zoo! The peacocks are such show offs and they have an amazing array of big cats and birds.

James Kirk

Ellen Trout Zoo is One of my top 5 ever zoo experience. Ellen Trout is a compact zoo, but has amazing group of exotic animals on display, in a short walking experience. Kids might love the train ride but for me it was one of my top 5 zoo experiences ever. I have been to zoos in Beijing China, Houston Texas, Dallas Texas, Seattle Washington, Chicago Illinois and more. Unfortunately the rhinos were not on display the day I visited, otherwise this is an excellent, inexpensive experience.

Patricia Watts

Beautiful...small but quiet and easy to navigate

Christy Hunter

The animals look like they need food and sick. Lion for example

GoodCitizenTX None

The animal selection was ok, the only problem we had was there wasnt a place to cool off. The bathrooms are like a oven no AC. There is a couple of places you can sit that have a ceiling fan going on low. Would not return unless they had some cooling stations or misters.

erin stubbs

Friendly staff. Offer free to early birds. And clean animals and habitats

tina kiernan

Loved it my 6year old went wild and had so much fun seeing all different kind of animals....

Kenny Dooley

It was fun. Most of the animals were out and looked we taken care of. The zoo was clean and organized. The kids enjoyed the zoo. Just wish they had more selections for food vs ball park style food. Other wise fantastic enjoyed it and will return.

David Burks

One of the best zoos I have ever been to. Not very big I think we walked around the whole place in about 2 hours but the animals are pretty active and you can get a good up close view because there isn't a lot of fences or glass in the way except of course for the animals that need to be fenced off.

patti eden

What a wonderful zoo. It was the perfect size to take our 2 1/2 year old grandson! All the animals were out and easy to see. The beautiful shaded walkways made it pleasant even on a July morning. We finished it off with a ride on the train and a little time at the playground. Perfect summer outing. Worth the hour drive to get here for sure.

Patsy Bowen

It was family friendly and there was a lot of shade. If you are going to ride the train make sure to bring cash salon. They don't accept credit card at the train depot. Everything was great!!!

Debora Lapham

The zoo is kept really nice. Prices are extremely reasonable. The habitats of the animals are fabulous and roomy. I love the small zoos because they have more care and compassion for their animals. We had an up close and personal experience with one of the hippos. He was so cute with his nose pressed to the glass and just hanging there sleeping. The variety of animals is good. Peacocks have free rein of the grounds. There is even an albino female, so gorgeous. Giraffes, hippos, rhinos, lions and more. Ellen Trout zoo is a great place to bring children.

stacie martin

This is a great little zoo. It's mostly shaded so it wasn't too hot. We had a great time here!

Cynthia Lebeau

Small zoo. You can see everything in one day.

Cheryl Collins

Took my oldest grandson and we both enjoyed the day. Very nice Zoo.

Jesse Juarez

An excellent zoo. My kids love this place. To think a small town like Lufkin would have such a well placed gem. You can get a zoo membership for about 40 dollars and get in free, it last for a year as well as gets you discounts at other zoo locations. There are also 2 different playsets at this zoo as well as a train. The train is 2 dollars for ages 4 and up. 3 and under are free. There's a couple of pavilions as well. You can also fish in the pond or walk the nature trail.

Erica J Ortiz

Always great fun for my family

William W

Lots of fun, and offers plenty of surprises for it's apparent size! Brings back the childhood enthusiasm I had for animals, which was lovely.

Heather Hamilton

Very clean, and i loved the animals. Also it was cheap to get in.

Tina Dowell

A very nice zoo. The kids really enjoyed their trip here today. We had a walk through the zoo, lunch, and they played on the playground. A wonderful place to bring your family.

Lucy Martinez

Love it small and they have a train ride

Chris Curtis

Great lol get away , not over crowded abs prices are really great

James Blount

Good small zoo with a train ride.

Jessica roberts

I was on a trip and decided to stop by and take my son on the way home. I was very pleased with the zoo and the experience we had! The zoo itself was clean and had a good variety of animals, the lake was beautiful and he really enjoyed the playground areas as well. It was well worth the price, for one adult and one 8 year old the cost was only $10.50 which was great compared to most zoos. We both really enjoyed it and I would highly recommend it!

meme2too

Really cool place to visit. Under $15/adults and under $10/kids. They have audio tours and the animals are not lazy like some zoo places we've been. Worth it!!!

Carrie Fain

We had a good time. Not a big zoo. A lot of peacocks roaming and walking around. So neat and they are so pretty. They have a solid white peacock.

John Crockett

Great place to take your kids for a family day

Stone Skater

This place was great. Lots of shade and benches. Not busy at all

S Johnson

Very nice zoo for a small town.

Ashley Helmer

Awesome zoo! Lots of shade and very pretty

Natalee Anderson

Great price tons to look at

Alicia Zamora

Cute little Zoo!! This zoo is a smaller zoo, can be walked through in an hour or less even. Great for smaller children who lose interest fast. Enclosures were well-maintained, and animals were playing and eating. The train ride is pretty neat too for littles who love riding the choo-choo's

Kat Green

This little gem was awesome for our family. We were in town for an athletic event and decided to go afterwards. The admission price alone was an amazing $7.00 for adults and I can't even remember how cheap the kid's price was. The zoo was the perfect size for my 3 year old to walk the entire way without tiring. The older people there didn't seem to have any issues navigating the trails either. All three of my sons got something from the gift store for under $30, and I'm talking about 2 five foot long plush snakes, and a plush bird for the baby. Thanks to this zoo for a great inexpensive day for our family, we will definitely be returning in the future.

Missa Hall

We love this zoo! It is shaded throughout and no steep hills. The animals are normally out where you can see them, and they have information out about each of the animals. It is a relaxing environment.

AJ Roeper

Really good zoo for a smaller one.

Jennifer R Livingston

For a small zoo, lots of animals and very family friendly. Inexpensive family outing.

The GamerChic1983

Great place with awesome animals and great prices for adults

Jazmyn Elerson

Kids loved it. Can't wait until the reptile house is done

Lisa Barker

Perfect size! We went on a day that was supposed to rain so the schools on their field trips all cancelled and we had the whole place pretty much to ourselves. It was great!

Aya Hamdi

Very cute zoo .. I love The train . And my son does too .. enjoyed our time there

Jim Trebes

This is a fun zoo. We liked the shade and was not out in the hot sun. It has a lot neat animals so check it out.

Shelby Buck

Such a nice surprise for a smaller zoo! Not at all crowded so it was great to be able to walk around and really enjoy the experience. The animals all looked better than some you see in bigger zoos. The winding path through the zoo was a bit confusing, but it was nicely shaded and the atmosphere gave you a sense of being in the jungle. I would love to come back many more times in the future. Highly recommend a visit if you’re in the area. The surrounding park and lake seemed well kept and a nice place to fish and walk. Just look out for gators!

gary thacker

My wife and I brought our granddaughter, we were very impressed with the exhibits. Very nice

Daniel Duke

Cheap and shade all over not like the houston zoo where there's no shade

Sabriena Owens

Absolutely amazing we came down for an award ceremony and this one was clean beautiful and made us feel like we were right there with them best zoo I have been to yet.

Robin Davis

Wish we had a bigger and better zoo

chad hanzlicek

Great little zoo. Price to get in is right. Even refreshments were decently priced.

Teresa LeDoux

This town needs more places for our youth. They are the future of our community. Our zoo offers education and entertainment to an otherwise fast-food capital.

sarita carlin

Very cute little zoo. Still had several animals out even in cooler weather. This was our grandson's zoo, he was sharing with us on our visit. For a smaller zoo it had good variety of animals. The size if the zoo is also great for little ones with short attention spans.

Ashley Bentley

Always a fun time, and I chose to spend mothers day here!! The entire zoo is almost completely shaded making it a cool atmosphere during the hot days, there is much to see and do for an entire day. The train makes it the best zoo, and the little parks to eat and play at also make the experience so much fun and worth it. The prices are very reasonable compared to most zoos especially for such a great experience. The animals every time we visit are always active and entertaining making it that much more awesome, and I absolutely adore the peacocks that roam the zoo free!!! highly recommend for any occasion and outdoor fun activity for families!!

Love Peace

Love this zoo and their 3 different parks and the train and all the great animals and their concession prices are great.

Mark Budro

To be honest I was not expecting much when we came here, but we were pleasantly surprised to see a very good assortment of animals on display. Staff was very friendly, the price point was very good, and the park is well shaded! There was plenty of seating throughout the park to rest, and were even cooling stations with fans for guests. Our granddaughter had a wonderful time! For the budget they have to work with and the area they are in, they are doing a very good job. We will be back and would recommend the zoo to others in the area.

Alfonso Steven Tamez

Great place great selection of animals and fun for you to he day

Z 101

Although small compared to most, I enjoyed my time there. It felt like I was in the jungle with the animals. And the peacocks are amazing, they are everywhere. I went there with my sister and her 2 children one being only a couple of weeks and the other 1year and Oliva had a blast. 11/10. To tell the truth I normally hate zoo's but I want to go back to that one.

Tina Peavy

Wonderful experience! This zoo is great for a morning kids’ activity—or anytime, really! Everything is in great shape. The exhibits are well designed and very aesthetically pleasing! The train is wonderful! It’s always a treat to ride! The playgrounds are great to burn off some energy!

jesus villegas

Great place for family time and admission is cheap and the kids love the train

Misty M Loftin

We Love this Group..

Ali Oraikat

Amazing zoo .. we had alot of fun

Torion Johnson

Enjoyed seeing the animals and riding the train.

Brian Prevost

Great day trip. Animals seem very well taken care of. Nice people and well kept.

Chelsea Waters

I would say it's ready for spring! It's nice and clean, animals are having fun with the nice weather. Right now the bridge for the train is closed, though, so I would suggest putting up a sign that says you go around in a circle twice instead of through the woods. We still had a fun time on the train, though. I hope they're looking for a new tiger. I know they're older tiger just passed away, and their young tiger looks a little lonely.

Paul Monk

Plenty to see in an afternoon. Well laid out and plenty of shade.

gsxrocky1

Our favorite zoo. Year pass is only $40 and it gets you in free to Houston zoo and Waco zoo. Gets you in half price at all zoos that are part of the American zoological association. Small zoo but great variety of animals. Most of which you can get really close to.

Melissa Horning

Amazing small town zoo. Able to see all the animals in couple hours.

brandon bennett

I always enjoy the Ellen trout zoo. It's a great place to bring my younger children for a educational family day. Enjoyed the park and picnic afterwards.

Seth Miles

Good smaller zoo. Can easily see everything over a few hours. Some parts of the zoo were under construction during our visit. Make sure to ride the train.

Petie Griffin

Took my wife and little one to this zoo. It is small but for my four year old son it was the right size. It will take about two hours to go through. Has a good assortment of animals. The highlights are definitely the hippos and the white rhinos. The gift shop is nice with prices ranging from one dollar to twenty dollars. T shirts are closer to the twenty range. Tickets were under 15 dollars which wasn't the worst, also the parking is free. Little tough to get to with the crazy streets but once inside the park, all was well. We had a great time and will be back in the future.

Jim Brown

Had a great time with the kids. Very nice and clean place.

Angela Lee

We love Ellen trout Zoo! The prices are great, the exhibits are amazing, and they even have a little gift shop at concession stand. It's pretty shady so it's not so bad in the heat and there are tons of places to rest.

Chloe Foy

Very nice little zoo. We came here because we were visiting family in Lufkin. The kids really enjoyed it. The zoo was very clean. The animals were up close and within view for adults and kids to see.

Heather Jackson

Great little zoo the kids loved and they loved the train ride

Victoria Dunning

Aside from the train in for maintenance, what a wonderful way to spend the day. Wish I could go everyday.

DeadisBetter

Haven't had quality time with my son because of my work hours. I took Saturday off to spend time with him. We decided to come to this zoo, and my little boy had so much fun! So many laughs and so many memories. He saw hippos and otters, Rhinos and Lions. He met so many new friends and he had the time of his life. I will cherish these memories forever. 10/10 We will be back.

Charlene Brasher

Was great wished was bigger...but loved it...

Cara Cooper

It was a really good zoo it's the perfect size for little kids that have never been to the zoo

Joey Maiden

Great outing for a first date.

Megan Goswick

Animals are ALWAYS sleeping and half the exhibits are empty EVERY time we go there! Quick and easy walk thru but not much to see.

Crystal Gates

By far one of the best zoo's around and only getting bigger..

Jessica Coppersmith

Our family has been to lots of zoos around the country, and this one was a wonderful experience! Really felt like we were in the wild. Love the cabanas and chairs by the big animals. And all the shady walkways. Beautiful place with really active animals.

Chris Martin

For such a small town, this is an amazing zoo. I hope for the future to be very bright for the zoo all the employees were very nice as well.

Deborah Gonzales

Love this Zoo and park. It's a good halfway point between Houston and Longview. My grandkids love it.

sharon grimes

Great place for family time.

Hannah Heier

Something cheap and fun to do for the day. Make sure to bring cash!! No atms at all.

Robert Gardner

Great place for a family. I have been dozens of times. Lots of exhibits, two small parks, a train that crosses the pond. PERFECT size zoo for young kids; See all the animals and play at the park in 3-4 hours. Lots of fun. Great place for birthday. The annual Zoo Boo(the last weekend each October) is a must-do!

Patricia Wilder

Great place to see the animals and take a train ride too

Meghan Brewer

They have clean playgrounds, a train ride, and a lot of different habitats for it being a smaller zoo. If you're looking for the bigger animals they DO have some giraffes, rhinos and big cats. However we found this much more enjoyable at just being something a little different. Our kids went nuts over the otters and the peacocks they have roaming around the grounds. Would definitely recommend if you need an inexpensive family day!

Howie Wonders

Awesome little place. Very small but you get to be up close with the animals.

John Hastings

Great little Zoo that is close to home and the kids love it! Not expensive at all, with good animal exhibits. Kids won't get too tired of walking like at the bigger Zoos.

Thomas Perry

Pretty good for a small zoo!

Terri Huffman

It feels like a jungle and lots of protection from the sun. Several places to sit and chill while watching the animals. Small but fun. Price is perfect and a little train outside zoo to kill a bit more time with young ones. Picnic areas and lake outside of Zoo. Peacocks everywhere and greet you almost immediately.

Shunta Walter

Need alot of work and more attractions bt my 2yr daughter had a blast so it's ok I guess.

phil smith

What a great zoo! Large variety of animals, easy to walk around. I'm looking forward to bringing the grandkids!

Brian K

We have been visiting since the early 1970s, and it gets better all the time! We like being close to the animals, and the wide variety. No big crowds, and our grandchildren LOVED it. Parking was a problem on a pretty day.

Michael Menefee

Nice zoo great place to just relax or spend family time or fish.

James Means

Had a great day with the kids and gf took a cooler with its and had a picnic defiantly a place I would go back to

Sarah Corbett

Love the zoo and can't wait for their expansion project to begin

Daniela Medina

Great place. Worth the drive.

Shelley Jenkins

Such a sweet zoo. Love the peacocks. Lots of animals. Large walk ways for my double stroller. Clean and friendly. Prices are wonderful.

Larry Choate

Wife and I were both really surprised at how nice this little zoo is. We have almost given up on going to the zoo in Houston because it is always so crowded. This one is a nice size, has a good variety of animals and everyone on staff was polite and attentive. Well worth the price of admission!

Amber N

Always enjoy this zoo when we get to go!

k bush

Great place to spend with family and friends...

Gretchen Henderson

Great little zoo! We loved it!

jeremiah clifford

It's a smaller zoo. That's not a bad thing in this case. It was well designed with the exhibits and layout. It has alot yo offer for the size. It however could use more water fountains and restrooms.

LaDonna Walker

Great great family outing great family pass for the year

Fe Judd

It is a nice place to visit. Unfortunately, the animals have very little space and many animals were pacing back and forth. Most animals looked as if they were in great need of some enrichment.

Trevor Jamieson

Amazing zoo that has a variety of animals from lions to hippos! Like others have mentioned, this zoo is smaller than big city zoos but incredible. Don't pass this one up!

Tammy Weaver

Very nice place, staff, and facilities! My family loved it!

jc porter

Great zoo. Reasonably priced with lots of animals and shade. We love it.

Kathy Vitale

Absolutely love how up close and personal you are with the animals. I do suggest you go when it's even cooler than 70°

Becky Meldrum

Love this zoo. Shady paths, lots of animals, well laid out..

Tammie Olvera

Nice family spot with train animals and two play parks

Grisela Morales

I love seeing all the animals

Mike Villarreal

This zoo is the perfect place for very young kids. It's small enough that they can walk the entire place without getting too tired, yet there are a surprising number of animals for such a small facility. Entrance price was very reasonable, and the grounds are well-maintained for the most part. Downsides were the price and selection of souvenirs ($12 for a large lollipop with a keychain-sized stuffed animal) and concessions. Some more organized parking would also be nice. But it was an excellent experience overall, and we will likely be back.

Harold Jones

Great little zoo. Good prices

Randal Teater

For the size of city Lufkin is, this is a very nice zoo to take the kids to.

w edwards

Great small zoo. Excellent for small kids. Very clean.

Curtis Hoffpauir

A very nice selection of animals, good exhibits, and a decent amount of shade.

Rob Runnels

A great small town zoo! Well cared for animals and the zoo is well kept. A lot of pride in their zoo.

Keri Cooke Gillies

We take the kids every year. The pathways are covered with foliage so it's shady throughout. Peacocks roam freely. Covered picnic areas by the exhibits and concession stands. The kids love it!

Devon Deckard

Apart of our family tradition. We absolutely adore this a little zoo. Extremely family friendly. There is not a whole lot of places I will take my 3 small kids by myself that is hours away from our home, but I have done that several times with this zoo. It's 90% shaded, so you're not walking in blistering summer Texas heat the whole time. You don't feel rushed like cattle while walking through, it's a very nice easy paced place. We go close to 5 or 6 times a year, and we live almost 3 hours away from it. I cannot talk highly enough about this zoo. If you wanted to rush it you could walk through the whole zoo and about an hour and 45 minutes, and for $3 or so to go in, it's amazing.

Kev n Amy B

Fun place for all ! Even if my son did decide to leave his dad to walk the zoo with his new friend. Memories in the making.

pamela perry

Great time, get there early so you can beat the heat and see them all out. :)

Journey Carver

My family loves going to the zoo. The staff are friendly. We love going to the concession stand and getting popcorn and it's always fresh. The animals are wonderful and there is s variety. And we love their trail to walk on.

Momma Bird Savings

Always has a really strong urine smell that's very off putting. Love the animals just wish the habitats were kept nicer.

Kathy Jackson

Great zoo! The paths through it make it so easy to see all the animals, without having to keep doubling-back or looping around. Lots of places to just sit and watch the animals. The employees are so helpful and friendly too.