Cheyenne Mountain Zoo does it again: No. 2 Best Zoo in the U.S.

Mar 18, 2026, 1:26 PM

KOSI 101.1

The results are in…and Colorado’s got another reason to brag! Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs has been named the No. 2 Best Zoo in the United States for the second year in a row, according to the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The only zoo that ranked higher this year: Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska.

And Cheyenne Mountain Zoo didn’t stop there. It also earned the No. 2 spot in two more categories:

Best Zoo Membership
Best Zoo Exhibit for Rocky Mountain Wild

If you’ve been lately, you know why. Between the mountain views, the up-close animal experiences and that “we’re really doing this today” feeling the minute you walk in, it’s one of those Colorado places that never gets old. Whether you’re taking the kids, hosting out-of-town visitors or just looking for a fun weekend plan.

Big congrats to the team at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo!

Check out their celebratory Facebook post HERE.

Colorado News

(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)...

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