Zoos, aquariums, safari parks, scenic train rides and botanical gardens are great ways to get out and explore this summer. In our search to find the best of the best, we invited a panel of experts to nominate their top picks. Then, our readers voted for their favorites to help us narrow the nominee list down to the 10 best winners in each category.
Click on each category below to see the full winners list.
Best Aquarium: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Missouri
Founded by Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, Springfield’s Wonders of Wildlife celebrates hunting, fishing and stewardship of the land and water through 1.5 miles of immersive galleries featuring 4D dioramas and a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium. Some 35,000 animals representing over 800 species are on display, including zebra sharks, sea turtles and freshwater sport fish. Unique to the aquarium is its collection of historic boats used by fishing legends and celebrities, like Jimmy Buffet, Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.
Full list of winners: Best Aquarium »
Best Botanical Garden: Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables, Florida
The warm climate of Coral Gables allows tropical plants to be grown outdoors year-round at the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden – one of the only places in the continental United States where this is possible. Exotic butterflies fly freely within the Wings of the Tropics Conservatory, while the Rare Plant House displays 450 species of rare and endangered tropical plants from around the globe. Other themed gardens include a Tropical Fruit Pavilion, Palm Glade, Tropical Flower Garden, Succulent Garden and even a display of the dry forest plants of Madagascar.
Full list of winners: Best Botanical Garden »
Best Safari Park: Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari in Ashland, Nebraska
An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park invites visitors to drive along a 4-mile route through habitats populated by native North American plant and animal species – American elk, bison, waterfowl, raptors and white-tailed deer. At Wolf Canyon, guests can hop out of the car to see grey wolves and American black bears or walk through the half-acre Eagle Aviary.
Full list of winners: Best Safari Park »
Best Train Ride: Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, Colorado
The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad once hauled silver and gold along the stretch of track laid during the late 19th century between the two towns. Today, visitors hop aboard for the 7-hour round-trip journey from Durango through some of Colorado’s most impressive scenery with a chance to stop and explore the historic mining town.
Full list of winners: Best Train Ride »
Best Zoo: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Cincinnati Zoo (one of the oldest zoos in the nation) brings visitors nose-to-nose with a range of exciting animals. Guests can view hippos underwater (including world-famous hippo Fiona), pop up in a bubble amid meerkats or watch cheetahs racing at top speeds. The multi-sensory Night Hunters exhibit hosts cats and other nocturnal predators, while Manatee Springs seeks the long-term conservation of the Florida manatee by encouraging guests to observe these gentle giants.
Full list of winners: Best Zoo »
Best Zoo Exhibit: Asian Highlands at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska
The Asian Highlands exhibit at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo begins with visitors entering beneath a replica Himalayan ruin and then traveling along a footpath that takes them through “the southern foothills of the Himalayans.” Along their journey, visitors will observe Indian rhinos, sloth bears, red pandas, snow leopards and much more.
Full list of winners: Best Zoo Exhibit »
Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10Best.com daily to vote in our Readers’ Choice contests.
