Scovill Zoo sits inside the 62-acre Scovill Park overlooking Lake Decatur in Decatur, Illinois, where it has welcomed visitors since 1967. What began as a modest farm exhibit funded by a $14,000 Kiwanis Club donation has grown into an AZA-accredited zoo spread across 15 acres, home to animals representing species from six continents.
The land itself has a longer history than the zoo, having been donated to the Decatur Park District in 1947 by Guy Norman and Rose Scovill. Today the zoo draws visitors from hundreds of zip codes across central Illinois, pairing a classic small-city zoo feel with modern conservation programming and family-friendly rides.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Decatur, Illinois
- Opened: 1967
- Size: About 15 acres of exhibits within 62-acre Scovill Park
- Species: About 96 species
- Animal count: Roughly 400-500 animals
- Annual visitors: About 100,000
- Famous for: AZA accreditation and the Z.O. & O. Express Train
What to See at the Zoo
Scovill Zoo’s exhibits include cheetahs, gray wolves, zebras, and alligators alongside the farm animals that trace back to the zoo’s earliest days as Scovill Farm. The zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since September 2006, a distinction held by roughly 210 facilities nationwide, and it has since passed additional AZA inspections to maintain that status.
Two attractions set Scovill apart from a typical regional zoo. The Z.O. & O. Express Train, added in 1984 and modeled after an 1863 C.P. Huntington steam locomotive, carries riders on a one-mile guided loop through the grounds. The Endangered Species Carousel features 30 hand-carved wooden animals representing threatened and endangered species, giving younger visitors a hands-on way to learn about conservation.
Hours and Tickets
Scovill Zoo runs on a seasonal schedule, typically opening in early April and closing for the winter in October. During the season, hours generally run around 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, though exact times shift around opening weekend and the fall closing date, so checking the Decatur Park District’s site before a visit is worthwhile.
Admission is priced modestly for adults, seniors, and children ages 2-12, with children under 2 admitted free. The zoo has also offered free-admission days on select Mondays and Thursdays during the season in past years. Because rates and promotional days can change annually, visitors should confirm current pricing directly with the Decatur Park District ahead of a trip.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Hauls kids, coolers and souvenirs across a big zoo or park, folds flat for the trunk.
Little hands reach in, snacks stay in — a lifesaver on long zoo days.
Easier on your back than carrying in arms all day at the zoo.
Scovill Zoo FAQs
When did Scovill Zoo open?
Scovill Zoo opened to the public in 1967, originally as a farm-style attraction called Scovill Farm before expanding into a full zoo.
Is Scovill Zoo accredited?
Yes. Scovill Zoo has been accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums since September 2006 and has passed subsequent re-accreditation inspections.
Is Scovill Zoo open year-round?
No. Scovill Zoo operates on a seasonal schedule, typically open from early April through October, and is closed to the public during the winter months.
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