Lords Park Zoo | Elgin

Lords Park Zoo – In Detail
Location: 325 Hiawatha Drive, Elgin, Illinois 60120

OVERVIEW

Lords Park Zoo is a small, historical animal exhibit nestled within Lords Park, a 108-acre public park on Elgin’s east side. Established in 1895, the zoo reflects a legacy of early American zoological parks that served both educational and recreational purposes. Although modest in size compared to modern city zoos, it offers a tranquil and accessible setting where visitors can observe native North American animals and seasonal farm creatures.

Admission to the zoo is completely free, making it a popular spot for families, school field trips, and casual visitors.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Lords Park itself was donated to the City of Elgin by George and Mary Lords in 1893. The zoo opened in 1895 with its first animals: two black bears named Jack and Juno. In the early 20th century, the zoo expanded to include:

Bears

Elk and deer

Coyotes and foxes

Monkeys and raccoons

Wildcat and peacocks

Bald eagles

The zoo became a beloved destination in Elgin for decades. A notable moment in its history came in 1964 with the arrival of Lord Spark, a lion cub who was briefly the zoo’s star attraction. Due to space limitations, he was later transferred to Brookfield Zoo, where he became a breeding male, fathering 19 cubs.

Today, the zoo no longer houses exotic animals and instead focuses on native Midwestern wildlife and seasonal domestic animals, aligning with modern standards of animal care and conservation.

CURRENT ANIMAL EXHIBITS

🦬 Bison Enclosure

The zoo's main attraction year-round is its herd of American bison. These iconic animals are visible throughout the year in a spacious, wooded enclosure. The current bison residents include:

Takoda – A young male born in 2021

Buffy – A long-time female resident

The zoo regularly hosts “Meet the Bison” programs, where naturalists educate the public about bison ecology, history, and conservation. These events are especially popular with families and schools.

🦌 Deer and Elk

White-tailed Deer:

The zoo welcomed four new deer in 2024 from Elkhorn Creek Whitetails.

Existing residents include Ruby and Amber, females who have been at the zoo for several years.

Elk:

A small group of elk live in the same general enclosure area.

The animals are typically shy but are visible from multiple vantage points along the trail.

FARM ZOO (Seasonal Exhibit)

The Farm Zoo section operates only during the summer months:
June 1 – August 11

Hours:

Monday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

This area features domestic farm animals on loan from local farms. These may include:

Pigs

Sheep

Calves

Turkeys

Donkeys

Ponies

Chickens

Important Note:
This is not a petting zoo. Animals can be viewed but are not to be touched or fed.

The Farm Zoo is intended to introduce children to the kinds of animals found on Midwestern farms, offering educational signs and short talks by volunteers and staff.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

The zoo partners closely with the Elgin Public Museum, located nearby within Lords Park. Programs often include:

Animal Ecology Talks

Guided Nature Walks

“Meet the Bison” Saturdays

School Field Trips

Summer Nature Camps

These programs emphasize environmental stewardship, conservation of native species, and hands-on learning.

SURROUNDING ATTRACTIONS IN LORDS PARK

🌳 Elgin Public Museum

Founded in 1920, it is the only natural history museum in the Fox Valley. Exhibits include:

Native American culture

Ice Age mammals

Fox River watershed ecology

Taxidermy of Midwestern wildlife

💦 Lords Park Aquatic Center

Open during summer, it features:

Water slides

Zero-depth entry pool

Lap lanes

Children’s water play area

🏞️ Recreation and Nature Areas

Walking and biking trails

Two large picnic shelters (available for rental)

Historic pavilion

Large duck pond

Basketball and tennis courts

Playground equipment

VISITOR TIPS

Admission: Always free

Parking: Ample, free parking is available throughout Lords Park

Accessibility: Paths are mostly paved and wheelchair/stroller accessible

Food: No concession stands; bring your own snacks and water

Restrooms: Available in the park near the zoo and museum

Best time to visit: Mornings or late afternoons in spring and summer for most animal activity

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

The zoo is maintained through the efforts of the Elgin Parks and Recreation Department, with support from local organizations. Donations, sponsorships, and volunteer work help maintain the facilities and fund programs.

Lords Park Zoo offers a unique blend of Elgin’s rich history, Midwestern wildlife, and community-focused education. It remains a quiet but treasured spot where visitors can enjoy a peaceful afternoon in a natural, historical setting.