Information
Landmark: Scovill ZooCity: Decatur IL
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Scovill Zoo, Decatur IL, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Scovill Zoo, a favorite spot in Decatur, Illinois, draws visitors with its lively mix of animals and the sound of peacocks calling across the grounds.It’s part of the broader Scovill Park complex, which stretches across 62 acres, with the zoo itself taking up about 15-enough space for winding paths and shady picnic spots.Opened in 1967, Scovill Zoo has transformed from a small, farm-themed spot into an accredited home for more than 400 animals, from nearly 100 species, including creatures as familiar as goats and as rare as snow leopards.It’s a vital spot for the community, blending wildlife conservation with hands-on learning and a bit of fun-like spotting herons along the trail.You can find us at 71 S., and if you need to reach out, our contact details are right here.Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 62521 • Phone: (217) 421-7435 - You’ll find the zoo tucked inside Scovill Park, just steps from playgrounds and shady picnic tables, so it’s easy to pair a visit with the park’s other attractions.Scovill Zoo runs on a seasonal schedule, opening in early April and keeping Spring and Summer hours through May-weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends a bit longer until 5:00 p.m., when the late-afternoon light softens over the grounds.The zoo shuts its gates about an hour after the final ticket is sold.Adults pay $10, kids ages 2–12 are $8, and seniors 65 and over pay $9; little ones under a year get in free.On Mondays in April and Thursdays from June through October, the zoo throws open its gates for everyone-no tickets, just the chatter of families and the smell of fresh popcorn drifting through the air.At Scovill Zoo, you’ll find creatures from six continents-mammals with sleek fur, bright-feathered birds, scaly reptiles, and even smooth-skinned amphibians.Among the highlights are the cheetahs-sleek, golden-coated sprinters that can hit incredible speeds, roaming a habitat built just for them.Gray wolves roam spacious, rocky enclosures designed to mirror the wild, giving visitors a close look at how these predators live and hunt.Zebras-striped like black-and-white brushstrokes-wander close enough for visitors to watch every flick of their tails.Alligators-live displays of these powerful reptiles alongside turtles and snakes-showcase the rich variety of life.The zoo’s mission embraces conservation and teaching visitors about endangered species, a focus you can see in the rare animals they house and the carefully designed habitats that mimic their wild homes.Endangered Species Carousel - a delightful ride with 30 hand-carved wooden animals, from sleek tigers to gentle sea turtles, each one celebrating a species at risk around the globe.A ride costs $3.50, but members of Friends of the Zoo pay just $3.00-about the price of a hot chocolate.Z. O. and O. The Express Train is a scaled replica of the 1863 C. P. Huntington steam engine, and it rumbles through the zoo with a guide telling stories as you pass shaded paths and curious animals.A ride costs $4.50, or just $4.00 if you’re a Friends of the Zoo member.Project Playground II is a spacious, ADA-accessible play area the community designed and built-bright swings creak gently in the breeze.Kids can scale rock walls, tap out tunes at a music station, zip down slides, and enjoy equipment designed for every ability, so everyone feels welcome.Scovill Sculpture Park features outdoor art set along winding paths that link the zoo to the Children’s Museum of Illinois, where bronze figures stand among trees and open sky.At Scovill Zoo, you can dive into hands-on programs that teach and delight, including the Ambassador Animal Encounter-a lively 45‑minute visit where you might stroke the soft fur of a rabbit, watch a dove flutter its wings, or cradle a plump guinea pig.Perfect for small, hands-on learning moments where you can hear the scratch of a pencil on paper.It’s $150 for a group of up to six-think friends gathered around one table.Meet the zoo’s camels, Jack and Finn, up close in a lively 30‑minute session, where you can hand them fresh carrots and watch them chew with lazy contentment.The experience costs $300 for up to six people and runs only part of the year, shutting down from October through April when the air turns cold.Zoo Snooze – Group Camp Out: Spend the night at the zoo, curl up in your sleeping bag under the stars, and take in animal talks, guided walks, and a crackling bonfire.The immersive program is $45 per person, and you can choose to add extras like hands-on crafts or a warm, freshly made meal for an additional cost.After Hours S’mores & Tours: Spend the evening hearing lively animal stories, slipping behind the scenes to hidden enclosures, and warming your hands by a crackling bonfire.It’s $30 a person, and you can add extras like a hot lunch or a small craft kit.In late 2024, the zoo celebrated the arrival of Rowan, a baby howler monkey whose tiny fingers clung to his mother’s fur-a joyful milestone in their ongoing breeding and conservation work.You can now spot Rowan in the exhibit, standing just beneath the warm glow of a spotlight.The Mountain Lion Exhibit is getting a state-of-the-art upgrade, with crews building a habitat that mirrors the wild-rock ledges, shaded caves, a glinting pond, and a sweeping wall of glass for visitors to watch these big cats in action.The exhibit is set to open in 2025, bringing fresh energy to the zoo with vibrant new habitats and experiences.At Scovill Zoo, visitors are greeted with a warm, family-friendly vibe-you might hear kids laughing near the carousel before you even step inside.Shaded paths wind through the zoo, making it easy to stroll while signs share facts about the animals and how they’re being protected.Many visitors pair a trip to the zoo with time in Scovill Park, wandering shady trails, stopping at playgrounds, or spreading out a picnic under the trees.The zoo makes accessibility and inclusiveness a priority, with ADA-compliant walkways and programs designed for visitors of every age and ability.Gift shops and concession stands make the visit more fun-think warm pretzels or a quirky souvenir-while staff and volunteers keep the day lively with engaging talks and demonstrations.Scovill Zoo isn’t just where you go to watch animals-it’s a lively gathering spot for learning, protecting wildlife, and enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends.From a lively mix of animals to charming draws like the carousel’s painted horses and the whistle of the train, plus hands‑on learning programs and steady upgrades, it gives both locals and visitors in Decatur a fun, well‑rounded day out.Drop by for an afternoon or come dressed for a celebration-either way, Scovill Zoo offers a chance to get close to the animals, hear the rustle of leaves, and truly connect with the natural world.
