- Attraction: Scovill Zoo
- Location: 71 S. Country Club Rd., Decatur, IL 62521
- Industry: Zoo
- Website: https://decatur-parks.org/scovill-zoo/
Wild adventures await families at this delightfully compact 15-acre zoo that punches well above its weight class.
Since opening in 1967 as Scovill Farm with just $14,000 in donations from the Kiwanis Club, this Decatur gem has evolved into one of only 210 zoos accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
What started with simple farm animals now showcases 400 animals spanning six continents, creating an intimate yet globally diverse experience that larger urban zoos often can’t match.
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Decatur, this family-friendly destination offers the perfect balance of exotic wildlife encounters and classic amusement park fun.
You’ll discover everything from Africa’s lightning-fast cheetahs to adorable Humboldt penguins, all while enjoying unique attractions like an endangered species carousel and a vintage-style train that bridges the gap to adventure.
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Keep Exploring →Wildlife Encounters & Star Animals
The Cheetah Experience: Scovill Zoo’s two African cheetahs, Jafari and Runako, were born in Africa before coming to live at Scovill Zoo.
These magnificent spotted cats represent the world’s fastest land animals, and the zoo actively participates in conservation efforts by donating five cents of each paid zoo admission to the De Wildt Cheetah and Wildlife Conservation Centre. Watching these sleek predators pace their habitat is absolutely mesmerizing.
Penguin Paradise: The Humboldt penguins steal hearts with their playful antics and distinctive waddle.
You’ll find a handful of penguins that provide endless entertainment as they dive, swim, and interact with each other in their specially designed habitat. Their feeding times are particularly engaging for children.
Free-Roaming Peacocks: The peacocks roam free throughout the zoo, creating magical moments when these gorgeous birds suddenly appear along pathways, their iridescent tail feathers creating natural photo opportunities that feel straight out of a fairy tale.
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Discover MoreDiverse Animal Collection: Beyond the headline acts, you’ll encounter lemurs, meerkats and sloths among the mammals, while the reptile world features tiny geckos and a very large Argus monitor lizard. The bird collection includes strutting peacocks, pink flamingoes, bald eagles and a laughing kookaburra.
Farm Animal Connection: The zoo maintains its agricultural roots with an engaging petting zoo featuring more goats than many of the petting zoos you’ve visited before, plus a pig and a zebu.
Kids can see farm animals like baby chicks up close, creating those precious hands-on moments that make lasting memories.
Rides & Special Attractions
Z.O. & O. Express Train: The Z.O. & O. Express Train travels a 1-mile path through the zoo, modeled after an 1863 C. P. Huntington steam train and added in 1984.
The newly extended train ride includes views of additional zoo animals, a ride over a 30ft high bridge with breathtaking views of Lake Decatur, peeks at the Scovill Sculpture Park and access to the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Steve, the volunteer running it, pointed out highlights that we may not have seen from the common paths.
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Keep Exploring →Endangered Species Carousel: The Endangered Species Carousel consists of 30 hand-carved wooden animals, each representing species protected and endangered. Two positions on the carousel accommodate wheelchairs, making this attraction accessible for all visitors.
Project Playground: Community members built the zoo’s Project Playground II. This ADA-accessible space for kids has a music station, rock wall and several slides. The playground outside the zoo is free to use, and is top notch, offering families an additional activity that doesn’t require zoo admission.
Atmosphere & Setting
Lakeside Location: Scovill Zoo is located in the 62-acre Scovill Park overlooking Lake Decatur, creating a naturally beautiful backdrop that enhances every visit.
The wooded setting provides natural shade and creates an immersive environment that feels more like exploring a wildlife preserve than touring a traditional zoo.
Manageable Size: Visitors appreciate the zoo’s manageable size, which allows for a leisurely stroll through the exhibits without feeling overwhelmed.
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Discover MoreYou can do the whole zoo in under 2 hours, making it perfect for families with young children or those seeking a relaxed pace.
Cleanliness & Maintenance: This is a small zoo but it’s really nice and clean.
The zoo is well-maintained and clean, with a focus on providing a good experience for families and children. The attention to detail shows in every corner of the facility.
Close-Up Animal Viewing: The real draw here is how close up the animals are. This intimate scale allows for exceptional viewing experiences that larger zoos often can’t provide, making it especially valuable for visually impaired kids, who enjoyed being able to see the animals up close.
Other Considerations
Bring Your Own Food: You can totally bring food into Scovill Zoo, making it a great long-ish outing if you take a good snack or lunch break.
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Keep Exploring →The zoo also features a concession stand with WONDERFUL snow cones and a terrific little gift shop.
Seasonal Operation: Scovill Zoo is typically open from the start of April until the end of October, closing during winter months when many animals are moved to heated indoor facilities.
Perfect for Multiple Age Groups: Great for senior citizens and small children. Not real big and there isn’t a lot of walking required. This is such a perfect zoo for younger school age, though families of all configurations find it engaging.
Convenient Parking: Free parking is available with plenty of parking available right on-site, eliminating the hassle often associated with zoo visits.
Adjacent Attractions: The Scovill Oriental Garden and Sculpture Park offer a quiet spot if you need to relax, while the Children’s Museum of Illinois sits connected via an 800-foot sculpture walk, creating opportunities for extended family outings.
Scovill Zoo
📍 71 S. Country Club Rd., Decatur, IL 62521
