Surprise – Did You Know That There are 7 Zoos in Illinois?

There is the Brookfield Zoo and the Lincoln Park Zoo, but I had no idea that there were five more zoos in Illinois that show off some of the cutest animals in the world.

Yup, you read that right there are technically seven zoos in Illinois. I've been to the Lincoln Park Zoo (which is amazing), but I have not yet been to the Brookfield Zoo it looks like there are a few more I need to visit.

Take The Illinois Zoo Tour

There is the Peroia Zoo owned and operated by the Peoria Park District and open daily from 10 - 4:30. This is not a free zoo you do have to pay to visit, but the zoo has a large area to explore and discover.

There's also the Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora. This is a free zoo that looks like it is a little smaller, but where it is located is surrounded by gardens, waterfalls, and a lake.

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I never would put this next one in a "zoo" category but experts claim that Shedds Aquarium in Chicago is a zoo, which I guess in a way it is just indoors. We've been there several times and have spent hours marveling at the unique fish and animals that live at the aquarium.

Have you heard of the Colsey Zoo in Wheaton? Open since 1974 they are celebrating a big birthday this year so this would be the perfect time to plan a visit. Wheaton is a free zoo for those that live in the town, otherwise, you will have to pay. The zoo is home to several birds, mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates.

Plan a visit to the Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington. This is not a free zoo but is not that expensive to visit. Some highlights include Sumatran tigers, greater flamingos, American alligators, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, and red wolves.

Finally, the Scovill Zoo in Decatur. With 400 animals spanning six continents, a carousel, and a train the zoo is a big staple in the Decatur area. This is not a free zoo but admissions are manageable and family inexpensive.

So get going and plan a visit to all of these amazing zoos this summer.