Illinois Zoos and Aquariums: Complete Guide

Discover Illinois' world-class zoos and aquariums, featuring 7 AZA-accredited facilities including the premier Shedd Aquarium, free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo, and the expansive Brookfield Zoo. From Chicago's downtown attractions to regional zoological parks, explore the state's diverse wildlife experiences.

12+

Zoos & Wildlife Parks

7

AZA-Accredited

FREE

Lincoln Park Zoo

32,500

Animals at Shedd

AZA-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums

Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago) FREE Admission

Website: lpzoo.org
Accreditation: AZA-accredited through September 2028 (since 1976)

One of few zoos to offer free admission. World of wildlife in shadow of skyscrapers, located within verdant park minutes north of Chicago. AZA Population Management Center (PMC) hosted at Lincoln Park Zoo conducts genetic and demographic analyses for all Species Survival Plans.

Highlights: Lions, gorillas, tropical rainforests, dry-thorn forests, spacious savannas. Natural, free oasis for generations of animal lovers.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Address: 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513
Website: czs.org
Accreditation: AZA-accredited through September 2028

Managed by Chicago Zoological Society. Largest zoo in Chicago metropolitan area housing approximately 511 species on 216 acres. Since 1934 opening, internationally recognized for cutting-edge animal care and natural world conservation. Open every day.

John G. Shedd Aquarium (Chicago)

Address: 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Website: sheddaquarium.org
Accreditation: AZA-accredited through March 2029

Municipal public aquarium opened May 30, 1930. Designated National Historic Landmark 1987. Contains 1,500 species including fish, marine mammals, birds, snakes, amphibians, insects. 32,500 creatures from aquatic habitats worldwide.

Exhibits: Waters of the World, Wonder of Water, Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium (beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, penguins).

Note: Illinois residents enjoy free admission select days 5-9 PM.

Other AZA-Accredited Facilities

Cosley Zoo (Wheaton) - AZA-accredited through September 2026
Address: 1356 N. Gary Avenue, Wheaton, IL 60187
Website: cosleyzoo.org
Five acres with ponds featuring domestic farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Nationally recognized with accessible pathways throughout.

Miller Park Zoo (Bloomington) - AZA-accredited through September 2028
Website: Miller Park Zoo
Sun bears, reindeer, Sumatran tiger, sea lions, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoise, bald eagles, pallas cats, Amur leopard, gibbons, red wolves. Wallaby WalkAbout, ZooLab, Children's Zoo, Animals of Asia exhibits.

Peoria Zoo - AZA-accredited through September 2028
Location: Corner of Prospect and McClure, Peoria
Website: peoriaparks.org

Scovill Zoo (Decatur) - AZA-accredited through September 2027
Address: 71 South Country Club Road, Decatur, IL 62521
Website: Scovill Zoo
Exciting animal adventure in Decatur.

Other Illinois Wildlife Attractions

Henson Robinson Zoo (Springfield)
Address: 1100 East Lake Drive, Springfield, IL 62707
Over 300 animals from Australia, Africa, Asia, North/South America. 90+ species in naturalistic exhibits. Participates in scientific research and conservation.

Niabi Zoo (Coal Valley, near Moline)
Address: 12908 Niabi Zoo Road, Coal Valley, IL 61240
Website: niabizoo.com

Wildlife Prairie Park (Hanna City, near Peoria)
Address: 3826 N. Taylor Rd., Hanna City, IL
Website: Wildlife Prairie Park
2,000-acre zoological park. Home to bison, elk, eagles, cougars, otters, wolves. Open March 1 - December 14.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center (Glen Ellyn)
Address: 3 S 580 Naperville Road, Wheaton, IL 60187-8761
Website: Willowbrook Wildlife Center
Rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned animals native to northeastern Illinois. Visitor Center features close-up views of wild native species.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois has 7 AZA-accredited facilities: Brookfield Zoo Chicago (through Sept 2028), Cosley Zoo (through Sept 2026), John G. Shedd Aquarium (through March 2029), Lincoln Park Zoo (through Sept 2028), Miller Park Zoo (through Sept 2028), Peoria Zoo (through Sept 2028), and Scovill Zoo (through Sept 2027). Lincoln Park Zoo has maintained continuous accreditation since 1976.

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is one of the few zoos in the United States to offer free admission year-round. John G. Shedd Aquarium offers free admission to Illinois residents on select days from 5-9 PM. Teachers from Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana are eligible for free general admission tickets to Shedd Aquarium.

Shedd Aquarium, opened May 30, 1930, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It contains 32,500 creatures representing 1,500 species from aquatic habitats worldwide. The Abbott Oceanarium allows face-to-face encounters with beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and penguins. Shedd was the most visited aquarium in the Western Hemisphere in 2005 and became Chicago's most visited cultural institution in 2007.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago is the largest zoo in the Chicago metropolitan area, housing approximately 511 species of animals across 216 acres. Wildlife Prairie Park near Peoria is the largest by land area at 2,000 acres, specializing in native wildlife including bison, elk, eagles, cougars, otters, and wolves.

Lincoln Park Zoo hosts the AZA Population Management Center (PMC), which conducts genetic and demographic analyses for all Species Survival Plans nationwide. Brookfield Zoo, managed by Chicago Zoological Society since 1934, has an international reputation for cutting-edge animal care and conservation. Henson Robinson Zoo participates in scientific research studies and conservation efforts. All AZA-accredited Illinois facilities participate in cooperative breeding programs to maintain genetically diverse populations of endangered species.

All Illinois zoos offer excellent family experiences. Miller Park Zoo features Wallaby WalkAbout, ZooLab, and a dedicated Children's Zoo. Cosley Zoo provides intimate experiences with domestic farm animals and accessible pathways. Lincoln Park Zoo offers free admission making it budget-friendly for families. Brookfield Zoo is open every day of the year providing year-round educational opportunities. Henson Robinson Zoo provides fun and educational environments for all ages with naturalistic exhibits of 90+ species.

Illinois zoos feature diverse collections: Lincoln Park Zoo has lions, gorillas, and rainforest species. Miller Park Zoo houses sun bears, Sumatran tigers, sea lions, river otters, red pandas, lemurs, Galapagos tortoises, bald eagles, pallas cats, Amur leopards, gibbons, and red wolves. Shedd Aquarium features 32,500 marine creatures including beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, sea lions, and penguins. Wildlife Prairie Park specializes in native Illinois wildlife including bison, elk, eagles, cougars, otters, and wolves. Cosley Zoo focuses on domestic farm animals and native Illinois species.

Willowbrook Wildlife Center in Glen Ellyn (Wheaton area) is a rehabilitation facility providing care and medical treatment for injured and orphaned animals native to northeastern Illinois. The Visitor Center features close-up views of wild native species. This facility focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and education about Illinois wildlife conservation.

Last updated on November 27, 2025