Updated for September 2026
The Best Zoos in Illinois
How this list is ordered: by how complete our listing is — how much we hold on opening hours, ticket prices, accreditation, photographs, animals and facilities. It is a measure of our own coverage, not a judgement of the venue. We hold no visitor scores or conservation assessments, so “best” here means every zoo in Illinois that qualifies for the list, fullest entry first.
Listed alphabetically
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Keeper talk or showParking
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Zoo in Brookfield
The zoo covers 216 acres and holds about 511 species, making it the largest in its metropolitan area. It opened on 1 July 1934 and became known for using moats and ditches in place of cages.
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Animal feeding experienceOn-site diningSensory and cognitive support
Cosley Zoo
Zoo in Wheaton
Operated by the Wheaton Park District and open all year, it occupies five acres on the footprint of an old railway station. The collection mixes farm animals with North American native wildlife. Offerings for younger visitors include Junior Zookeepers, birthday hires and seasonal events.
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Peoria Zoo
Zoo in Peoria
The zoo is run by the Peoria Park District and opens every day of the year bar five holidays.
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Animal encounterOvernight stayOn-site dining
Niabi Zoo
Zoo in Coal Valley
The name comes from Osage and has been rendered as the fawn that the hunter spared. Its 40 acres lie inside a forest preserve of 287 acres and hold upwards of 600 animals of close to 200 species. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve District runs it as one of six such properties, with general admission open from April to October and education and outreach work continuing all year.
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Behind-the-scenes tour
Aikman Wildlife Adventure
Zoo in Arcola
Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a zoo in Arcola, United States. Animals on show include Sloth, Spotted Hyenas and Kangaroos.
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Keeper talk or show
Henson Robinson Zoo
Zoo in Springfield
By 2018 the collection held over 300 specimens across more than 80 species. Admission is charged.
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Rides and attractions
Lincoln Park Zoo
Zoo in Chicago
Lincoln Park Zoo, opened in 1868, is a zoo in Chicago, United States.
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Miller Park Zoo
Zoo in Bloomington
Run by the city's parks and recreation department, it ranks as the 13th oldest zoo in the country.
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Guided tour
Phillips Park Zoo
Zoo in Aurora
Dating from 1915, it charges nothing for entry and is open all year. Displays include river otters, great horned owls, llamas, pygmy goats and grey wolves.
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Rides and attractions
Scovill Zoo
Zoo in Decatur
The zoo has its own chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Illinois weather forces special arrangements for some of the animals.
Our ranking methodology
This is not a ranking. The 10 venues above are listed alphabetically by name, the same order used throughout this site. We do not collect visitor reviews, star ratings, ticket-sales figures or a conservation-impact score, so none of those exist here to rank by — “best” in this page’s title means every venue that qualifies for this list, not first-to-last by quality. If we ever add a data source robust enough to support an honest ranking, this note and the order above will change together.