A day at Decatur, Ill., Scovill Zoo includes seeing hundreds of animals, riding a train, and spinning around a carousel.
My son Andrew enjoyed his time at the zoo which included seeing the animals and touring the zoo by train.
Entering the Zoo
We first entered through the gift shop where we paid the entry fee. Also, from here we bought our tickets for the train. Near the entrance is a listing of when the train runs. Although, it seems to run more often when there is more demand.
Riding the Train
Next, we went to the train station and waited for a few people to get on and then we were on our way.
The train goes by monkeys, cheetahs, camels, and a number of other zoo animals.
It goes through two tunnels as it goes through the park.
Then it crosses a bridge over a section of Lake Decatur.
Next, it has a stop for the nearby Children’s Museum of Illinois.
Lastly, it curves around to return to the station.
The conductor provides commentary on the animals you can see, the zoo hospital, and the history of the zoo. The Scovill Family donated the property of the park district and the zoo opened in 1967.
Checking Out the Animals
Next, we did a walk around the zoo. First, we saw two eagles standing on the ground looking out.
Near the monkey exhibit is a memorial to 160 park rangers killed in Virunga National Park and neighboring parks in Rwanda and Uganda. A sculpture of Virunga’s first female ranger is also there.
Towards the back of the zoo, you can see zebras that were running about.
It was cold so cheetahs laid all together to stay warm.
We checked emus next.
A vulture was nearby and jumped and scared some people by it.
Back towards the middle we came by a red panda enjoying a cool day.
Then we went to the barnyard. We paid the 25 cents so my son Andrew can feed the goats (main photo). Also, we saw a mother feeding her two baby goats.
Lastly, we went to the zoo’s carousel. You can pay at the carousel. Designed using endangered species. My son rode on the tiger.
Then we went out to do some more fun activities in Decatur.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 55 out of St. Louis and exit 103A in Springfield, Ill., until Interstate 72 east. Then exit onto U.S. Highway 36. Next, make a right onto S. Country Club Road and then another right onto Scovill Zoo Place to parking.
Hours:
Spring: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday- Friday; 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Summer: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Daily
Fall: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
Closed Winter
NOTE: Last Admission one hour before closing and go website for exact seasonal dates
Admission
Zoo Admission: $8.75, Adults; $6.75 Ages 2-12; $7.75 65+; Free, Children Under 2
Z.O.&O. Express Train Admission: $4 and Children Under 2 Free
Endangered Species Carousel Admission: $3 One Ride
Address: Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521
Scovill Sculpture Park and Japanese Garden
Next to the zoo parking is a Japanese garden and sculpture park.
Japanese Garden
We first walked around the Japanese garden with its own sculptures, plantings, and flowers. You can see foo dog sculptures throughout this area.
Sculpture Park Area
The sculpture park has 12 pieces.
My son liked the dinosaur-looking bushes.
I liked the hand pointing up.
Also, just outside of the zoo is a large playground.
Children’s Museum of Illinois
Located down the same road as the zoo. The museum is a hands-on, interactive museum for children ages two to ten. The train also stops at the museum.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Wednesday- Saturday; 12 noon – 4:30 p.m., Sunday; Closed Monday- Tuesday
Admission: $10 per person and free for children age one and younger
Address: 55 S. Country Club Rd, Decatur, IL 62521
Shopping: Old Book Barn
We checked out this bookstore, which has a large children’s section.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday- Friday; 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday; 12 noon – 5 p.m., Sunday
Address: 126 US-51, Forsyth, IL 62535
Restaurant: El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant
Dinner included quesadilla, kid’s meal quesadilla, and chicken chimichangas.
Hours: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday- Saturday; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., Sunday
Address: 4204 Prospect Dr, Decatur, IL 62526
MORE CENTRAL ILLINOIS ADVENTURES
New Salem: Where Lincoln Lived as a Young Man
At New Salem, you can walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln. His birthday is Feb. 12.
New Salem is a reconstructed village set in the time when Lincoln lived and worked there. It is about 22 miles northwest of Springfield, Illinois, on Highway 97.
Road Trip to Allerton Park Near Champaign
A centaur in the middle of the woods can be found at Allerton Park sculpture garden in Central Illinois and was one of the many treasures we found there.
This park has amazing sculptures like this everywhere and it was our destination today.
Benld to Gillespie Bike Trail Walk
See a Russian Orthodox Church and downtown murals on the walk from Benld to Gillespie north of Edwardsville, Ill.
Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary Hike
Hike nature trails through woods, along a small creek, and through prairie grass at H & B Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary.
