Since 1967, Scovill Zoo has been an important part of the Decatur community. With 250 animals spanning six continents, an Endangered Species Carousel, Z.O. & O. Express Train (upgraded in 2019), community-built Project Playground, summer camps, adult volunteer opportunities, and mobile classroom programs, the zoo contributes to the education, enjoyment, and quality of life of residents and visitors from across Central Illinois.
Scovill Zoo is located in the 62-acre Scovill Park overlooking Lake Decatur. Fifteen acres of exhibits attract visitors from 285 zip codes. This unique recreational, educational facility offers visitor contact with exotic and domestic animals, horticultural displays and gardens, natural wooded beauty, and family picnicking, all within the confines of a park that recently benefited from the addition of a sculpture park funded by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.
In 2017, a gallery featuring photographs captured by Howard Buffett during his travels in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa, was unveiled in the zoo’s Environmental Education Center.This new addition highlights the connection between Scovill Zoo’s conservation efforts and these beautiful animals in the wild.
Scovill Sculpture Park
Stroll in Scovill Sculpture Park, surrounded by beautiful, one-of-a-kind works of art! The Howard G. Buffett Foundation generously funded the creation and development of the park adjacent to Scovill Zoo and the Children’s Museum of Illinois. If you haven’t yet visited the Sculpture Park, stop by! This beautiful venue is free and open year-round.
Scovill Zoo Extended Train Ride
Our 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. Thanks to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for partnering with the Decatur Parks Foundation to make this project a reality!
Knowledgeable staff and friendly volunteers strive to make the facility a fun, educational destination for people…and a safe, happy home for the animals.
