ZooIllinois, US

Miller Park Zoo

Miller Park Zoo offers an intimate journey into the natural world.

About

Miller Park Zoo offers an intimate journey into the natural world. This charming, AZA-accredited zoo in Miller Park invites visitors to connect with diverse wildlife from around the globe in a family-friendly setting. Explore captivating indoor and outdoor exhibits, marvel at majestic big cats, playful primates, and exotic birds, all while learning about vital conservation efforts. The zoo provides a delightful and manageable experience, perfect for visitors of all ages to spend a few engaging hours. Wander through the immersive Tropical America Rainforest, get up close with wallabies in the Wallaby WalkAbout, or be mesmerized by the elusive Pallas' cats. With a focus on education and interaction, Miller Park Zoo creates memorable encounters with fascinating animals like the endangered Sumatran tiger, the adorable red pandas, and the wise Galapagos tortoises. It's an ideal destination for an inspiring and educational outing. Beyond its impressive animal collection, Miller Park Zoo prides itself on offering engaging keeper talks and interactive opportunities that deepen the visitor experience. Its compact size ensures easy navigation, making it a stress-free adventure for families with young children. Discover a world of wonder and contribute to wildlife appreciation and conservation at this historic Illinois institution. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

Miller Park Zoo boasts a rich history, dating back to 1891 when the city of Bloomington first allocated funds for the care of animals in Miller Park, starting with a deer. The zoo truly began to take shape around 1900, when a circus left behind a lion cub that eventually became "Big Jim," a beloved resident until his death in 1912. Following Big Jim's passing, the community rallied to fund the construction of the iconic Katthoefer Animal Building, which opened its doors in 1914. Over the decades, the zoo has expanded and evolved, adding numerous exhibits and facilities. Notable additions include the Woodland Wing (later the Tropical Rainforest Exhibit) in the 1960s, the Wallaby WalkAbout in 1994, and the Children's Zoo Complex in 2001. Today, Miller Park Zoo is proudly accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a testament to its commitment to high standards of animal care, conservation, and education, making it one of the oldest and smallest AZA-accredited facilities in the United States.

What to do here

Plan your visit around scheduled animal feedings for the harbor seals, river otters, bears, gibbons, and tigers, which offer engaging interaction opportunities. Take time to observe the elusive Pallas' cat and the majestic bald eagles. Engage with the interactive zones in the Wallaby WalkAbout and Children's Zoo.

Seasonal info

The zoo operates daily, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. In winter, many outdoor animals have access to heated indoor shelters, while species accustomed to the cold, like otters and red pandas, remain active and can be seen enjoying their habitats. The Tropical America Rainforest exhibit provides a warm retreat year-round.

Accessibility

Miller Park Zoo is handicap accessible, with paved trails and ramps designed to accommodate individuals using wheelchairs and strollers. A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available for free at the Zootique Gift Shop. The zoo is also recognized as the first certified sensory-friendly zoo in Illinois, providing a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Don't miss

Tropical America Rainforest

Katthoefer Animal Building

Wallaby WalkAbout

Children's Zoo

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Tiger

Snow Leopard

Red Panda

Galapagos Tortoise

Greater Flamingo

North American River Otter

Pallas's Cat

Bald Eagle

Gibbon

Meerkat

Oats

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check Feeding Schedules

Look for daily animal feeding schedules upon arrival; these provide excellent opportunities to see animals active and engage with zookeepers.

Explore the Wallaby WalkAbout

Don't miss this immersive exhibit where wallabies and wallaroos roam freely, offering a unique close-up experience.

Bring Hand Sanitizer

With interactive areas like the Children's Zoo, it's always a good idea to have hand sanitizer handy.

Consider a Membership

If you plan to visit multiple times a year, an annual membership can offer significant savings and often includes discounts at other zoos.

Utilize Miller Park Amenities

After your zoo visit, enjoy the surrounding Miller Park, which features a playground, splash pad (seasonal), and mini-golf for additional family fun.

Visit in the Morning

Animals tend to be most active in the cooler morning hours, especially during warmer seasons.

Frequently asked questions

: Miller Park Zoo is home to many fascinating animals, including the majestic Sumatran tiger, elusive snow leopards, adorable red pandas, ancient Galapagos tortoises, and vibrant greater flamingos. Visitors also love the playful North American river otters and the distinctive Pallas' cats.
: Yes, Miller Park Zoo is handicap accessible, featuring paved pathways and ramps throughout its exhibits to ensure ease of access for strollers and wheelchairs. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for use free of charge at the Zootique Gift Shop. The zoo is also the first certified sensory-friendly zoo in Illinois, aiming to provide an inclusive experience for all visitors.
: Absolutely! The zoo offers several interactive opportunities, such as the Wallaby WalkAbout, where you can observe wallabies up close in their immersive habitat, and the Children's Zoo, which allows for encounters with domestic animals like goats and cows. Daily animal feeding demonstrations also provide engaging educational experiences.