Cosley Zoo

Located in the picturesque suburbs encompassing Schaumburg and its surrounding areas, Cosley Zoo offers a unique blend of wildlife and history. This cozy 5-acre park is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), ensuring the highest standards of animal care.

Unlike massive safari parks, the atmosphere here is intimate and warm. The grounds are home to over 200 animals representing about 60 different species. The main focus is on fauna native to the USA and the state of Illinois in particular. You can see farm favorites like goats, cows, and fluffy llamas, as well as wild creatures such as graceful bobcats, red foxes, coyotes, and white-tailed deer.

One of the main features of this place is its historic look. The zoo is built on the site of a former train station, and among the animal enclosures, you'll find an authentic vintage caboose and 19th-century barns. This makes a visit not only educational for nature lovers but also interesting for those who appreciate historic architecture.

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Visitors can enjoy an exciting immersion into the world of nature through interactive experiences. One of the most popular activities is observing farm animals in the historic barn, where you can get a closer look at rural life. For young explorers, there are seasonal duck and chicken feeding sessions, which are always a hit.

Wildlife enthusiasts should head to the enclosures for Canadian lynxes, foxes, and coyotes. The Bobcats Backstage program is particularly noteworthy, offering an exclusive look at the lives of bobcats behind the scenes. If you want to learn more about the local ecosystem, check out the Eco-Exploration backpack tours—it's a great way to turn a walk into a real scientific adventure.

In addition to meeting the fauna, be sure to visit the local bird aviary and see the rare Blanding's turtles—the zoo actively participates in a rehabilitation program for them. You can wrap up your walk with a visit to the Wild Side gift shop or a quick snack at the seasonal Coyote Cafe, enjoying the atmosphere of this kind and creative place.

The most convenient way to reach the zoo from downtown Schaumburg is by car. The drive via I-290 W or I-355 S, followed by exiting onto N Gary Ave, takes about 15–20 minutes. Free parking is available on-site for visitors.

If you prefer public transportation, you can take the Metra commuter train (Union Pacific West Line) to the Wheaton station. The zoo is about 3 kilometers from the station, which can be reached by taxi or the local PACE bus system.

Its location in the Chicago suburbs makes this place a great option for a day trip. When planning your route, we recommend accounting for potential rush hour traffic to ensure your journey remains comfortable.

The history of this place began in 1973, when local resident Paula Jones donated a 2.65-acre plot of land to the city's park district in memory of her relative, Harvey Cosley. Thanks to this noble gesture, the area was saved from commercial development and transformed into a cozy corner of nature.

Cosley Zoo officially opened its doors on August 17, 1974, as Cosley Children’s Park and Museum. Initially, it was home to only a few farm animal species, but the collection quickly grew with representatives of local wildlife. A major milestone was the arrival of the vintage Burlington caboose in 1975, placed next to the historic former train station building.

In 2000, the zoo received prestigious AZA accreditation, placing it among the top 10% of zoos in the USA. This confirmed the high level of animal care and the importance of its educational programs. Today, having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, the park continues to thrive as an important center for animal rehabilitation, including the recovery program for the rare Blanding's turtle population.

A full visit to see the zoo's inhabitants typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours. Despite its compact size (about 5 acres), it contains many interesting spots that require a leisurely pace.

If you plan to participate in interactive programs like animal feeding or are traveling with children who will likely want to linger longer at the playgrounds and enclosures, you should set aside half a day for the visit.

The zoo is welcoming to visitors daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The facility is open nearly year-round (362 days), allowing you to plan a visit even during the winter months.

During the summer period, hours may be extended until 5:00 PM. Please note that the schedule can change depending on the season and holidays, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the zoo's official website before your trip.

Exploring the surrounding area can significantly enrich your trip. Near the zoo, you'll find plenty of spots for active family recreation, water fun, and educational outings.