Location: South Bend, Indiana Years Active: 1921 – Active The Potawatomi Zoo…it’s the place locals have mixed feelings about. Been around forever, and it’s definitely not some massive, fancy place. But that’s kind of the fun of it, right? It’s like a blast from the past, those old school exhibits, a little worn but full…
Location: Crown Point, Indiana Years Active: 1995 – Active Deep River Waterpark – it’s been a Crown Point staple since 1995. Locals love it, but if you’re a thrill junkie, be warned it’s mostly geared toward families and younger kids. The slides are fun, but don’t expect anything record-breaking. The real draw is the lazy…
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana Years Active: 1965 – Active Forget those picture-perfect zoo brochures. The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo is a wild ride from start to finish. It’s been around forever – since 1965! – but this place never gets boring. Get ready for animals from every corner of the globe. Lions roar on the…
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Years Active: 1964 – Active The Indianapolis Zoo isn’t just another animal park. It’s a place where you connect with incredible creatures – and maybe yourself, too. Since 1964, they’ve been a big part of the Indianapolis community. You’ll find it nestled in White River State Park, a beautiful spot to spend…
Location: St. Charles, Illinois Years Active: 2007 – Active Otter Cove Aquatic Park… it’s the place to beat the summer heat in St. Charles. Slides, lazy river, pools for the kids – it has the standard water park stuff. Sure, that’s fun, but the real draw is how lively this place gets. They throw some…
Location: Woodridge, Illinois Years Active: 2002 – Active Cypress Cove Family Aquatic Park… it’s the best way to beat the summer heat in Woodridge. But let’s be real – it’s not exactly a hidden gem. Expect crowds, especially on weekends. If you hate lines, arrive early or try going on a weekday. The place has…
Location: Coal Valley, Illinois Years Active: 1958 – Active Niabi Zoo in Illinois has been rocking the animal world since 1958. This place isn’t just about staring at animals – they want you to get hooked on conservation. We’re talking lions, giraffes, snakes, the whole wild crew nestled right in the Midwest. Get ready for…
Location: Michigan City, Indiana Years Active: 1928 – Active Washington Park Zoo, located in Michigan City, Indiana, is a 15-acre zoo home to over 90 species of animals. It features exhibits like the Australian Adventure, North American Predators, and an Aviary. The zoo focuses on wildlife conservation and education, offering interactive programs for visitors. This…
Location: Peoria, Illinois Years Active: 1955 – Active Welcome to Peoria Zoo – it’s no paradise, but it’s got its charms. This place has been around since ’55, so expect older exhibits alongside the new. It’s small, so plan on a half-day visit, tops. But hey, that means you can really focus on the highlights….
Location: Decatur, Illinois Years Active: 1967 – Active Scovill Zoo ain’t the biggest, but it’s got heart. It’s been around since ’67, and you can feel the history and the love for animals. Calling itself “Bringing the World to Decatur” is a bit cheesy, but they’ve got some surprising animals for a small-town zoo. Lions,…
