miller park zoo

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, IL is a fine example of a very nice small zoo. Don't expect big exotic animals (like giraffes, lions, polar bears) or "wow" exhibits like the zoos in Chicago or St Louis. Instead this medium small zoo focuses on smaller animals in a modest, charming setting. Favorite animals include lemurs, otters, red pandas, red wolves and eagles. Highlights include a walk-through rainforest exhibit with free-flying birds and the Zoo Lab, an indoor building with a number of aquariums and terrariums filled with small insects, reptiles and mammals, including meerkats, plus a children's play area. The grounds are flat and the whole zoo is only about 10-15 acres, so the zoo makes an ideal and easy 1-2 hour excursion for moms with kids in strollers or grandparents with grandkids, even in winter. The zoo sits in a corner of Miller Park, which has a very large playground and modest mini-golf course right next to the zoo, plus the park contains ponds, hills and greenspace for strolling and picnicking. Buy a zoo membership which not only gives you unlimited free admission for a year but also gives you free or reduced admission to other zoos in central Illinois, including Peoria, Springfield and Decatur.

Went with my son a few years ago. The zoo is in a very small area. So small, it makes you feel uncomfortable.

This is an example of the old-time zoos some cities had before the big mega-zoos of today. I remembered this zoo from when I would visit my aunt when I was a kid in the 60's. We were in town overnight, had some extra time and I wasn't sure it was still there, I was happy to find it was not only still there, but was bigger than it was when I was a kid! Located in a nice park with a lake and lots of kid friendly equipment. Also has a Renault F-17 tank from WW I, something you don't see everyday! Lots of small animals, reptiles and birds, wallabys, otters, large cats and apes, bald eagles, meerkats and more. Even has an old time carousel ride. Big enough to entertain you for a couple of hours at least, kids would like it. My wife and I enjoyed it very much. Good fun!

Not over priced - but if you are in the area makes sense to by the yearly membership - which has it privaledges; beside being able to come and visit the zoo at anytime of the year there are many other zoos in the country that have a partnership which gives you free acces to their zoo. Ex. we were in San Antonio Texas and got in free (price of admission would have been about the cost of our yearly membership at Miller Park Zoo). The staff has always be helpful. Be sure to hit one or more of the feeding times to get some full involvment. The MPZ also has many opportunities for young people to volunteer and learn and help with the zoolife. http://4.17.232.139/parks/Miller-Park-Zoo/about-the-zoo.htm

The Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington, Illinois is one of the smallest zoos in the country. However it is fun and educational. My grand kids had a great time there. There are many small animal exhibits and also some large cats. They also enjoyed the seal lion show. In December they are famous for selling jewelry made from reindeer droppings. They make an unique Christmas gift.

This is a very nice little zoo. It is small but that is kind of the charm with this place. I always visit when in town. It is a nice place for kids as the bigger zoos can become overwhelming and demand a lot of walking as they are spread out on big areas. This is small with enough animals to be fun and interesting but not exhausting or overwhelming.

Ive been to this zoo a few times. Yes it is small and for those of us who live near larger zoos it may seem like the cages are small but Ive been told that most of their animals are there for health reasons or unwanted at other zoos. It is a unique experience. The staff is friendly and I have never noticed poor treatment of the animals. I live 5 minutes from brookfield zoo but the drive to Miller is worth it.

I love visiting this Zoo whenever I am in town. I loved their Sloth (although I am not a big fan of the monkeys that have to be in the same cage as the sloth - one of the monkeys always beats up the sloth - don't ask what I want to do to that nasty monkey). The animals, overall, seem very happy. I liked the walk through wallaby area. Some of the wallabies will even get into the walkway, even though the staff tries to make them stop. (I love it when they do.) It's cheap to get in and worth it with younger kids. Or for animals lovers like me who need something to do in an extremely boring town.

so much more than i expected! lots of different animals and interactive exhibits. plus, all of the staff & volunteers are so nice!

It was a nice afternoon, not a large zoo but is surrounded by a large park could spend most of the day entertaining yourselves there.

Good exhibits, some nice old buildings in good shape. A small city zoo that offers a lot for kids. Situated in Miller Park, which has a nice lake and lots of large old trees ideal for picnicking.

The zoo is very well maintained and the staff friendly and helpful. It is small but definitely worth a visit or membership if you're in the area long enough and enjoy weekly or monthly visits. My kids and I love seeing the animals and watching them eat, play, etc.

The zoo is great value for money, we spent ages walking around, we saw the bear and leopard getting fed, it was a very pleasant afternoon.

While the zoo is a fun place to stop by and kill a couple of hours, I don't think the animals are treated right. Large animals such as a tiger and a bear are kept alone in tiny cement cells. They look like they are in poor health and should not be kept in such enclosures.

Our family was driving through and on a whim decided to visit. This is an awesome small zoo. We easily covered it in two hours but could have taken more time. There were lots of keeper and animal interactions available. Several walk through exhibits where you felt up close to the animals but safe too. Staff was very friendly and open to answering questions.