If you love learning about animals, there’s no better place to do so than at Cosley Zoo, a small zoo located in Wheaton, Illinois. It’s here where you’ll also find Douglas Station, a former Chicago Northwestern train station as well as a red caboose. While animals are the main draw to this quaint zoo, the historical train attractions seem to make it all the more fascinating.
Located outside of Chicago, the AZA-accredited Cosley Zoo is part of the Wheaton Park District. Here you’ll find over 50 species and 200 animals throughout its five acres of land. Also on the property is Douglas Depot, Wheaton’s first train station in the mid-1800s.
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
The Douglas Depot is a former 1887 Chicago Northwestern train station. While it has been restored, much of its historical charm has been maintained. Today, it serves as Cosley Zoo’s Wild Side Gift Shop and the starting point to exploring the small zoo.
Cory j/Google
In the zoo’s early days, train tracks were laid on the property. A Burlington railroad caboose was then brought here to sit on the tracks. Visitors can explore the inside of the caboose and get a sense of what life was like on the railroad over a century ago.
Cosley Zoo/Google
While trains are always fascinating, so are animals! Twenty interactive exhibits throughout the zoo provide a way to educate the public about animals and nature.
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
There are 50 species and over 200 animals here from farmyard animals to native Illinois wildlife including birds and mammals.
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
For an additional fee, you can have a Coyote Encounter where you can go behind the scenes with a zookeeper. Learn more about these animals, how they can coexist with humans, and watch a training session. Duck feeding is also available for $2 per feeding. You can sign up for an encounter at the Wild Side Gift Shop.
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
Although small in size, Cosley Zoo has a lot to offer, and if you haven’t been here yet, you should make plans to do so soon!
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
Cosley Zoo/Facebook
Cory j/Google
Cosley Zoo/Google
Have you visited the Cosley Zoo in Wheaton? If so, what did you think? Let us know in the comments. For more information and to plan your visit, head to the Cosley Zoo website and Facebook page.
Another small zoo you may enjoy visiting is Phillips Park Zoo located within Phillips Park in the city of Aurora.
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Address: 1356 N Gary Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
