Intimate zoo featuring farm animals and native Illinois wildlife.
Nestled on 5 acres, Cosley Zoo offers visitors a chance to discover exhibits and learn about the natural habitats for White-tailed Deer, Red Fox, Blanding’s Turtles, bobcats, a coyote, a Black-crowned Night Heron, and more. Cosley Zoo is also a haven for animal education and conservation, offering a number of programs that teach young and old how to care for the world around them and give back to the communities in which they live, work, and play. Kids 17 and under are admitted free.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
The zoo—then called Cosley Children’s Park and Museum—opened on August 17, 1974. On opening day the park displayed a handful of domestic farm animals. Within a few short months, the park began exhibiting native wildlife. After about two years of operation, the park changed its name to Cosley Animal Farm and Museum.
What is your primary product or service?
Cosley Zoo displays farm animals and native Illinois wildlife. Our mission is to promote the understanding of the relationship among humans, animals, and the environment through recreation, education, and wildlife conservation.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Cosley Zoo focuses on educating visitors about the animals that are or once were in our backyards.
Provide detailed directions to your location
From Roosevelt Rd. (Rt. 38): Turn north on County Farm Rd. and continue under the railroad tracks. The first stoplight after the tracks is Jewell Rd. Turn right onto Jewell Rd. Jewell Rd. will end at Gary Ave. Turn right onto Gary Ave. and go 500 feet to the zoo entrance.
From North Ave. (Rt. 64): Turn south on Gary Ave. Continue past Geneva Rd. to Jewell Rd. (fifth light from North Ave.). Continue past Jewell Rd. to the zoo entrance, about 500 feet south on the right side of the street.
From I-88: Exit at Winfield Rd. northbound. Continue to Roosevelt Rd. (Rt. 38), turn right onto Roosevelt Rd. Take Roosevelt to County Farm Rd. and go left. After the railroad tracks, turn right at Jewell Rd. Take Jewell Rd. until it dead-ends at Gary Ave. Turn right onto Gary Ave. and go 500 feet to the zoo entrance on the right.
From Naperville Road: Take Naperville Rd. north to Roosevelt Rd. (Rt. 38). Turn left onto Roosevelt Rd. and go to the first stoplight at Main St., Wheaton, you will turn right. Follow Main St. through town to a light at Harrison and go left onto Harrison. Take Harrison to a dead-end at Gary Ave. Turn right onto Gary and go about 1/2 mile to the zoo entrance on the left (second entrance on left).
From Rt. 59: Exit at Roosevelt Rd. (Rt. 38) and go east to County Farm Rd. Go left onto County Farm Rd. and continue past the railroad tracks. The first stoplight after the tracks is Jewell Rd. Turn right onto Jewell Rd. Jewell Rd. will end at Gary Ave. Turn right onto Gary Ave. and go 500 feet to the zoo entrance.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cosley Zoo accepts cash, check, and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover).
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Cosley Zoo is a facility of the Wheaton Park District.
What are your hours of operation?
January-March: Daily 9 am-4 pm*
April-October: Daily, 9 am-5 pm
November: Daily, 9 am-4 pm*
After Thanksgiving-December 23: Daily, 9 am-9 pm
December 26-30: Daily, 9 am-9 pm
Christmas Eve: 9 am-12 pm
Christmas Day: Closed
New Year’s Eve: 9 am-12 pm
*Please Note: Cosley Zoo is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Contact Cosley Zoo:
