Niabi Zoo, Corn Belt Travel Guide

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Discover wildlife from around the world at Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois, with conservation and education at its heart.

Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois, is a 40-acre zoological park within a 287-acre forest preserve, home to over 600 animals representing nearly 200 species. Focused on conservation and education, the zoo offers a mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, animal feeding experiences, and rides, making it a great destination for families.

A brief summary to Niabi Zoo

13010 Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley, Illinois, 61240, US
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Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
Thursday 10 am-5 pm
Friday 10 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 10 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Niabi Zoo.

Check the zoo's daily schedule for animal talks and feeding times to enhance your visit.
Purchase tickets online to save time at the admission gates.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking a lot throughout the zoo.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.
Visit the Coins for Conservation kiosk to contribute to species conservation projects.

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Explore Niabi Zoo on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Niabi Zoo, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

If driving from the center of Corn Belt, head south on IL-5 S. Continue for about 15 minutes until you reach 130th Ave, then turn left. Follow 130th Ave for about 5 minutes, and at the stop sign, turn right onto Niabi Zoo Rd. The zoo is about 1 mile on the right. Parking is available on-site. Parking fees are $5 per vehicle and $15 for buses/RVs. Niabi Zoo members park for free.
Public Transport

Check local bus schedules for routes heading towards Coal Valley. You may need to transfer to a line that goes to Coal Valley. From the bus stop, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the zoo. Head south on 1st St, then turn right onto 130th Ave and follow it to Niabi Zoo Rd. Bus fares vary.
Rideshare

Use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft and enter 'Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley, IL 61240' as the destination. Expect to pay around $15-$25 for a one-way trip from Corn Belt, depending on the pickup location and traffic.

Discover more about Niabi Zoo

Niabi Zoo, located in Coal Valley, Illinois, has been connecting the Quad Cities with animals since its founding in 1963. However, its history traces back to 1959 when Gordon V. McLain, a local animal lover, started McLain's Wild Animal Farm. Patti S. Wiman purchased the farm in 1963 and donated it to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, which still operates the zoo today. The zoo's name, "Niabi," comes from the Osage Nation language, meaning "the fawn spared by the hunter," reflecting its commitment to conservation.Niabi Zoo spans 40 acres within a larger forest preserve and is home to over 600 animals from around the world. Exhibits include the Discovery Center, Passport to Africa, and Biodiversity Hall. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including giraffes, Amur leopards, red wolves, white rhinos, and various reptiles and birds. The zoo also offers animal feeding experiences, a train ride on the Niabi Zoo Express, and a carousel.Niabi Zoo is dedicated to conservation and participates in cooperative breeding programs to help sustain at-risk animal populations. It also works with conservation organizations worldwide, supporting projects like the Snow Leopard Trust and the Painted Dog Research Trust. The zoo's education programs aim to inspire visitors to take conservation action.