Niabi Zoo, Quad Cities Travel Guide

4.1 (2389)

Discover wildlife wonders at Niabi Zoo, a conservation and education hub in the Quad Cities, offering fun for all ages.

Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois, offers a chance to connect with over 600 animals from around the world within a picturesque 40-acre forest preserve. Founded in 1963, the zoo prioritizes conservation and education, making it a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Niabi Zoo

13010 Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley, Illinois, 61240, US
Click to display
Click to display

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 Niabi Zoo website for the most up-to-date information on hours, events, and any temporary exhibit closures.
Consider purchasing tickets online to save time upon arrival.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
Take advantage of the animal feeding experiences for a memorable encounter.
Pack your own snacks and drinks (no straws or glass) to save money, as the concession stands may be closed.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Broadway National Historic District

Black Hawk State Historic Site

Campbell's Island State Historic Site

Colonel Davenport Historical House

Fort Armstrong Historic Site

Explore Niabi Zoo on the Map

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

Getting There

Driving

Niabi Zoo is located at 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd, Coal Valley, IL 61240. From I-74, take the Coal Valley exit and follow signs for the zoo. Parking is available in the lot on the north side of the zoo for $4 per automobile.
Public Transport

While direct public transportation to Niabi Zoo may be limited, you can take a MetroLINK bus to a nearby location in Coal Valley and then take a short taxi or ride-sharing service to the zoo. A single bus fare is $1.00. A short taxi ride from a MetroLINK stop to the zoo will likely cost around $10-$15.

Discover more about Niabi Zoo

Niabi Zoo, nestled in Coal Valley, Illinois, has been a beloved Quad Cities attraction since its official founding in 1963. However, its roots trace back to 1959 when Gordon V. McLain, a local animal enthusiast, established McLain's Wild Animal Farm. Patti S. Wiman purchased the farm in 1963 and gifted it to the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District, which continues to operate the zoo today. The zoo's name, "Niabi," originates from the Wazhazhe (Osage Nation) language, meaning "the fawn spared by the hunter," reflecting its commitment to conservation.Spanning over 40 acres within a 287-acre forest preserve, Niabi Zoo is home to over 600 animals representing nearly 200 species. Explore diverse habitats and encounter fascinating creatures from around the globe. Key exhibits include the Discovery Center, Passport to Africa (featuring giraffes and colobus monkeys), a white rhino exhibit, a gibbon habitat, and the Biodiversity Hall. Visitors can also enjoy the reptile house, wolf ridge, and domestic animal area.Niabi Zoo offers a variety of experiences, including animal feedings, rides on the Niabi Zoo Express train and the Endangered Species Carousel. The zoo also hosts annual events like Boo at the Zoo and Pints for Preservation. Niabi Zoo is dedicated to conservation, participating in field conservation, coordinated breeding programs, and community education.