Our newly extended train ride includes views of additional zoo animals, a ride over a 30ft high bridge with breathtaking views of Lake Decatur, peeks at the Scovill Sculpture Park and access to the Children’s Museum of Illinois. Thanks to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for partnering with the Decatur Parks Foundation to make this project a reality!
One of Scovill Zoo’s most popular attractions, the Z.O. & O. Express has transported tens of thousands of visitors each year. Added to the zoo in 1984, the train is a scaled replica of an 1863 C.P. Huntington Steam Train. C.P. Huntington, a California merchant in the 1800s, built and operated the Central Pacific Railroad. The Z.O. & O. Express is ADA accessible. Passengers in wheelchairs can board the train via a ramp and safely ride in a special, secure wheelchair area.
Extended Train Ride Admission:
Tickets: $4.00/$3.50 for Friends of the Zoo. Children ages 1 and under are free. Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted train tickets through our group visitor program by calling at least two weeks in advance at 217/421-7435.