Just 60 miles from the town of Litchfield is the city of St. Louis. One of the region’s most popular destinations for travel, this exciting and historic location is home to a variety of attractions ranging from museums to parks to theme parks all known for their enjoyable experiences.
One of the most popular of St. Louis many attractions is the St. Louis Zoo. Located in Forest Park in the heart of St. Louis Missouri, it has become one of the leading zoos in the country. Over 90 acres in size, this popular zoo has a long history of conservation and education and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Free to the public, it is home to over 19,000 animals and perfect for a day out for all ages.
First opened in 1904, it is said that the zoo actually owes its creation to the 1904 World’s Fair which was held in St. Louis. To commemorate this event, the Smithsonian built a “walk-through” bird cage for the fair and at the closure of the fair, the city purchased the exhibit and a zoo was born. Today, the park has grown and expanded numerous times and in addition to these first residents, now is home to hundreds of other species ranging from puffins to apes to big cats and frogs.
The zoo is divided into regions. From the river to the lakes to the mountains and the Caribbean, each zone offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about the animals and the environment where you could find them in the wild. One of the most popular and recently opened is called the Penguin and Puffin Coast. A new exhibit which allows visitors an up–close look at four species of penguins and two species of puffins in addition to other water birds, this exhibit allows you to not only see how these amazing birds live and exist above the water but what is going on below the water’s surface as well.
A fun way to explore this and other exhibits is aboard the Emerson Zooline Railroad. A 20 minute narrated tour which makes a 1 ½ round trip to popular exhibits in the park, this year-round attraction is perfect for any visitor looking to explore the park. Since it opened in 1963, the Emerson Zooline Railroad has transported over 35 million visitors. You can learn more about this popular destination by visiting their website at stlzoo.org.
Bill Bailey Litchfield Illinois
Litchfield Illinois is surrounded by hundreds of world class destinations for travel. From the St. Louis Zoo to Route 66 to the Cahokia Mounds, adventure awaits.
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