Storybook Hill Children's Zoo
Dubuque, IA
- Admission
- Free
- Accreditation
- None listed
not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Everything below is directory information drawn from public sources and the zoo's own site.
Animals at Storybook Hill Children's Zoo
3 confirmed
Feathers & Fangs from visitors
What people who've been to Storybook Hill Children's Zoo say
A Feather is something this zoo does well; a Fang is something it gets wrong. Left by people who've been, and read by us before they appear.
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About Storybook Hill Children's Zoo
Storybook Hill Children's Zoo is a farm animal zoo at 12201 North Cascade Road in Dubuque, Iowa. Its website describes it as a replica of an American farm from the 1940s, with animals typical of that era. It is not accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The zoo's FAQ says admission is free and that the zoo runs on donations and volunteers.
History
According to the zoo's About page, Storybook Hill was established in 1976 in partnership with the Optimists Clubs of Dubuque, with the aim of increasing the knowledge and understanding of common animals among the people of Dubuque. The zoo's website also thanks the Dubuque Racing Association for its ongoing support.
Exhibits and habitats
The zoo's FAQ lists goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, calves, and other animals. The grounds include pavilions and picnic tables, a playground, and swings. The zoo has two pavilions for rent, and its About page describes space for a birthday party, a reunion, or a small family picnic.
Planning your visit
The zoo operates seasonally. As listed on the zoo's website, it is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The website's home page states that the zoo is closed for the 2026 season and will see visitors again Memorial Day weekend 2027. Visitors are directed to the zoo's Facebook page for the most current information.
Pavilion rentals are arranged by phone, a rental covers the whole day from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and a rental is not guaranteed until payment is received. The contact number listed on the About page is 563-590-1019.
What we haven't confirmed
Everything above came from public sources. These specifics we haven't stood behind yet:
- Parking details
- Accessibility
- Current animal list
Storybook Hill Children's Zoo compared with nearby zoos
How Storybook Hill Children's Zoo lines up against other zoos in the same state. We don't have coordinates for it yet, so these aren't ranked by distance.
| Zoo | Admission | Hours | Size | AZA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Storybook Hill Children's ZooThis zooDubuque, IA | Free | Open 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM every day from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend. Closed for the 2026 season; reopens Memorial Day weekend 2027. Closed for the season until Memorial Day weekend 2027. | — | No |
| Blank Park ZooDes Moines, IA | from $20 | 10 am – 4 pm | 49 acres | Yes |
| Sunrise Children's ZooWaterloo, IA | — | Seasonal petting zoo open May–September on the National Cattle Congress grounds; daily hours not published. | — | No |
Distances are straight-line. A dash means we haven't confirmed that detail yet, not that the zoo lacks it.
AZAThe Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Accredited members have passed an independent inspection of animal care and welfare, safety, conservation and education, repeated every five years. Many smaller facilities never apply, so “not accredited” isn't a verdict on its own. What accreditation means · How we check this
Storybook Hill Children's Zoo: common questions
Is there an admission fee?
The zoo says admission is free and relies on donations.
When is the zoo open?
As listed on the zoo's website, daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Is it open in 2026?
The website says it is closed for the 2026 season and reopens Memorial Day weekend 2027.
What animals are there?
Goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, calves, and others.
Can I rent a pavilion?
Yes. Two pavilions can be rented by phone.
Something wrong here? Tell us — we correct in place, with a dated note.