Phillips Park

A Walk Through History

Dating back to 1899 and officially opened in 1902, Phillips Park bears the name of Travis Phillips, a former Aurora mayor whose estate helped fund this green space. When Phillips died, his will set aside $24,000 specifically to purchase land for a public park to be given to the city, and a deed for 60 acres was signed on November 21, 1899.

The land itself had a longer history still - it had been used as a picnic spot as far back as 1835, when it was known as Scharschug's Woods, and in the early 1870s the Aurora Sharp Shooter Society developed it as an entertainment area. The city initially called it City Park, but locals already referred to it informally as Phillips Park, a name the city council made official in 1902. Today the park sprawls across 325+ acres in Aurora, Illinois, operated by the City's Parks and Recreation Department.

Meet the Residents of Phillips Park Zoo

One of the park's main attractions, the Phillips Park Zoo, has been delighting visitors since 1915. The best part? It's completely free and open year-round. Home to roughly 100 animals across 41 species, you'll find charismatic creatures like playful North American river otters, majestic bald eagles, powerful cougars, and mysterious gray wolves all calling this place home.

The zoo also features friendly farmyard animals and fascinating reptiles. The ZooCiety's Education Center offers informative displays about conservation and local wildlife - making this not just a fun outing but an educational one too. It's a good place for kids and adults to learn about the natural world.

Natural Beauty Spots

At the heart of the park lies Mastodon Lake, named after an incredible discovery during its 1930s excavation - actual mastodon fossils. The dig was part of a Civil Works Administration project during the Great Depression, and what workers pulled from the ground turned out to be a remarkably complete collection: three mastodon skulls, three tusks, a lower jaw, a shoulder blade, three ribs, a femur, and several toe bones. The mastodon wasn't the only prehistoric creature found there - workers also recovered the jawbone and femur of a Castoroides ohioensis (the giant beaver), along with bird bones and plant remains including wood fragments and seed cones from Eastern hemlock and Black spruce trees.

The finds attracted significant outside interest - the Field Museum of Natural History offered a cast of their Megatherium skeleton in exchange for the real mastodon bones, but the city turned them down. Today, those bones are housed in the Visitor Center, built in 2003 near the spot where they were originally uncovered. The Mastodon Trail loops around the lake for about a mile, featuring fitness stations for the exercise-minded and a floating dock where you can fish or launch a small boat.

Near the Visitor Center, you'll discover the Sunken Gardens with their meticulously maintained plants, a beautiful lighted fountain, and multi-level walkways. In spring, the flowers in bloom make this area particularly photogenic.

Recreation for Everyone

During summer, the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center offers pools with slides, a kid-friendly splash pad, sand volleyball courts, and dedicated lanes for lap swimming.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate the Phillips Park Golf Course with its challenging 18-hole championship layout. Complete with a driving range and modern clubhouse, the course is known for its excellent maintenance and beautiful grounds.

The park also features tennis courts, a BMX/skate park, sand volleyball courts, softball fields, and a dog park. The wooded areas provide shady retreats for walks, and dog owners will appreciate the convenient pet stations around the grounds.

Gathering Spaces

Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, suitable for small family lunches or larger gatherings under reservable shelters. The expansive green spaces provide room to spread out, play frisbee, or simply relax on a blanket.

Kids gravitate toward the modern playgrounds found in several locations around the park. Many visitors combine playground time with a zoo visit and a picnic for a full day at the park.

Cultural Touches

As you explore, you'll encounter a serene waterfall, historic World War I cannons, thoughtful veterans memorials, and artistic mastodon sculptures that pay homage to the park's paleontological significance.

The park transforms with the seasons - winter brings ice activities on the frozen lake, while spring and summer showcase the meticulously maintained grounds in full bloom. Year-round, Phillips Park provides a peaceful retreat from daily life, combining historical elements, natural scenery, and recreational options.