Information
Landmark: Wildlife Prairie ParkCity: Peoria
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Wildlife Prairie Park sprawls across 1,800 acres of prairie and woodland just outside Peoria, Illinois.Bill and Hazel Rutherford founded the park in 1978 on land once scarred by strip mining, aiming to protect wildlife, teach environmental stewardship, and offer a place where visitors could wander under open skies.The park highlights native Midwestern wildlife and habitats, inviting visitors to wander among prairie grasses and discover regional ecosystems, meet local species, and understand why protecting these spaces matters.The park shelters over 180 animals, representing more than 60 species native to the Midwest, from red-tailed hawks circling overhead to deer moving quietly through the prairie grass.That means big mammals-think American bison, elk, black bears, cougars, and wolves padding through the brush.You’ll also spot smaller mammals here-bobcats slinking through the brush, foxes darting between trees, and raccoons rustling in the leaves.The park’s alive with birds-hawks cutting across the sky, owls gliding through dusk, ducks paddling near the reeds, and songbirds spilling notes into the air.The park’s a prime spot for birdwatching, where you might catch a flash of bright red as a cardinal darts between the trees.At Wildlife Prairie Park, you’ll find habitats that mimic the region’s native ecosystems-quiet woodlands, open prairies, glistening wetlands, and still blue lakes.Animals thrive in habitats built to match their instincts and needs-like a fox weaving through dense underbrush.The park helps protect nature by restoring native habitats, keeping them healthy, and teaching visitors-sometimes right beside a rustling grove-why wildlife needs safeguarding.Hiking: More than 25 miles of groomed trails twist through the park’s forests, sweep across sunlit prairies, and skirt the edges of quiet wetlands.You can wander these trails and spot native wildflowers brushing your ankles or watch a hawk circle overhead, and they’re welcoming to hikers of any skill level.In winter, crews groom long, snowy trails for cross-country skiing, so visitors can glide through the park and take in its quiet, frosted beauty year-round.The park offers 24 miles of well-kept mountain biking trails, from gentle paths to steep, rocky climbs, giving both first-timers and seasoned riders plenty to enjoy.At Wildlife Prairie Park, you can play an 18‑hole championship disc golf course or a shorter 9‑hole executive loop, with wide grassy fairways that make it a favorite spot for disc golf fans.Several lakes in the park have quiet banks and clear water where you can cast a line for native fish.Visitors can join geocaching treasure hunts scattered across the park, turning a walk into an interactive search for hidden boxes tucked under trees or behind rocks.Bird watching comes alive with feeders tucked near shady branches and identification charts set where you can spot them easily.One of the highlights is the 1.5‑mile Animal Trails, where you can stroll past pine‑scented paths and watch bison, elk, wolves, and cougars roam in wide, natural habitats.The Merrill Woods Trail winds through quiet, shaded forest, with signs along the way pointing out local plants and the animals that call them home.At the Forest Hall Education Center, visitors can join hands-on programs, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy special events-all designed to spark awareness about wildlife and the care of natural resources, from the rustle of leaves to the flight of a hawk.The gift shop offers souvenirs, books packed with local history, and handmade goods fresh from nearby artisans.Picnic areas offer spots where you can spread out a blanket, unpack lunch, and eat while listening to the wind in the trees.At Wildlife Prairie Park, you can spend the night in rustic cabins with modern comforts-perfect for families or small groups who want to wake up to birdsong and the scent of pine.Grain Silo: Once a towering storehouse for wheat, the old silo now welcomes guests with warm wood beams and a rustic charm you won’t forget.Train Caboose: Spend the night in a fully restored caboose, tucked inside the park, where polished brass fittings catch the glow of the lantern light.If you love the classic feel of sleeping under canvas, tent sites are ready for you-pitch your shelter beneath the pines and breathe in the cool night air.Throughout the year, the park comes alive with special events-wildlife-themed parties where you might spot an owl on a handler’s glove, festive holiday gatherings, and activities designed with families in mind.Guided nature walks, school trips, hands-on workshops, and close-up animal encounters give visitors of all ages a chance to learn about local ecosystems and the wildlife that calls them home-like the rustle of leaves when a deer steps through the underbrush.Book a private animal encounter and stand just a few feet from a curious owl while a park naturalist shares its story.Mother’s Day Brunch is a beloved yearly tradition where moms savor a hearty meal, then hop aboard the park’s train for a free, leisurely ride past blooming gardens.Here’s the practical info-find us at 3826 N., right next to the old brick bakery.Taylor Road in Hanna City, Illinois, sits about ten miles west of Peoria, where fields stretch toward the horizon.We’re open most days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you’ll find the animal trails and education center running on nearly the same schedule.Tickets cost $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $11 for kids ages 3 to 12; little ones under 3 get in free, and members walk right in without paying.The park offers ramps, wide trails, and other features that make it easy for visitors with disabilities to enjoy every corner.Significance Wildlife Prairie Park shines as a living example of habitat restoration, hands-on conservation education, and the joy of exploring reclaimed land-where tall grasses sway in the wind.It protects vital Midwestern wildlife and habitats, and invites visitors to explore winding trails, hear rustling leaves, and enjoy the outdoors.With its sweeping views, varied wildlife, winding trails, and one-of-a-kind cabins, it draws families, nature lovers, and anyone eager to spend a day in the open air.
