Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria, Illinois 

Tucked away quietly near the urban hub of Peoria, Illinois rests the 2000-acre sanctuary of Wildlife Prairie Park. Home to more than 50 native species of animal such as coyotes, foxes, otters, deer and buffalo, the park offers an opportunity to observe the fauna of Illinois in a naturalistic habitat. The winding forest paths and picturesque scenery are a far cry from the traditional animal zoo, which is exactly why many visitors are drawn to the park each year. It’s a pleasant experience for families, said General Manager Linda Prescott. 

The park was established as an offshoot project of the Brookfield Zoo of Chicago, beginning as a region to host exotic endangered animals. When the Brookfield Zoo decided to cancel its plans for the park, William Rutherford of the Forest Park Foundation, the original donor of the 480 acres of woodland for the project, decided to utilize the land to create “an untapped natural resource to pay tribute to America at the time of the pioneers and establish a zoological park dedicated to Illinois,” said Kelly Stickelmaier, public relations coordinator at the park. In 1977, Rutherford opened the park temporarily as a birthday gift to his wife Hazel.

Rutherford said he originally planned to spend less than $1 million dollars on the project, but since then it has cost the Peoria Park System more than $7 million. His love and dedication to the park extends well beyond monetary means, and the service and care that has been put into the exhibits is visible. 

Besides simply being a conservation effort, the park also focuses on educating its visitors. Classes and demonstrations are offered both within the park and the community, expanding the city’s awareness of its natural species and history. Some of the programs include a birds of prey demonstration, a meet a reptile interaction and daily bison, elk and deer feedings.

Specialized group demonstrations can be arranged for large classes of visitors and include an “Unhuggables” program packet featuring creepy-crawly creatures with a yuck factor, an endangered species program and a series of demonstrations focusing on the many adaptations of predators. The presentations aim to encourage respect and understanding of the environment as well as an appreciation for the natural heritage of Illinois.

In addition to the 150 animals who live on the land, Wildlife Prairie Park also offers a re-creation of an 1800’s pioneer homestead, complete with livestock. A train runs through the park daily, and there are opportunities to fish, explore a butterfly garden and admire Hazel’s Hill, a Native American meditation circle.

Perhaps what separates the park most from other similar establishments is the way the exhibits are displayed. Enclosed within large habitats, animals can be spotted stretching out beside trails and yawning below wooden plank bridges. The paths that stretch along and, at times, over the enclosures offer visitors a chance to glimpse animals in a natural habitat. The species are spread out, with a decent hike through the forest paths lazily curbing visitors to the various enclosures. “ [The park offers] visitors an opportunity to see animals that were indigenous to Illinois in a natural setting,” said Prescott. “ [It gives] a peaceful and relaxing ... outdoor experience.”

The enclosures of the path blend almost seamlessly into the park, and at times it is possible to forget that the surrounding habitat is actually part of a maintained zoo. Giggling school children found themselves eagerly stroking the soft fur of dairy goats in the petting zoo. They climbed through a rustic re-creation of a pioneer cabin, eager to visit the chicken coop awaiting them on the other side. The chickens spooked slightly as several of the children laced their fingers into the links of the cage, yelling back to their parents in cries of joy. Later, the same children try to suppress their excitement, stomping on the ground and clapping their hands wildly as a wild deer wandered out onto the wooded path before them.
In addition to the animals on display, the park also contains food and recreation areas available for picnics and gatherings. Multiple trails weave throughout the park, appealing to hikers and backpackers.

Rustic lodging is also available. Located on the edge of a bison and elk range, a renovated train caboose features single bunk beds and can sleep four people comfortably. In addition to the caboose, there are rentable cottages near the lake that are air-conditioned and heated.
Another lodging option is a renovated horse stable, with a family-style layout and a private patio with each room. Near the campsites rests a 58-foot slide and multiple picnic areas.

Since its completion in 1978, when Rutherford officially opened the park to the public, Peoria’s Wildlife Prairie Park has come to see many changes over the years. In 2008, the park plans to revitalize its image in honor of its 30th anniversary and to pay tribute to its legacy set forth by William and Hazel Rutherford by updating several of the exhibits and expanding the displays.

“It’s just a very, very, very nice place to spend the day,” said Prescott.

She said she loves her job at the park, especially since it allows her the opportunity to work with different people and animals every day. 

Stickelmaier said she believes the park has retained its original focus to inspire an increased awareness, understanding and appreciation of Illinois’ natural heritage.

“ [The park] is one of the Peoria area’s top family- friendly attractions,” she said.