Reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park

(HANNA CITY, ILLINOIS) — Imagine a place you can wake up in the morning to bison in your backyard.

Wildlife Prairie Park, a 1,800-acre zoological park in Hanna City, Illinois — offers just that, plus a lot more.

Here’s your “What-To-Do” list, Wildlife Prairie Park edition.

Where to stay:

There are 7 ways to stay and reconnect with nature at Wildlife Prairie Park.

• Legacy Cabins (where the bison can be easily seen)
• Train cabooses
• Megan’s Lodge
• Grain bin cottages
• Prairie Stables
• Cabin on the Hill
• Tent camping

Rachel, Bennett and I stayed in the Prairie Stables, so that’s what I know the most about.

Sitting aside Caboose Lake, the Prairie Stables are a rustic, cabin feel with two bedrooms and one bathroom, and a porch.

It’s very simplistic and nature-themed, with the pillows and decorations giving a Colorado vibe.

The vibrant, red train cabooses looked incredible. They sit across Caboose Lake from the Prairie Stables. We’d love to stay there one day.

The Grain Bin Cottages are just steps away from the Prairie Stables, as well.

What to do:

There’s so much to do at Wildlife Prairie Park. I say this as someone who has come on a weekend just to walk around and explore, and also as someone who has stayed here overnight. Hiking trails, animal exhibits, train rides, kayaking and much more just to name a few. Head to WPP’s website to learn more.

During our stay, we rode the final Prairie Zephyr train ride of the season. The train takes you through two different loops around the park, seeing plenty of nature along the way. This is a really fun option for kids, and WPP offered free park admission + Prairie Zephyr train rides for veterans on Veteran’s Day. The park is also gearing up for Santa’s Wildlife Express, which is a holiday-themed take on the train ride experience. Tickets are on sale now for the event, which runs December 13-15.

Probably the highlight of our trip was getting a private experience feeding wolves! Bennett, my 2-year-old, must have no fear – because he fed Tala and Aurora (behind a secure fence) with no hesitation. You can sign up for different animal feedings by emailing programming@wildlifeprairie.org

Some of my personal favorite things about Wildlife Prairie Park are the trails to see all the animals. Wolves, bears, bison, cougars and elk lead the charge with plenty more to see along the way. A really fun part, especially for kids, is the education center where you can see owls, turtles, snakes and more inside. This is also a great place to get indoors when the months get a little chillier, which is coming up soon for us Midwesterners.

You can also get married at Wildlife Prairie Park! Say “I do” with some bison in the field behind you, then celebrate in one of the event spaces the park offers. You can find the different options here.

The WPP website says the park is known as a jewel of the North American Midwest. I’d have to agree. It’s well-located, just outside of Peoria – while feeling like you’re escaping to nature.

Many thanks to the WPP team for their hospitality during our stay. Until next time!