One of my favorite places in Peoria is Wildlife Prairie Park. There’s so much to do that you can spend the day at Wildlife Prairie Park. The whole family can find something they enjoy.
Adventures at Wildlife Prairie Park
Train Rides
Take the Prairie Zyphyr throughout Wildlife Prairie Park. You can enjoy the ride at Main Train Depot or Pioneer or Gollywhopper Pavillions. Some of the membership option include train passes or you can purchase at the main gate.
Adventure Trek
Adventure Trek is a season attraction that takes you into the Bison and Elk pasture. I got to do this over the summer and it was AMAZING!! The guides are so knowledgeable, and I learned so much about the animals. Did you know when a baby bison is born they don’t have a scent. The momma stays nearby and only goes to the baby every now and again.
Hiking
There are several hiking challenges to participate in at Wildlife Prairie Park ranging from one day to yearly challenges. The one day hikes are a 4 mile and 5 mile challenge. Take a selfie at 9 of the designed selfie stations but I will warn you a few of them are kind of hard to find. On June 1 of each year starts the Bobcat 75, Bison 300, and Wildlife Walkers (200 miles). The Bobcat 75 is a 3 month challenge that can also be applied to the Bison 300.
Kayaking & Fishing
Wildlife Prairie Park has 7 different lakes to kayak. You can bring your own or rent one there. Wildlife Prairie Park recommends launching at Deep lake, Beaver lake, East Horseshoe Lake, North lake or Taylor Lake. Kayaks are 1 hour rentals on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with the option of single adult, single youth, or tandem adult. There are 2 fishing kayaks available to rent everyday for Beaver lake. Online reservations ONLY!
Laser Tag
I personally think this is pretty cool, and I’m not sure how many people in this area ACTUALLY know about it. I can think of so many businesses in the area that could use this for team building, parties, etc. The Wild Woods Laser Tag includes 3 laser tag games including training and instruction. Parties can be up to 15 players for roughly $15 per person.
Animal Trail
This is located on the west side of Wildlife Prairie Park with a 1.5-mile walking trail through Merrill Woods. There are over 60 different species of animal. Along with the animals is a Pioneer homestead, Old School House, and Butterfly House. One of my favorite things about the trails on this side of the park is the benches. In my hiking bag is always a journal and a book, so these are great spots to relax, be in the moment, read for a little bit, or journal.
Other Events At Wildlife Prairie Park
There are so many events year-round at Wildlife Prairie Park. During the summer there are wildfire concerts from 6p-9pm. Kickapoo Creek Festival in August. Halloween in October. Holiday lights in December.
Lodging at Wildlife Prairie Park
There are so many different lodging options. Wildlife Prairie Park has options ranging from Cabin on the Hill to over 20 tent sites. One thing that I didn’t know until I was looking at the brochure we received at check in was the T.O.U.C.H. Cabin which is restricted to OSF patients with a congenital heart defects. One day I would love to stay the train caboose because i think that would just be so unique.
Lodging Options
My goal is to stay at all of these sometime.
- Cabin On the Hill – This is a single-room log cabin.
- Legacy Cabins –
- Train Cabooses – Stay the night in a renovated Santa Fe Train Cabooses.
- Prairie Stables – 3 cabins
- Grain Bin Cottages –
- Recreation Center – This is exclusively for lodging guest.
- Tent Sites – over 20 camping sites to sleep under the stars.
West Side at Wildlife Prairie Park
This is located across the street from the main park entrance. Park admission includes both East and West sides of the park. There is a 9-hole executive disc golf course or a championship level 18-hole course. In the parking lot is a place to fix your bike or practice tricks. Taylor Lake is on the west side for fishing or kayaking.
Membership at Wildlife Prairie Park
Several membership options fit any budget and family size. I purchased the me plus 3 membership last year. Check out the website for the membership options.
