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Fit Traveler Blog

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Spend the Day at Wildlife Prairie Park

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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.

spending the day at Wildlife Prairie Park in Peoria, IL

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.

Other Posts You’ll Love

  • Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
  • Hiking For Beginners

20 Comments Categories: Midwest, Outdoor, Travel
About Me

Hi! I'm Jessa! I'm here to talk about all things travel and healthy living without giving up all your favorites.

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Route 66 Welcome Center in Conway, MO I loved thi Route 66 Welcome Center in Conway, MO

I loved this picnic benches were made into popular places on Missouri’s Route 66.
# Peoria Area Farmers Market List Monday - Peori # Peoria Area Farmers Market List

Monday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria

Tuesday

- Morton: June 4 - August - from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm - 225 E. Jefferson St., Morton
- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria

Wednesday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Junction City: May 24th - ? - 3pm to 6pm -
- Sheridan: May 1 - September - from 3 pm until 6 pm - 3827 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, situated outside of Relics and Sheridan Nursery.

Thursday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Pekin: June 6 - August 29 - from 330pm to 630pm -551 S. 14th St., Pekin, in the Miller Center parking lot
- Pekin Fall Market: Two fall markets will also be held − Sept. 12 and Oct. 10
- 3rd THURSDAY ONLY - May 16th, June 20th, July 18th & August 15th - 3pm to 7pm -

Friday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- East Peoria: June 7 - August 30th - from 4pm to 7pm - 396 W. Washington St., East Peoria

Saturday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Peoria Downtown - May 18 - Sept. 28 -  8 a.m. until 12pm - 212 SW Water St., Peoria, in the River Station parking lot.
- Germantown Hills: June 1 - Oct 26 - from 9am to 1pm - Germantown Hills Crossing
- Metamora: June 1 - September - from 8am to Noon - 113 E. Partridge St., Metamora

Sunday
Glow Wild at the @therealpeoriazoo Dates: Friday Glow Wild at the @therealpeoriazoo 
Dates: Friday - Sundays until April 27
Time: 5:30p-9:30p

We got there around 6:30pm, and didn’t leave until 9:15pm. The website says the walk will take about an hour, but you can go at your own pace. There are so many lanterns in each animal exhibit.

We started going through the Asian Trail, there was year of animals. The Africa section was my favorite, but I am not going to tell you why. But it was a nice surprise, and I was way too excited.

There were hands on activities throughout the zoo, but by the time we got to some of the areas it was closed.
-make your lantern
-paint rocks to be placed around the zoo
-tattoos
-music each night

🎟️Tickets:
Advance Online: Adults $19.95 | Kids $13.95
At the Door: Adults $25 | Kids $15
What are your “musts” when traveling? Let me k What are your “musts” when traveling? Let me know in the comments! 

These are the things I always have when I travel: (arrow down)

1. Spare credit card/bank card - I typically bring this, but before my last trip my regular bank card got hacked. Now I make sure to always have 2 cards with me. 
2. Portable charge/power banks - I have a charger that I keep in my car all the time. It's a 4 in 1 charger, but I also have portable charge that I keep in my bag. It has come in handy more times that I can count for me and other people. 
3. Reusable water bottle - I have my Stanley when I am driving. While I am hiking I use either a water bladder or a hydroflask. 
4. Reusable Bags - My favorite is the Mary Kay roll up bag. It has 4 plastic bags that holds everything I need for my morning/evening routine and shower time. 
5. Books - I will most always have a physical book along with my kindle app. I love to read. During my hikes I stop throughout for snacks and reading. 
6. Wet Wipes - My favorite is HyperGo because they have so many different scents. They are also 12x12 so usually 1 works for the whole body. 

In the reel - Things I won't travel without

Caption - What are your travel musts? let me know in the comments because I am going to compile a list and share later. 

Here are mine:

portable charger - I have a small bag where I keep all my cords & portable chargers. 

spare credit card - 

iPad - I have everything on there. books. writing. 

snacks -

reusable water bottle 

headphones -
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