Illinois’ Wildlife Prairie State Park

Wildlife Prairie State Park was officially opened in 1978 and independently operated until the year 2000, when its founder, William Rutherford, presented the deed to the governor and the state of Illinois. Wildlife Prairie State Park is a zoological park that spans more than 2,000 acres in central Illinois near Peoria. WPSP is home to 150 animals and 50 different species native to the state.

Not originally set out to be a nationally recognized state park, Wildlife Prairie State Park began in the 1960s when the Forest Park Foundation acquired 480 acres of land near Peoria intended for conservation and other environmental use. The FPF was ran by the family of Rutherford, and when he heard that Brookfield Zoo was looking for land space on which to raise exotic animals that were endangered, he suggested the use of this land. As time passed, plans changed, as did the management of Brookfield Zoo, but since the project had already been started, Rutherford decided that the Forest Park Foundation would create its own project. Money was raised, buildings were erected and native Illinois plants and animals were brought in, resulting in the creation of Wildlife Prairie State Park.

One of the main attractions of the park is an 86 acre pasture in which you can view bison and elk in their natural habitat, or very similar to what would have been their natural habitat. There is an observation area with telescopes you can use to view. If you don’t see them out on your first visit to this area, check back again before you leave, as many times they appear at some point during your visit. Be sure to visit the reptile house near the observation area for the bison and elk. Inside, you will find many varieties of snakes and reptiles within their enclosed habitats.

Stop to visit the wolves at their exhibit, and perhaps catch a viewing of bones being thrown to the wolves. See the visitor center for exact times for that day. Wildlife Prairie State Park also features a bird aviary, which you may walk through and other bird exhibits such as Bald eagles, hawks and owls. Watch the otters play at your stop at the otter pond exhibit, then make your way up to view the black bears. More bears can be seen later in your journey at another exhibit.

You will encounter wide, wooden bridge walkways along your course, where you will look down upon the habitats of bears and cougars from above. While walking along, you will also encounter bobcats, many nestled in the trees. You will also see coyotes and foxes in this area.

Make sure to see the pioneer farmstead with it’s log cabin and chicken coop. There, you will be able to pet goats and sheep and observe the chickens (one chicken in particular used to love to jump the fence and chase my youngest son, which was pretty funny and quite harmless). Also, the kids will enjoy taking a trip through the park on the train.

Wildlife Prairie State Park has often been called the “jewel of the Midwest” and strives to promote conservation, education and recreation. It is truly a beautiful place to visit, and I have shared many special times with my family there throughout the years. Visit the website at www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org for more information.


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