Wolves & Cougars & Bears....OH MY!
Written: Jun 03 '07 (Updated Jun 03 '07)
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Pros: Large, natural settings for the animals, lots to do
Cons: Somewhat hilly trails
The Bottom Line: A great family place to visit!
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| cmaw63's Full Review: Wildlife Prairie State Park, Peoria, Illinois |
Wildlife Prairie State Park is not your average state park. What sets it apart from the others? Many things.
Visitor Information
Located outside of the small town of Hannah City, Illinois, Wildlife Prairie State Park is more often associated with Peoria. It is easily found from the I-74 interstate, using exit 82.
Unlike most state parks, Wildlife Prairie State Park has set hours and an entrance fee. The park is is closed January & February. The peak season (May 29 to September 3) has visiting hours from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The rest of the year it opens at 9 a.m. with a closing time of 4:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m..
Admission fees to the park vary by season, also. April - October, visitors 13 years old and over are charged $5.50, ages 4-12 pay $3.50, and under the age of 3 is free. Other times the fee is $3.50 adults and $2.00 for 4 to 12 year olds.
You can become a park member allowing for free entry fees and other perks for anywhere from $30 to $255.
Why Are There Hours & Fees?
While many of the Illinois state parks have wildlife, Wildlife Prairie State Park has animals that were indigenous to Illinois during the 1800's. These animals, for the most part, are no longer a part of our current wildlife. This park allows us to re-visit the pioneer days of Illinois.
The animals rule the park. While we had to stay on trails (some paved, other hard pack ground covered with wood chips) the animals have large enclosures with natural settings. Trees, brush, streams and dens allow the animals an almost perfect setting. It makes it hard at times for us to view the animals, but if you're patient you'll most likely catch at least a glimpse of each one.
We're helped by the fact that the trails and bridges are built above the animal enclosures. It enabled us to see most of the animals homes from the higher vantage point.
We were fortunate during our time there in that some of the animals were active. One black bear was trailing along below us, looking like he was hoping one of our group would fall in and play with him. We watched red foxes playing, a gray fox sunning himself, and a snooty cougar laying near the trail that wouldn't look at us. An otter appeared to be waiting for an audience so he could show off. As soon as our group approached his area, he dove in the water, swimming, splashing, and generally putting on a show. We did find each animal in their enclosure, making a game of who could spot them first.
There is an 86 acre Bison/Elk/Deer pasture. It is viewable from several places in the park. While we were there we watched a group of about 20 adult Bison trying to relax, while several Bison babies romped and annoyed them. The Elk were moving around, also. The one I really wanted to see was laying in tall grass. The only thing I could see of him was a huge rack towering above the grass. He never did get up while I was there.
There is a Snakes & More building that has a few toads/frogs, turtles, and snakes. I was disappointed in how few were there until I realized that these were indigenous to my home state. The lack of many snakes took on a new appreciated meaning for me.
Fishing is available in 4 lakes located in the park. Regular Illinois fishing regulations, as well as the park's apply. We didn't have time to check these lakes out due to our schedule.
Pioneer Farm
As I stated before, this park is dedicated to the pioneer days of Illinois. Settled amidst the animals is a one-room schoolhouse, set up as it would have been in the 1800's. A farm house, with out buildings, garden and farm animals complete the pioneer theme. The plaque on the house stated it was from the 1850's. My group enjoyed being able to pet the goats and sheep that were there. A large chicken coop, with chickens seemed to be a hit with younger children that were visiting the park, but not part of my group.
Still More
There is a snack shop, gift shop, and education center. The park, also, has a meeting/reception facility that was being used while we were there, as we caught the tail end of a wedding being held outdoors in the park.
There are cabins,cottages, and renovated railroad cabooses for rent if you want overnight lodging.
For $2 you can enjoy a train ride that will take you around the park giving a greater idea of how large the park actually is.
There are separate playground areas for families with children. We did happen to find the 50 foot slide that is built into a hillside. Of course we all had to give it a go! Thankfully, they have a wooden staircase to get you back to the top of the hill.
Worth a Visit!
While the trails have some small hills to go up and down, which can be tiring to those not in good health, there are benches available throughout to sit and rest. My group consisted of 6 adults with developmental disabilities, aged 23 to 54 and me. We didn't have any problems with getting around the park and everyone said they had a great time. While the park is wheelchair accessible, I can imagine someone getting tired out quickly if the chair isn't motorized.
You have to have patience if you want to view some of the animals...or maybe, you won't see them at all. Still, this park is worth the $5.50 I paid to get in. All of us enjoyed the animals, the time outside, and the 50 foot slide. I will be going back to Wildlife Prairie State Park in the near future. I will get that snooty cougar to look!
Visit http://www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org/ for a complete list of animals at the park.
Recommended:
Yes
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
cmaw63
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 in Pets, Home and Garden, Books |
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Member: Julie
Location: Illinois, USA
Reviews written: 307
Trusted by: 73 members
About Me:
Looking forward to my first grandbaby. She's due November 24!
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