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Enjoy Wildlife Adventures at Wildlife Prairie State Park

Originally Published in MotorHome Magazine

When traveling through Illinois, one detour well worth exploring is the Wildlife Prairie
State Park just outside Peoria. This 2,000-acre zoological park is home to wolves, cougars,
bobcats, elk, bears, fox, deer and other animals – which can be observed in their natural
habitats.

Go to the Observation Deck to watch bison feeding on the grounds. Anyone who loves watching birds will enjoy the Songbird Program in the aviary. Many different programs
are offered, including several for children. You can eat in the Prairie View Snack Shop,
the Tepee Shelter, the Pioneer Pavilion or the Train Depot Snack Shop before boarding the
train for a ride around the park. If you want souvenirs, you’ll find plenty in the Prairie
Country Store, the Visitor Center Gift Shop and the Train Depot. A one-room schoolhouse and a log cabin, circa 1870, are featured at the Pioneer Farm-stead, complete with farm
animals. There are seven scenic hiking trails to explore, all with beautiful overlooks

First opened in 1978 and still evolving, the not-for-profit park is open during daylight
hours from April 1 through December 14 (with special rates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays). It is located 10 miles west of downtown Peoria; take Interstate 74, Exit 82.

For more information, www.wildlifeprairiestatepark.org or call
(309) 676-0998.

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