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Wildlife Prairie State Park DNR's Jewel on the Prairie Land purchases expand opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. BY Liz Pensoneau Hibernating. That's what many of us have been doing during the cold snow-and ice-filled winter months. But now, as springtime approaches, we can turn our thoughts to warm-weather activities, family outings and new destinations. If you are looking for a unique place to visit, you'll need not travel to far away places or distant lands. Right here in Illinois, you and your family can experience the thrill of overnighting in a renovated caboose, a log cabin, a building that resembles a stable or one of several converted grain bins. And during the day, you can explore 1,500-plus acres west of Peoria that are home to bison (also known as American buffalo), elk, black bear, wolves, waterfowl, cougar, otter and an array of birds and reptiles. Wildlife Prairie State Park is one of the state's most recent acquisitions—a gift from the Forest Park Foundation that was made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. William Rutherford and family of Peoria. The deed to the property was turned over to the state in August 2000, a few days after Mrs. Rutherford's sudden death. Married for 62 years, William and Hazel Rutherford's dream
An outdoor adventure lies beyond the entrance to Wildlife Prairie State Park, which is home
was to develop this property to showcase the plants and animals from pioneer times, to draw attention to the oftentimes overlooked beauty of Illinois and to educate visitors about conservation, wildlife and other resources. The couple's families had established the Forest Park Foundation in 1939, and over the years, had acquired 20,000 acres in the Peoria area for riverfront access, parks and open space. The development of 2,000 acres of their holdings as Wildlife Prairie Park became the focus of the Foundation in the 1970s, and with the assistance of many others who shared the cause, more than $24 million was devoted to the project during the following years. "The most meaningful experience has been the thoughtfulness of the people who came to us and offered to help," Rutherford said. "It's very touching to know that people are hungry for something they can believe in and trust.... And when you see a blind couple sit and listen to the sounds of nature or watch the children, you know it has all been worthwhile." Although the land now belongs to the people of Illinois, the Foundation maintains responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the park and its facilities and adheres to state guidelines and regulations. The park is officially open this year from March 13 through Dec. 12, although arrangements for accommodations can be made year-round. A general admission fee is charged.
"Oh, Give me a Home Where the Buffalo Roam..." Such a place is Wildlife Prairie State Park, where 20 to 25 bison can be seen in their native habitat, a 80-acre expanse of restored prairie. Here, visitors can ge a first-hand look at this 1,000-plus pound animal that can endure both Illinois summer heat and frigid winter. Scenic trails wind through the park's lush forests, introducing visitors to large enclosures where bobcats, mountain lions, bears and wolves seem to roam freely in their native habitat. A herd of 20-plus elk also lives on the premises. During the fall, sounds of the elk bulls bugling resonate throughout the park. An area at the Visitor Center provides an overlook for the elk, as well as wolves, bison and white-tailed deer. Visitors to the park also can observe geese, wild turkeys, prairie chickens, sandhill cranes, red-tailed hawk and our national symbol, the bald eagle. Many laws protect the bald eagle from harm or capture, so only disabled birds are kept and cared for by the staff.
Skunks, river otters, oppossums, groundhogs, badgers, raccoons, coyote and foxes are among the other animals visitors can view and learn about at the park. In addition to Merrill Woods Loop and Wagon Trail Loop where most of the native animals can be observed, there also are several walking trails featuring scenic overlooks and beautiful views of nature. A 50-foot sliding board has been incorporated into the path of Sliding Board Hiking Trail to add to its enjoyment. At the Pioneer Farmstead, a one-room schoolhouse, a pioneer log cabin and farm animals such as horses, goats, chickens and cows are on hand to introduce visitors to life as it was in a much simpler era. Facilities Wildlife Prairie State park is enhanced by a variet of attractive buildings that house the visitor center, nature center, educational facilities, a restaurant operated by Heart of America Restaurants and Inns, meeting and reception rooms, banquet facilities, a family activity room, a gift shop, a country store, an amphitheater, an auditorium, snack shops and a selection of unique lodging accommodations.
Lodging rates vary from a week-day charge of $60 for a night in one of the park's four converted cabooses to $90 for the log cabin on the hill. Room rates are based on double occupancy, and each additional person is $10 per night. Children three and under stay free. Weekend and weekly rates also are available. Two rooms in renovated grain bins are equipped for individuals with special needs, as is one in the stable and one adjoining the machine shed. In fact, the room adjacent to the machine shed takes adverse weather conditions into consideration. A person actually can park a vehicle in the machine shed and access the room via a hallway that protects the traveler from inclement weather. A train depot near the ticket gate allows visitors to climb aboard a narrow-gauge train for a ride through the park. A nominal fee of $1 per person is charged. Playground equipment and picnic areas are provided, along with free parking. Educational Programs The park offers a series of ongoing programs such as Knee-High Naturalists, Junior Explorers, Night in the Wild, Starlight Walks and Day Camp for Kids. Its calendar of events is filled with educational programs and activities. Most require pre-registration and charge nominal fees. More information is available by calling (309) 676-0998. ENTICE Wildlife Prairie State Park is also the site for DNR's ENTICE program. ENTICE, the Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education, premiered in July 2000 at the park, and more than 130 educators from throughout the state benefitted from the initiative. ENTICE is a pilot teacher training program that focuses on incorporating long-term, standards-based natural resource education into Illinois classrooms to help youth discover their environment. The park was selected as the perfect site due to its spectacular natural settings, butterfly garden, wildflowers, lakes, restored prairie and Illinois native animals. For more information about ENTICE, visit its web site at www.illinoisentice.org. Wildlife Prairie State Park provides many types of habitat, including wetlands.
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Pictured with a mountain lion in this 1986 photo is William Rutherford, who with his family, deeded Wildlife Prairie Park to the state in August 2000. Some of the buildings at the park offer expansive views of the land that serves as habitat for the wildlife.
