Wildlife Prairie Park sits about ten miles west of Peoria in the restored prairie and woodland of Hanna City, and it keeps a collection of native Illinois animals in large, naturalistic enclosures: bison, elk, wolves, black bears, bobcats, river otters, and a variety of birds. The approach — broad enclosures set in restored habitat rather than small cages in a conventional zoo — makes for a more genuine wildlife experience than most urban zoos, and the restored prairie landscape itself is worth seeing.
The park also has a small-gauge railroad that runs through the grounds, a fishing pond, and accommodation in restored rail cars for those wanting to stay overnight. It is particularly good for families with children who want to see American wildlife in a non-theme-park setting. The bison herd is impressive, and the wolves are sometimes active in the early morning. Give yourself at least two hours; more if you bring children.