Cabooses in Wildlife Prairie State Park in
Hanna City, Illinois
Wildlife
Prairie State Park has often been referred to as a jewel in the
Midwest. Located just outside of Peoria, IL, this 2,000-acre
zoological park is home to over 150 animals; that's 50 different
species that are native to Illinois. Our guests come to learn about
wolves, bison, waterfowl, black bears, elk, cougar, otter and much
more. You will enjoy the park's spectacular natural landscape, our
many avenues of recreation: hiking, biking, fishing, and lodging,
and a train ride, too! Plan your visit today...an adventure awaits!
"Named as TOP 10 things for families to do in Illinois" by Trekaroo-
Spring 2013.
Lodging: Cabooses
The train cabooses are located on the edge of the Bison and Elk range and sleeps
4 people comfortably PLUS additional foldout beds for more. These beds are single
style bunk beds. These cabooses also have a small refrigerator, coffee maker,
microwave, air conditioning and are available April thru October. Our overnight
lodging is as unique as the park itself. We have many options that will enhance
your getaway. All of our lodging guests have access to the recreation room and
extended fishing hours.
 
History of Wildlife Prairie State Park
In the 1960's Bill heard that the Brookfield Zoo was looking for space to raise
exotic endangered animals. Coincidentally, the Forest Park Foundation, a
foundation that his family has run since 1939, had acquired 480 acres of land
(including abandoned strip mined land) near Peoria with the intention of using
it for conservation and environmental purposes. The Foundation thought its land
was the answer and Brookfield agreed. Later the management at Brookfield Zoo
changed, as did their plans for the Peoria development. Since the Foundation had
already started planning for the Zoo's project, it decided to create its own
project. Something the Brookfield's and Lincoln Park's of the world could not
do. Use an untapped natural resource to pay tribute to America at the time of
the pioneers and establish a zoological park dedicated to Illinois.
 
Over the next three to four years, native Illinois animals (and those brought by
the pioneers) and plants were acquired, construction materials were secured,
buildings were erected and money was raised. Bill often remarked, "The head of
the Peoria park system said to me, 'Bill, if you do the things you're talking
about it will cost you a million dollars.' And I said 'It can't. I've got the
land, most of the fences and the entrance road.' Well, so far it has cost me $17
million."
The park officially opened in 1978 and was independently operated until
September 5, 2000 when, our founder, William Rutherford Jr. presented the deed
to Wildlife Prairie State Park to Governor George Ryan and the State of
Illinois. Shortly thereafter, Wildlife Prairie Park became "The Hazel & Bill
Rutherford Wildlife Prairie State Park."
Cabooses in Wildlife Prairie State Park in
Hanna City, Illinois
3826 N. Taylor Road
Hanna City, Illinois 61536
Email: lodging@wildlifeprairiestatepark.org
Phone: 309-676-0998
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