Illinois is quite biodiverse and as such, this 2,000 acre native species park hosts ambassadors of all five vertebrate animal groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish!

To learn more about the species that live here, click on the links below.

The Mammals of the Park	Wildlife Prairie is proud to host most of the native mammal species that once called Illinois home. Their enclosures were designed with their nature habitats in mind. From the 86 acre pasture of the extirpated bison and elk to the more rare in the wild species such as cougars and river otters, to the threatened black bears or our eastern timber wolf pack, you're sure to see something that touches your inner self. We even have some of the more common species such as coyotes and red foxes. And our pioneer farmstead allows petting of goats and the like.
The Birds of the Park	Within Illinois, you may chance to see upwards of 438 bird species . If you want to increase your chances, you will want to visit the Park's Avian Exhibit Area. While we house just a tiny fraction of the number of total Illinois avian inhabitants, we are proud of our eagles, hawks, and owls. In fact they say, 'Any closer, and you'd be lunch!'
The Reptiles of the Park	Housed among our educational, activity-driven Reptile Hall Exhibit, you'll find many species of native reptile, all safely held behind glass (for their protection). When you slither on in, you'll find snakes such as the Western Hognose and Copperhead and turtles such as the alligator snapper and the red-eared slider.
The Amphibians of the Park	You'll just want to hop on in to this exhibit. The Park houses several native amphibian species such as western chorus frogs and American toads. An interactive board teaches how and why frogs sing and you can choose which frog species you want to hear.
The Fish of the Park	New to the Park's visitor's center, you'll love our new, native species fish tank! We're housing native Illinois fish so that you can watch them, up close and personal. You'll see such species as our official state fish, the blue gill.

  Click here for a link to information on fishing at the Park.