Hanna City: Nature and Recreation at Wildlife Prairie Park

Wildlife Prairie Park is a specific nature and recreation destination for a trip to Hanna City. The zoological park covers 1,800 acres and is home to more than 60 wildlife species native to Illinois in naturalistic habitats. Its size, native species, and naturalistic design together define the park’s natural character. If you want to combine a visit to Hanna City with an interest in nature and recreation, the park offers a starting point with several different types of activities.

Water activities and fishing lakes

Kayaking is available on seven fishing lakes: Deep Lake, Beaver Lake, East Horseshoe Lake, West Horseshoe Lake, North Lake, Caboose Lake, and Taylor Lake. You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on Deep Lake and North Lake for one hour or longer. Both lakes are among the seven waters open to kayaking, so paddling and rentals are available together there. For planning purposes, you can allow at least one hour for a rental. The park also has six stocked fishing lakes. Kayaking, rentals, and fish stocking are distinct features of the water offerings: seven lakes are available for kayaking, two of them also offer rentals, and six fishing lakes are stocked with fish.

Trails and disc golf

For land-based activities, the hiking and mountain biking trails total 24 miles. The Westside grounds include the disc golf course, pump track, and bicycle trails; admission includes access to this area. The disc golf course is on the west side of Taylor Road, across from the Main Gate. It has 18 holes, with elevation changes at nearly every hole. The trails and course offer different forms of exercise: the 24 miles apply to hiking and mountain biking combined, while the disc golf course is defined by its hole count and terrain. The course’s location on the west side of Taylor Road also places it in relation to the Main Gate.

Train rides and historical highlights

The Prairie Zephyr Train is equipped with an ADA-accessible car. The ticket includes both round trips and allows stops at Pioneer Pavilion and Gollywhopper Pavilion. Another tour option is the behind-the-scenes “Adventure Trek” bus tour. The train ride and bus tour differ in both vehicle and format: the Prairie Zephyr includes round trips with possible pavilion stops, while Adventure Trek is a bus tour. A schoolhouse from the 1800s adds a historical element to the recreational offerings, giving the park another theme alongside nature and activities.

Compare activities for your trip planning

When making your selection, you can consider the planning details for each activity. Kayak rentals are available for one hour or longer; the hiking and mountain biking trails total 24 miles, while the disc golf course is characterized by its 18 holes and elevation changes at nearly every hole. The train ticket includes both round trips and possible stops. These differences help you compare water activities, trails, a round of disc golf, and tours by the format you prefer for your trip.

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