Hanna City: Wildlife, Lakes and the Prairie Zephyr Train

Hanna City is a destination for anyone who wants to combine nature experiences, physical activity and unusual excursions. At Wildlife Prairie Park, naturally designed habitats meet bodies of water, hiking and mountain biking trails, traces of history and special activities. For planning your trip, the question is therefore less about a single highlight and more about the right rhythm: Should the day be spent on the water, on the trails, on the train or on a bus tour?

Wildlife and Expansive Parkland

Wildlife Prairie Park is a 1,800-acre zoological park. More than 60 animal species native to Illinois live in naturally designed habitats. This combination of wildlife and expansive landscape gives your stay a clear focus on nature without requiring you to forgo a variety of activities. Another historical feature is a schoolhouse from the 1800s, which provides insight into the region’s past.

Lakes, Kayaks and Stand-Up Paddleboards

Anyone who wants to combine Hanna City with an active day on the water will find several options at Wildlife Prairie Park. Kayaking is possible on seven fishing lakes: Deep Lake, Beaver Lake, East Horseshoe Lake, West Horseshoe Lake, North Lake, Caboose Lake and Taylor Lake. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are also available for rent for one hour or longer on Deep Lake and North Lake. The selection of lakes makes it possible to make a water excursion a distinct focus of your day’s itinerary.

Trails, Bicycles and Disc Golf

For longer periods of physical activity, the park has 24 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Those who prefer to include a playful competition can visit the Wildlife Prairie Park Disc Golf Course. The 18-hole course features elevation changes on nearly every hole. For orientation: The course is located on the west side of Taylor Road, opposite the Main Gate. Admission includes access to the Westside grounds, where the disc golf course, pump track and bicycle trails are located.

Traveling on the Prairie Zephyr Train

The Prairie Zephyr Train offers a different perspective. The train is equipped with an ADA car. The ticket includes both train rides and allows stops at the Pioneer Pavilion and the Gollywhopper Pavilion. This makes it possible to plan the train ride as an experience in its own right or combine it with other park activities. Anyone who would like to learn more about the park can also choose the “Adventure Trek” behind-the-scenes bus tour.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans?

When looking for a vacation rental in Hanna City, it is worthwhile to first determine which experiences you want. For a stay focused on nature and wildlife observation, the habitats of Wildlife Prairie Park provide the thematic framework. Those who prefer active days can place greater emphasis on hiking and mountain biking trails, the pump track, disc golf or the water activities. A trip that includes a train ride and park tour, in turn, calls for different priorities. Therefore, make your decision based on the program you actually want to experience, and choose your accommodation as a starting point for your personal daily rhythm.

For further trip planning, you can also take a look at the destinations Peoria and Rome.

To the main travel overview: Peoria.