The Safari in Central Illinois

It had been a couple of years since I visited AikmanWildlife Adventure in Arcola, Illinois, less than an hour from where I live. The first time, I was impressed and excited. I had never seen anything like this in a small town that’s basically in the middle of nowhere.

 

I had been anticipating having the same feeling when I returned recently, but I found it was even stronger as there was much more to experience as this adventure is like no other I’ve seen anywhere in the U.S.

James Aikman, whose family owns Aikman Wildlife, met me inside the shop, which  is also home to some of the smaller creatures, like Jax the McCaw, a lemur,  an iquana, and a sloth (for which they are planning encounters.

 

The dream for a park like this came from James and he and his wife, Kelsey, purchased the former Rockhome Gardens property in 2015. It is fittingly run with mostly members of their large family.

Just a walk around the property brings you next to free roaming peacocks, servals, spotted hyenas, wolf pups, and an aviary for  waterfowl. We went through a barn where some of the newer animals, many of who are rescues, are preparing to move to the petting zoo or drive through. We saw some pygmy goats who were on their way. This property is 40 acres and half of that is drive through. Five have not yet been developed.

 

There are many things to do at Aikman Wildlife, but my absolute favorite is the Off-Road Adventure, which you can get with the Behind the Scenes Adventure or on its own. It is what makes this place so unique.

 

You will feel like you are on a safari in an open-air jeep as the animals come right into the vehicle and you have a chance to hand feed them. This includes zebras,  donkeys, camels, bison, and more large creatures. They are friendly, especially when the prospect of food is there. It was something I repeated with Jim on this visit I took with my daughter.

 

If you aren’t quite so adventurous, don’t worry, Aikman Wildlife has many other options for your day that includes walking tours and wagon rides and walk-throughs.

Save some time for the Museum of Prehistoric Life. This wasn’t around on my previous trip and it’s an experience the whole family will enjoy. I love the fact that it’s all about hands- on. Touching the statues of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures is encouraged. All of them were 3-D  printed.

 

We also went to a building that was not there on my last visit, the Serengeti. This is the new venue center which is especially popular for weddings. Although the converted barn can have a reception for 200, you can have a ceremony in many different spots throughout the park.

The other thing that is new to me is the  Wildlife Manor, where they have opened the first of their cabins. You can sleep surrounded by animals right outside the building. The cabin sleeps up to six guests and can be booked through Airbnb.

 

Aikman Wildlife Adventure is located in Arcola, Illinois, in the middle of Amish country. Details on their offerings,  as well as the ability to purchase tickets in advance, is available on their website.