ZooIllinois, US

Aikman Wildlife Adventure

Aikman Wildlife Adventure provides a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, blending the thrill of a drive-thru safari with the intimate exploration of a walk-thru zoo.

Open in Maps

About

Aikman Wildlife Adventure provides a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience, blending the thrill of a drive-thru safari with the intimate exploration of a walk-thru zoo. As Illinois' first and only drive-thru safari park, it invites visitors to embark on a mile-long journey through expansive habitats, where over 100 free-roaming exotic animals, such as zebras, wildebeests, and camels, often approach vehicles, offering unparalleled up-close viewing opportunities. The adventure continues in the walk-thru area, which features a variety of smaller creatures and predators, including spotted hyenas, kangaroos, and ring-tailed lemurs, alongside an engaging petting zoo. Beyond the animal encounters, the park enriches its offerings with a diverse range of interactive experiences. Guests can opt for a guided Wagon Adventure, allowing for closer interaction and feeding opportunities with some of the larger animals, or choose more exclusive Off-Road and Behind-the-Scenes UTV tours for an even more personal encounter with the wildlife. The Museum of Prehistoric Life, filled with life-size, touchable dinosaur models, adds an exciting educational dimension, making Aikman Wildlife Adventure a multifaceted destination that appeals to all ages. Nestled in Arcola, Illinois, this family-friendly venue is dedicated to providing an educational yet adventurous outing. All animals housed here were born and raised in captivity, primarily in the Midwest, ensuring a safe and responsible environment for both visitors and residents. Whether you're driving alongside a curious bison or marveling at a caracal in the walk-thru, Aikman Wildlife Adventure promises a memorable escape into the animal kingdom. Enhance your adventure: download the Snappit app to identify the local species you encounter.

The inception of Aikman Wildlife Adventure is a story rooted in a dream. In October 2013, James Aikman experienced a recurring dream about owning and operating a wildlife park with his wife, Kelsey. Despite initial hesitations, the couple felt a strong calling to pursue this vision. Their dream began to materialize with the purchase of the former Rockome Gardens property in September 2015. The park officially opened its gates to the public in March 2016, with a Grant's zebra named Tobias becoming its first resident. Since then, Aikman Wildlife Adventure has continuously expanded its attractions, adding the Museum of Prehistoric Life, the Wildlife Manor (an overnight Airbnb experience), and Rustic Acres, a unique wedding venue.

What to do here

Drive or ride through the safari park, interact with animals in the petting zoo, explore the diverse walk-thru exhibits, take photos with dinosaur models, and consider booking one of the guided tours for an enhanced experience. Specific animal encounters with creatures like kangaroos, lemurs, and armadillos are also available.

Seasonal info

Animal activity may vary with the weather. In winter, some animals are moved indoors, and the park hosts events like the "Pathway of Lights," featuring a lighted walk-thru, wagon ride, and winter barn tours. Wagon Adventures are seasonal offerings.

Accessibility

The venue is noted as "Accessible". The drive-thru is car-based, and while specific details on paved walk-thru trails are not extensively detailed, the park strives to be welcoming for all visitors.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: To fully experience the drive-thru, walk-thru, and Museum of Prehistoric Life, visitors should allocate at least 2-3 hours. The "Triple Crown Adventure," which includes all three, is estimated to take 1.5 hours, but additional time should be factored in for optional animal encounters or guided tours.
Best time to visit: Aikman Wildlife Adventure is enjoyable year-round. Weekdays typically offer fewer crowds. Mornings are often ideal for seeing more active animals. Consider visiting during special seasonal events, such as the "Pathway of Lights" during winter for a unique experience.
Location: Illinois, US
Species in this guide: 11

Best for

Families With Young Children And TeenagersAnimal Lovers And Wildlife EnthusiastsCouples Seeking A Unique Date Or ExperienceEducational Outings And School Groups

Open in Maps

Don't miss

Drive-Thru Safari

Encounter free-roaming animals like zebras, bison, camels, and wildebeests from the comfort of your vehicle.

Walk-Thru Zoo

Explore habitats featuring spotted hyenas, kangaroos, sloths, ring-tailed lemurs, caracals, and a petting zoo.

Museum of Prehistoric Life

Discover life-size, interactive models of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures.

Wagon Adventure

A guided, open-air tour offering insights and opportunities to feed large herbivores.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Zebra

Camel

Bison

Spotted Hyena

Caracal

Linnaeus's Two Toed Sloth

Emu

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Keep windows rolled up in the drive-thru: For your safety and the animals' well-being, car windows must remain fully closed at all times when driving through the safari park.

Consider a guided tour for feeding

For a more interactive experience, opt for the Wagon Adventure or an Off-Road/Behind-the-Scenes UTV tour, as these allow for guided feeding of some large animals.

Don't miss the Museum of Prehistoric Life: While primarily an animal park, the Museum of Prehistoric Life with its life-size dinosaur models is a popular and engaging addition, particularly for children.

Allow ample time

Plan for at least half a day to fully enjoy both the drive-thru and walk-thru sections, as well as the museum and any animal encounters you might book.

Wear comfortable shoes

The walk-thru area covers a decent distance, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

Check their website for current hours and events: Operating hours and seasonal events, especially guided tours, can vary, so always confirm before your visit.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, feeding opportunities are available. You can purchase pellets to feed animals in the petting zoo, and guests on the guided Wagon Adventure, Off-Road Adventure, or Behind-the-Scenes Adventure tours have the chance to feed many of the larger animals. However, for the safety of both visitors and animals, you are not permitted to feed animals from your personal vehicle during the drive-thru experience.
: Aikman Wildlife Adventure is home to over 230 animals representing 90 species from six continents. In the drive-thru safari, you can expect to see large free-roaming animals such as zebras, wildebeests, bison, various types of deer, and camels. The walk-thru area features predators like spotted hyenas and caracals, sloths, kangaroos, wallabies, ring-tailed lemurs, African crested porcupines, wolfdogs, and a petting zoo with sheep, goats, and other farm animals.
: No, Aikman Wildlife Adventure offers a diverse array of experiences beyond just the drive-thru. While it is renowned as Illinois' only drive-thru safari park, it also features a comprehensive walk-thru zoo area with unique exhibits, a Museum of Prehistoric Life, and several interactive animal encounter programs. Visitors can choose from various packages, including the "Triple Crown Adventure" which combines the drive-thru, walk-thru, and museum for a full experience.