Mountain Biking
Wildlife Prairie Park now offers over 20 miles of well-maintained mountain biking, trails.
In realization of Mr. Rutherford’s dream, there are now 12 miles of trails on the “West Side” of Taylor Rd with 3 miles of wide “2-track” beginner trail, 8 miles of thrilling beginner/intermediate single track, bits and pieces for the advanced rider all winding through a network of ponds and lakes. We also offer a “pump track” which is very popular with both young and old mountain bikers, beginner or advanced. Though the track provides a low risk environment for mastering bike handling skills, it also scores an extremely high fun factor!
In the spring of 2014, the main park (“East Side”) opened its hiking trails to mountain biking. These 3-foot-wide trails are perfect for families and individuals who want to ride their bikes away from the dangers of traffic all the while immersed in the beauty of the park’s “east side”. In the winter, these trails become a mecca for XC skiing, and the new mountain biking genre called “fat biking”. Through snow, ice, and sand, fat bikers can ride it all. It’s just impossible to get the smile off their faces!
Our biking trails are well groomed and maintained in conjunction with the Peoria Area Mountain Biking Association. From the wide, family friendly trails that are found on the parks’ east side, to the west side’s treasured single track & pump track, there is truly something to satisfy every level of rider and hiker at Wildlife Prairie Park.
2023 West Side Mountain Biking Trail Closings
June 3 – West Side is closed for the Illinois Wilds Triathlon until 12 pm.
June 27 – July 2 – West Side mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and disc golf course closed for the World’s Disc Golf Tournament.
August 3- 6 – West Side mountain biking trails, hiking trails, and disc golf course closed for the Ledgestone Open Disc Golf Tournament.
November 17 – 19 – Certain trails closed for safety. Trails leading to Southwest Meadow and trails that lead to Confluence including Haul Rd. and the lower part of Malibu are closed.
November 30 – December 3 – Certain trails closed for safety. Trails leading to Southwest Meadow and trails that lead to Confluence including Haul Rd. and the lower part of Malibu are closed.