The foundation had originally intended to use the land as a breeding farm for endangered species in partnership with the Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Zoological Society.

[3] Wildlife Prairie Park initially welcomed visitors in September 1977 for six weeks in honor of Hazel Rutherford's birthday.

[citation needed][9] Some of the wildlife includes white bison,[10] wolves,[11] waterfowl, black bears, elk, otters, badgers, snakes, bobcats, butterflies, and other native animals.

[13] Many of the park's artificial elements were constructed by hand and with recycled materials in an effort to reduce their negative environmental effects years before it was commonplace to safeguard the environment.

[14] The bricks on the visitor center patio and train depot, the repurposed whiskey barrels as trash cans, the resawn wood used in the buildings, and the numerous telephone poles used in the gates and bridges around the park are all made of recycled materials.

This practice has extended to on-site lodging, where guests can stay overnight in converted Santa Fe Train Cabooses and former grain bins.