If waking up to the sounds and sights of zebras grazing and buffalo swimming right outside your bedroom window sounds like your perfect slice of getaway Heaven, then you have to check out Elk Ridge Cabin in Arcola, Illinois!

Illinois' Only Drive-Thru Zoo

Elk Ridge Cabin is located within the grounds of Aikman Wildlife Adventure in Arcola, Illinois, which happens to be the only drive-thru zoo experience that Illinois has to offer.

My family LOVES animals of all types, shapes, and sizes, and Aikman Wildlife Adventure is home to over 230 free-roaming animals on nearly 20 acres of property.

They have zebras, donkeys, camels, and elk...

Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Facebook
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Facebook
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Even bison and bears...(Don't worry, the bears are NOT free-roaming!)

Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Facebook
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Facebook
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Besides hundreds of free-roaming animals you've only seen behind fences, Aikman Wildlife Adventure also has a Museum of Prehistoric Life, a petting zoo, a playground, and for the first time ever, an Aibnb that lets you stay amongst all the wild fun!

Elk Ridge Cabin at Aikman Wildlife Adventure

Elk Ridge Cabin in Wildlife Manor can sleep six guests with 2 bedrooms, has a large, fully equipped kitchen, one bathroom, and sits along a pond that many of the zoo's animals love to swim and splash in.

Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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While the cabin itself is pretty and inviting, the outdoor space and views are what really sells the place...

Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
Aikman Wildlife Adventure via Airbnb
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Elk Ridge Cabin opened to guests in February 2024, and families are already leaving glowing reviews on Airbnb, and reservations are filling up fast.

Now the big question is; how much will this wildlife luxury cost me?

I checked booking dates in May, June, and July, and the cost to stay at Elk Ridge Cabin is around $399 a night. I don't know about you, but I think that's an awesome price to pay for an experience your family won't soon forget!

See all the amenities Elk Ridge Cabin has to offer, and reserve your spot now, by clicking here.

Here's a few more unique places to stay in Illinois if you're looking for other getaway ideas...

Illinois Airbnb's Basement Arcade is a Gamer's Paradise

This is QUITE the game selection.

Gallery Credit: Airbnb

"Captain's Quarters." A Ten Acre Treehouse in Nauvoo, Illinois

This might be the best treehouse hotel in Illinois.

Gallery Credit: VRBO

Downtown Rockford has an Ultra Cool Rock & Roll Tribute Airbnb

It is very clear where the renovation inspiration for this two-bedroom rental came from. Big fans of the band that hails from Rockford, Illinois, Cheap Trick.

Gallery Credit: Steve Shannon

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