Aikman's Pathway of Lights hopes to become a unique family tradition

ARCOLA, Ill. (WAND) — Aikman Wildlife Adventure is bringing colorful light displays and encounters with exotic animals for their seventh-annual Pathway of Lights for the last time this holiday season, so mark your calendars now!

Aikman Wildlife Adventure is Illinois's first and only drive-thru safari park, with over 30 species free-roaming. They also have their walk-thru zoo, a petting zoo, a Museum of Prehistoric Life and the Master of All Toys Museum.

President and Co-Founder James Aikman said they set out to make a Christmas experience that was unique and special.

"There are multiple places around that you can drive your car through and see lights. So we knew we needed to be a little bit different, and so it is walking through. But it is definitely an experience that people remember," Aikman said.

Folks can stop to grab a cookie or hot cocoa while walking through the light display, go for a lighted wagon ride, or even visit the winter barns.

The event is donation-only, and Aikman said that in their slow season, they're happy to provide such a memorable experience for families.

"We believe from day one that we're blessed to be a blessing. This time of year means a lot to us with Christmas and wanting to just be that blessing to people. That's why we've made it from the beginning, donations only to come out and see the lights. Our hope was that it would be something that people would want to turn into a family tradition," Aikman said.

There is a suggested donation of $5 per person. The money goes toward providing care for the wildlife. The final day of Pathway of Lights will be from 4-8 p.m. Dec. 27.

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