Imagine reclining by your campfire, munching on roasted marshmallows and listening for that sound — that “ah-oooooh” that you just can’t hear in your own backyard.
Well, that’s not unless you live in the houses near the Big Run Wolf Ranch in Lockport, home to wolves and other animals both exotic and common.
The 31-year-old Big Run Wolf Ranch, a federally licensed educational facility, has been open to campers for the past eight years. It’s been popular among Scout troops and others, but it’s also a good spot for an overnight tent stay with the family.
“It’s real pretty back there,” said owner John Basile, of the campgrounds, which end at a shallow creek.
There are two areas suited for large groups, and another that works well for families.
While there are a number of forest-preserve owned campgrounds where visitors can listen for owls or the occasional coyote, Big Run’s big draw is the sound of the wolves, starting around dark and repeating through the night, Basile said.
Big Run is home to wolves, a bear, a Siberian tiger, a cougar, about 30 roaming peacocks and other birds, a horse, skunk and porcupine.
“I was just an animal nut as a kid,” Basile said.
As an adult, he purchased the property and gradually began acquiring animals.
His 19-year-old black bear, Kuma, had been bought illegally at a Will County flea market, was confiscated, and likely would have been euthanized if Basile hadn’t “adopted” him.
Other animals had been orphaned or abandoned, and some have been purchased from breeders.
Campers can take a guided walk around the animal sanctuary part of Big Run.
Groups of 25 or more get the full animal educational show, said Basile, whose mission is “conservation through education.” Basile will tell visitors about the animals he cares for at the sanctuary.
And if Kuma is in the mood, Basile will even do a little bear wrestling.
The sanctuary is open for group tours, and it offers a traveling school program with several animals — but not Kuma.
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Public family days are scheduled throughout the spring into fall, and they include visiting animal programs, such as a reptile show or a program on eagles and other raptors.
Admission to Family Days is $6 per person. Family Days run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and typically have two presentations. Concessions are available for purchase.
Family open houses are:
May 27: Big Run will introduce this spring’s wolf pups.
June 17: The day will feature presentations from Jim Nesci’s Cold-Blooded Creatures reptile show.
July 15: Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary will bring a capuchin monkey and other exotic animals.
Aug. 19: Jim Nesci’s Cold-Blooded Creatures returns for more reptile visits.
Camping is $13 per person per night. Only tents are allowed — no RVs or campers.
Campsites must be reserved at least one week in advance.
Big Run staff will pull equipment on an ATV from the parking lot to your campsite. You can bring in your own food and beverages.
Basile may even stop by for a visit and a few tall tales for the kids.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Big Run Wolf Ranch
14857 Farrell Road, Lockport
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. during Family Days and overnight for camping
Cost: $6 per person for daytime events, $13 per person for camping
Information: 773-517-0645, 815-588-0044 or www.bigrunwolfranch.org