Arcadia: America’s Playable Arcade Museum
We introduce you to John Yates, the owner and creator of the Arcadia, America’s Playable Arcade Museum. He’ll tell us how he combined his love of arcade and…
Prairie Fire Masthead
Every third Thursday of the month
Prairie Fire is a newly reimagined take on WILL-TV's beloved magazine program from the mid-'90s. Rooted in storytelling, "Prairie Fire" brings you cinematic documentaries, profiles and performances from downstate Illinois.
Watch Prairie Fire on WILL TV every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM, or on demand on YouTube or PBS Online.
Prairie Fire: Episode 5 - September 2023
Meet a couple restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Riverside Illinois. Get a tour of an old school gaming paradise in Central Illinois, and meet it's creator and owner. Join author Charles Dickens as we join him for a trip down the Mississippi River. And enjoy a performance by Los Tejanos to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
Prairie Fire Stories
The Coonley Playhouse
Have you ever wanted to own a piece of history? How about a home designed by one of America’s most famous architects? Take a look at the Coonley Playhouse in Riverside,…
Charles Dickens on the Mississippi River
Well, we know Charles Dickens didn't like the Illinois prairie, but what did he think of the Mississippi River?
Los Texano’z
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Los Texano'z joins us in the studio to perform Tejano music, a blend of Mexican and US influences with German and Czech…
The Brown Bag
When Harlean Swing came into some money in the 1970s, she told her husband she wanted to kick back and live the easy life. Instead, she opened a deli and restaurant…
A Toast to…Kaighla Rises
Meet a local author and poet who has lived a lot of life in her short years. Learn about her life incredible journey across the world searching for purpose, and her…
Anthony Becker
Learn about the incredible journey of one central Illinois resident who, despite all odds, refused to give up his love of gardening.
Past Favorites with Alison Davis
Former Producer and Host of the original Prairie FIre tells us about her favorite episodes and talks about her experience working on the long running magazine show started in…
Chris Vallillo
Singer/Songwriter and Roots Musician Chris Vallillo stops by the WILL studio to perform songs from his 2021 album "Forgotonia".
Preston Jackson
We visit with renowned Illinois artist and musician Preston Jackson in Peoria. Jackson's works documenting the Black experience appear all over the United States.
Cherry Blossoms at Japan House
The man who helped bring cherry blossom trees to the University of Illinois campus turned 100 this year. Tinisha Spain marks the milestone with a brief history of the trees…
High Cross Sound
We take you inside a very unique recording studio in Central Illinois, and introduce you to the owner whose journey led him make to his small town roots.
Charles Dickens Visits Illinois
One of the world's most beloved authors regales us with his less than flattering thoughts about the Prairie.
Stango Cuisine
Stango Cuisine brings us African-based cooking right here in Central Illinois.
Susannah Scaroni
In this inspiring story, follow the remarkable journey of Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, from her days growing up in Washington, to adapting the challenges of life in a…
Leah Marlene
She may have grown up in a town called Normal, but Leah Marlene is far from it. From an American Idol finalist to a hometown hero, she's keeping busy and looking to…
Gettin’ to It: The Jazz Life of Christian McBride
Brian Moline had a chance to sit down for an hour-long interview with Christian McBride during his visit to the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus in the spring of…
Prairie Fire Episodes
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Prairie Fire: Episode 5 - September 2023
Meet a couple restoring a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Riverside Illinois. Get a tour of an old school… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 4 - August 2023
We visit a popular deli in Monticello that has been a favorite stop for close to 50 years. And we… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 3 - July 2023
This month, we introduce you to a local gardener with an incredible story, we sit down with a former… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 2 - June 2023
Prairie Fire introduces you to renowned artist and musian Preston Jackson, visits a unique central… -
Prairie Fire: Episode 1 - May 2023
Prairie Fire makes its return with stories about Paralympian Susannah Scaroni, restauranteur Mubanga… -
The Movement Revisited with Christian McBride
Jazz legend Christian McBride and his bandmates visited the University of Illinois campus last year…