Publication of The Prairie Wind has been a respected tradition of Highland Community College since the magazine's inception in 1992. The idea for a literary/art magazine containing the creative products of students and local residents was brought to life by a small group of students and HCC faculty. Stewardship of the tradition has been shared by many people as the magazine has evolved, but a core group of the publication's founders remains involved to guide the magazine's production and carry forward its original philosophy.

In 1996, the magazine received first place in the Central Division from the Community College Humanities Association.

Covers from each year's issue are framed and added to a permanent display on the second floor of building M, on Highland's main campus.

Over the years, the pages of The Prairie Wind have been graced with submissions from Northwest Illinois' most talented writers, artists and photographers. Beginning with the 2006 issue, recorded music has been added to the many art forms carried to residents of the Highland community by this unique publication.