Need a charming riverfront getaway in the Midwest? Head to Peoria! Located along the Illinois River, Peoria offers beautiful parks, rich history, museums, and a vibrant arts and dining scene. Whether you’re into outdoor adventures, family attractions, or historic neighborhoods, Peoria is a hidden gem with small-city charm.
Peoria, IL Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike or bike at Forest Park Nature Center – Enjoy scenic trails through woodlands and river bluffs with wildlife spotting opportunities.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Pettengill-Morron House Museum – Step into Peoria’s Victorian past inside this beautifully preserved 1868 mansion.
- For Shoppers: Browse The Shoppes at Grand Prairie – Open-air mall with national brands, local boutiques, and dining options.
- For Couples: Stroll the Peoria Riverfront and Sculpture Walk – Take in sunset views, art installations, and riverside dining in a romantic setting.
- For Families: Discover the Peoria Riverfront Museum – Interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and the Giant Screen Theater make this a top family destination.
Best Time to Visit Peoria, IL
The best time to visit Peoria is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October) for mild weather and colorful foliage. Summer is ideal for riverfront events and outdoor concerts, while winter brings cozy museums and festive lights.
How to Get to Peoria, IL
- If you are traveling by car: Peoria is accessible via I-74, about 2.5 hours southwest of Chicago and 2 hours north of St. Louis.
- By Air: General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) offers direct flights from major Midwest hubs.
- By Bus: Greyhound and Burlington Trailways provide regional bus service to and from downtown Peoria.
Where to Stay in Peoria, IL
- Recommended for Families: Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront – Spacious suites, river views, indoor pool, and walkable to attractions.
- For Couples: The Mark Twain Hotel – Boutique charm, artistic decor, and close proximity to the Peoria Riverfront.
- For a Boutique Stay: Pere Marquette Hotel – Elegant historic hotel with upscale dining in downtown Peoria.
Best Things to Do in Peoria, IL
⮕ Peoria Riverfront Museum
Explore interactive exhibits and admire art during an exciting cultural trip.
© Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is an art and science museum located on SW Washington Street and one of the top Peoria attractions. In addition to the museum, there is a planetarium, a theater with a giant screen, and a sculpture museum. The museum’s permanent collection includes decorative arts, ethnographic arts, fine arts, folk art, natural science, and more. Other exhibits are temporary and include displays such as Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition and GENOME: Unlocking Life’s Codes.
The museum welcomes group tours and school field trips, and it rents out a Riverfront Museum Bus with a capacity of 28 people for those in need of transportation to and from the museum for tours and field trips.
222 SW Washington Street, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-686-7000
⮕ George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden
Stroll through peaceful gardens and enjoy vibrant blooms in spring.
© Courtesy of lemanieh - Fotolia.com
George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is a 4.5-acre garden and conservatory located on North Prospect Road in Glen Oak Park. Founded in 1951, the botanical garden contains a variety of separate gardens such as an all-season garden, herb garden, perennial garden, rose garden, and more.
There are many species of plants in the garden with an emphasis on annuals, herbs, hosta, perennials, and roses. The 2,500 square foot conservatory is home to orchids and other tropical plants as well as seasonal displays. George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Peoria, Illinois.
2520 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-681-3506
⮕ Caterpillar Visitors Center
family outing.
© Caterpillar Visitors Center
The Caterpillar Visitors Center, located on SW Washington Street in Peoria, introduces visitors to the world of the Caterpillar Company and its history. Founded in 1886 when Benjamin Holt built his first combined harvester, the company has grown over the years to manufacture a large variety of various kinds of tractors and other farm implements, construction equipment, and bulldozers.
Caterpillar became known all over the world and helped with several projects such as widening the Panama Canal and helping with equipment needed for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. Opened in 2012, the Caterpillar Visitors Center gives visitors an enthralling look at the company and its long history.
110 SW Washington Street, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-675-0606
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum
Let kids explore hands-on exhibits and spark curiosity through play.
© Courtesy of Maksim Kostenko - Fotolia.com
Located in the Glen Oak Park Pavilion and adjacent to the Peoria Zoo on North Prospect Road, The Peoria Playhouse Children’s Museum inspires children to learn through fun activities.
It was built by the Junior League of Peoria and is open to all children regardless of background, income, or skills. The museum offers a variety of programs such as Tot Time, an hour-long program offered on Monday and Wednesday with read-alongs, scavenger hunts, and themed programs with topics like animals, colors, and shapes.
Other programs include Kid Workshops, Family Workshops, and Transformation Events. The museum can be rented for special events like birthday parties.
Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, 2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-323-6900
⮕ Peoria Zoo
See exotic animals and walk along scenic paths on a fun weekend.
© Courtesy of Steven - Fotolia.com
The Peoria Zoo
, located on North Prospect Road, is owned and operated by the Peoria Park District. The zoo began in the late 1800s as Glen Oak Zoo when a herd of elk was donated to the Park District.
The zoo expanded several times over the years, and these expansions made it necessary for the zoo to relocate several times. Today, the zoo features exhibits such as the Africa Exhibit, which opened in 2009.
This exhibit is special because visitors can walk on boardwalks through an enclosure in order to see animals like gazelles, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, and more. Other exhibits include the Asian Trail and the Australia Walk-About.
2320 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-686-3365
⮕ Dozer Park
Catch a game and savor ballpark snacks on a cheap summer night.
© Courtesy of StefanoT - Fotolia.com
Located on SW Jefferson Avenue in downtown Peoria, Dozer Park
is a baseball field that is home of the Peoria Chiefs. Formerly known as O’Brien Field, the current name refers to Caterpillar Bulldozers, a company that helped fund the building of the park.
The park opened in 2002, and today it is also the home of the college baseball team of Bradley University. The park also features five concession stands and 20 luxury suites, including a double suite owned by Caterpillar for its VIP guests. The park offers tours for guests for company outings, family reunions, church groups, and more. The park is also available for corporate seminars, parties, and other special events.
730 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-680-4000
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Pettengill Morron House Museum
Step back in time and look at Victorian-era sights during a fall visit.
© Peoria Historical Society
The Pettengill Morron House Museum
was built in 1868 as a mansion and home for Moses Pettengill who came to Peoria in 1833. Featuring a Second Empire Style of architecture, the Pettengill Morron House Museum has 11 rooms, a 1900 colonial revival style porch, and a porte-cochere. Unlike many house museums, the Pettengill Morron House is filled with exhibits of items and artifacts that belonged to Moses Pettengill and his family. Visitors can take a tour of the home, hear about the Pettengill family and the interesting families who came to reside within the mansion after him, and explore what life was like during the late 1800s.
1212 W Moss Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61606, Phone: 309-674-1921
⮕ Peoria Civic Center
Attend concerts or shows and enjoy easy downtown access.
© Peoria Civic Center
Located on SW Jefferson Avenue, the Peoria Civic Center is a convention center that contains an arena, an exhibit hall, meeting rooms, and a theater. Built in 1982, the center was renovated in 2008 to expand the lobby and the meeting rooms. The Carver Arena is the home of several sports teams, including the Bradley University Braves men’s basketball team as well as the Peoria Rivermen Southern Professional Hockey League team.
There are over 108,000 square feet of space in the exhibit area that can be divided into four smaller spaces. The 2,244-seat theater hosts a variety of performances such as ballet productions, Broadway shows, and concerts by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
201 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, Illinois, Phone: 309-673-8900
⮕ thirty-thirty Coffee Co.
Sip artisan brews and relax during a quick local trip.
© thirty-thirty Coffee Co.
thirty-thirty Coffee Co. is a locally owned coffee shop in Peoria. It prides itself on its high quality roasted and brewed coffee as well as its excellent service. The name derives from the fact that most gourmet coffee is grown between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south of the Earth’s equator.
Some of the special coffees offered by thirty-thirty Coffee Co. include Snuggle Bear Espresso, a blend of Costa Rican and Guatemalan beans, Costa Rica Don Sabino, and Costa Rica Zapotal. Blends from Ethiopia include Ethiopia Beriti and Ethiopia Kochere.
734 Main St, Peoria, IL 61602
⮕ Forest Park Nature Center
Hike forest trails and admire wildlife on an affordable outdoor escape.
© Courtesy of johnsroad7 - Fotolia.com
Located on North Forest Park Drive, Forest Park Nature Center is a 540-acre nature center and preserve sitting along the bluffs of the Illinois River. The center features seven miles of hiking trails that meander through a variety of landscapes, including forested woodlands and open prairie land.
Visitors can learn about the area at the natural history museum and see some of the amazing wildlife from the bird observation room. There is also a Trailhead Nature Store that sells books and other items related to nature. The center hosts a variety of educational programs and musical events.
5809 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria Heights, IL 61614, 309-686-3360
Where to Eat in Peoria, IL
- Recommended for Families: Childers Eatery – Laid-back spot for hearty breakfasts, sandwiches, and friendly service.
- For Fine Dining: Edge by Chef Dustin Allen – Elevated American cuisine with seasonal menus in a cozy setting.
- For a Casual Meal: One World Café – Eclectic, globally inspired café near Bradley University with vegetarian and vegan options.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: RiverFront Jazz Festival (August) – Groove to live jazz performances along the scenic Peoria Riverfront.
- For Families: Steamboat Days Festival (June) – Family fun with carnival rides, concerts, and riverfront fireworks.
- For Art Lovers: Fine Art Fair (September) – One of the Midwest’s top art festivals, held downtown with artists from across the U.S.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Peoria, Illinois:
- For Nature Lovers: Jubilee College State Park (25–30 min) – Hike wooded trails and enjoy scenic overlooks at this peaceful park.
- For Family Fun: Wildlife Prairie Park (20–25 min) – See bison, bears, wolves, and ride the Prairie Zephyr train.
- For River Views: Detweiller Marina (10–15 min) – Launch a boat, picnic, or stroll by the Illinois River.
- For Wine Lovers: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard (30 min) – Enjoy local wine tastings, live music, and beautiful vineyard views.
- For Historic Charm: Washington, IL (20–25 min) – A quaint nearby town with antique shops and cozy cafés.
- For Trails and Gardens: Forest Park Nature Center (10–15 min) – Peaceful hikes with views, native plant gardens, and birdwatching.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Peoria located?
- Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is a historic city that offers many unique attractions, museums, and things to do.
- What are some must-visit attractions in Peoria?
- Explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum, stop by the Caterpillar Visitors Center, and stroll through Luthy Botanical Garden, which features a beautiful conservatory filled with orchids and tropical plants.
- What family-friendly activities are available in Peoria?
- The best things to do in Peoria for families include visiting the Peoria Zoo, the Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum, and exploring the Forest Park Nature Center.
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