Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Peoria, IL

The oldest European settlement in the state, Peoria developed as a port on the Illinois River and continues to serve as a vital manufacturing hub.

One notable company founded here in 1910 is Caterpillar, a prominent heavy machinery manufacturer. The company’s Visitors Center is among a series of engaging attractions along the riverfront.

Another notable destination is the diverse Peoria Riverfront Museum. Moreover, the welcoming outdoor space by the water hosts concerts, festivals, and farmers’ markets throughout the summer months.

A short distance north of downtown, Glen Oak Park features an array of attractions, including the Peoria Zoo. From there, visitors can access the scenic Grandview Drive, a route praised by Theodore Roosevelt during his visit in 1910.

As a local of Illinois, I have experienced much of what the state offers, both to tourists and residents. Here is a curated list of the top attractions in Peoria:

1. Peoria Riverfront Museum

Inaugurated in front of the historic Rock Island Depot and Freight House in 2012, the Smithsonian-affiliated Peoria Riverfront Museum combines various experiences into a single venue.

The exhibits encompass interactive displays and a broad range of themes, from major traveling shows to local history, art, science, and technology. The complex also includes a 194-seat giant screen theater and a 40-foot dome planetarium.

The permanent collection is extensive, featuring fine art, decorative art, natural science specimens, and intriguing artifacts from Peoria spanning the last 200 years.

Visitors can explore over 20 self-curated exhibitions at the museum each year, supplemented by a dynamic schedule of workshops, classes, camps, lectures, and tours.

A visit is highly recommended, as it stands out as the premier activity in Peoria.

2. Caterpillar Visitors Center

From its founding until 2018, Caterpillar, the heavy equipment and engine manufacturer, had its headquarters in Peoria.

Although Deerfield, IL, currently serves as the official headquarters, Peoria remains the spiritual home of the company, with the riverfront being the site of the Caterpillar Visitors Center.

This venue offers an in-depth journey through the company’s history and an exciting glimpse into its future.

The narrative includes the origins of Caterpillar, which was born from a merger in 1910, and highlights several iconic megaprojects that utilized Caterpillar machinery, such as the San Francisco cable car system, the expansion of the Panama Canal, and the Three Gorges Dam in China.

The Immersive Visualization Center employs 3D modeling, allowing visitors to control a CAT machine of the future and envision what an assembly line may look like in years to come.

Additionally, you can create your own CAT design, explore a real Caterpillar track-type tractor, and test your skills on a Caterpillar simulator.

3. Peoria Zoo

In spite of the harsh winter conditions in Peoria, this zoo, situated in the heart of the city, remains open 360 days a year. Peoria Zoo focuses on conservation, housing around 230 animals from over 100 species.

Exhibits are regularly updated, and as of the compilation of this list, six main areas were highlighted.

The most expansive section is Africa!, featuring the Zambezi River Village, where visitors can observe African lions, giraffes, zebras, white rhinos, and more.

On the Asian Trail, one can find Amir tigers and Galapagos tortoises, while the Australia Walk-About features wallabies and emus. The Tropics Building showcases a variety of snakes, bats, turtles, arachnids, monkeys, lemurs, and sloths.

Another notable indoor exhibit is the Conservation Center, which houses threatened species like the Chinese alligator and Solomon Islands skink. Finally, the contact barn serves as an interactive space for children to engage with domestic animals such as Nigerian dwarf goats, llamas, donkeys, chickens, and horses.

4. George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden

Glen Oak Park in Peoria hosts an exquisite botanical garden, founded in 1951 and showcasing species and cultivars from across the globe.

The Luthy Botanical Garden spans five beautifully landscaped acres and serves as a popular venue for events like weddings and showers.

Visitors can explore more than a dozen themed gardens, in addition to a tropical conservatory, ensuring there is always something beautiful to admire, particularly during seasonal shows.

These seasonal exhibitions feature spring bulbs, orchids, chrysanthemums, and poinsettias, the latter being in bloom in November and September, accompanied by festive decor.

5. Dozer Park

Located a few blocks from the riverside is a modern baseball stadium serving the minor league franchise, the Peoria Chiefs.

This team is affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, featuring a roster filled with emerging talent. Over the past 40 years, the Chiefs have produced numerous Major League stars, including notable alumni such as Greg Maddux, Ryne Sandberg, Albert Pujols, and Josh Donaldson.

Dozer Park, named for its sponsorship by Caterpillar, is a state-of-the-art venue with a seating capacity of 8,500.

Food options are varied, with excellent choices at permanent concession stands and carts, including burgers, hot dogs, tacos, Philly cheesesteak, savory pies, and sweet treats. Furthermore, local breweries offer craft beer, both bottled and draft.

6. Spirit of Peoria

Usually docked at the Peoria waterfront, the Spirit of Peoria is a paddlewheeler emulating the great riverboats of the 19th century.

Launched in 1988, this vessel is somewhat unique, utilizing a wheel powered by twin Caterpillar 3412 diesel gensets, achieving speeds exceeding 15 mph.

This paddlewheeler is one of the few in the country still offering overnight excursions. Various experiences are available, from a 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise (offered two to five times weekly) to a five-day journey along the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.

Onboard, a range of activities keeps guests entertained, from live ragtime music to storyteller presentations recounting tales from these renowned waterways.

7. Wildlife Prairie Park (WPP)

Located in the picturesque nature west of Peoria, Wildlife Prairie Park showcases the state’s native species.

This essential destination has been a family favorite since the 1970s, featuring over 50 species in enclosures designed to simulate their natural habitats.

A significant highlight is the 90-acre area of restored prairie, where visitors can spot roaming elk and bison. The park features 14 miles of walking trails and 20 miles of cycling paths, allowing for exploration and the chance to observe wolves, bears, otters, coyotes, bobcats, eagles, and more.

WPP offers additional activities, including fishing lakes, historical displays showcasing an 1800s schoolhouse and cabin, a narrow-gauge railroad, and a wonderful playground with a 60-foot slide embedded in the hillside.

8. Peoria Civic Center

Situated in the city center, this expansive multipurpose event facility was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Philip Johnson and opened its doors in 1982.

The Civic Center features an arena with a capacity of 11,300, a 2,196-seat theater, and numerous square feet designated for exhibitions and conventions.

The arena serves as the home court for Bradley University’s basketball team, the Bradley Braves, and also hosts the SPHL’s Peoria Rivermen.

Additionally, the Ameren Illinois Broadway in Peoria series presents top performances on the theater stage, accompanied by a regular schedule of touring dance troupes, renowned comedians, and acclaimed music artists.

The arena has also welcomed numerous famous performers, such as Elton John, The Eagles, Cher, Kiss, and Blake Shelton.

9. Grandview Drive

When President Theodore Roosevelt visited Peoria in 1910, he is reputed to have referred to this picturesque roadway in the city as the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive.”

Stretching two and a half miles, Grandview Drive was constructed in 1903, tracing the steep west bank of the Illinois River, at the pinnacle of tree-covered parks that slope down to the water’s edge.

It is no surprise that some of Peoria’s most esteemed properties are situated in this desirable location, as the drive offers the dual allure of stunning vistas over the valley and luxurious architecture.

A pause at the Grandview Lookout, situated between Terrace Park and Hillside Park, is highly recommended for a breathtaking panorama, particularly at dawn when the sun rises. The parks are predominantly inhabited by deciduous trees, rendering the scenery enchanting during autumn.

10. Sculpture Walk Peoria

Since 2015, Peoria has hosted an annual juried public art walk, showcasing large-scale sculptures created by artists from across the country.

This event is set on Washington Street adjacent to the Peoria Riverfront Museum and aims to establish the city as a significant destination for the arts.

Throughout their duration on Washington Street, many of these visually striking pieces become notable landmarks.

The Sculpture Walk is crowdfunded and runs from May through March of the following year before being refreshed with new artworks. At the time of writing, Sculpture Walk Peoria has commissioned over 60 pieces.

11. Peoria PlayHouse

Also located in Glen Oak Park is an interactive children’s museum that opened in 2015, attracting families from across Central Illinois.

The Peoria PlayHouse features six permanent exhibits centered around the nature, history, and culture of Peoria and the surrounding region.

For instance, children can simulate a sailing experience along the Illinois River, discover Illinois’s agricultural heritage, delve into history in Peoria, and excavate fossils.

Moreover, engaging exhibits explore concepts such as speed, distance, gravity, and momentum, while children can don hard hats and operate miniature loaders and a dump truck for their own construction endeavors.

The PlayHouse also offers an array of programs, including maker workshops, camps, and drop-in activities like storytime, animal encounters, and art classes.

12. Corn Stock Theatre

Surrounded by greenery in upper Bradley Park, this vibrant community theatre hosts productions throughout the year, generating most of its income through ticket sales alone.

Five summer shows are staged under a large big-top tent, renovated in 2003.

Adjacent to this is a permanent building that presents four to five winter shows as part of the Winter Playhouse Program. Additionally, Corn Stock Theatre produces two annual children’s performances and offers a summer workshop for youth aged 7 to 18.

The organization was established in 1954 and relocated to its current site merely two years later. Productions here thrive through remarkable community involvement, with up to 100 volunteers contributing to each show.

13. Peoria RiverFront Farmers Market

From late May through late September, a vibrant farmers’ market operates at the Peoria RiverFront, featuring an abundance of produce sourced from across Central Illinois.

The RiverFront Market offers a rotating selection of seasonal farm-fresh produce, alongside flowers, eggs, farm-raised meats, cheeses, and various baked goods.

All products are local to the region, providing a chance to converse with the farmers and growers about their selections and tips for home preparation.

Additionally, the market serves as a venue for local artists and artisans to showcase their work, including blown glass, jewelry, carved wood, pottery, candles, cosmetics, and photography.

14. CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing

This outdoor stage brings energy to the riverfront during the summer months, coming alive around May and offering picturesque views over the water.

CEFCU Center Stage at the Landing serves as a focal point for major festivals and events, including India Fest in August, hosted by the Indo-American Society, which features genuine live music, dance, and Native American cuisine.

Also occurring in August is a lively program coinciding with the weekend of motorcycle racing during the Grand Nationals. Moreover, a full schedule of concerts featuring prominent recording artists takes place throughout the summer.

15. Wheels O’ Time Museum

Located north of Peoria, the Wheels O’ Time Museum is approximately eight miles from downtown on Route 40. This attraction offers a nostalgic look into life in bygone days, emphasizing the history of motorized transport.

The museum features captivating exhibits of antique automobiles, airplanes, tractors, fire trucks, and locomotives, as well as toys, bicycles, musical instruments, clocks, historical tools, vintage clothing, and much more.

Many of the smaller exhibits are interactive, bringing various displays to life, including train sets, singing presidents, and a miniature carnival, all activated by the press of a button.

The museum is open from May to October and includes a Ford exhibit that is updated each month.