Peoria is one of the Midwest’s most inviting destinations, blending a vibrant mix of culture, recreation, entertainment, and natural beauty. Whether you’re traveling for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, the city offers attractions that appeal to all ages and interests.
From riverfront adventures to museums, outdoor escapes, and delicious food spots, Peoria promises a memorable experience every time you visit. This detailed guide highlights the top things to do in Peoria so you can plan the perfect itinerary.
Explore the Peoria Riverfront
The Peoria Riverfront is one of the city’s most iconic and scenic areas. Located along the Illinois River, this lively stretch offers a picture-perfect setting for leisurely walks, outdoor activities, events, and sightseeing. The Riverfront combines natural beauty with modern development, making it the ideal starting point for any traveler.
Walk Along the Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park offers peaceful trails, open spaces, and beautiful river views. Whether you’re taking a morning stroll, enjoying a sunset, or biking along the waterside, the park feels refreshing and calm. Seasonal events and festivals are also hosted here, giving visitors a chance to enjoy music, food, and community activities throughout the year.
Visit the Riverfront Farmers Market
If you’re in Peoria on the weekend, the Riverfront Farmers Market is a must-visit. Local farmers, artisans, and food vendors come together to offer fresh produce, baked goods, handmade crafts, and regional specialties. It’s a great place to support local businesses and experience the city’s warm, welcoming personality.
Experience Wildlife Prairie Park
Wildlife Prairie Park is one of Peoria’s most beloved family attractions. This 2,000-acre zoological park is home to over 150 animals native to Illinois, including bison, elk, cougars, otters, wolves, and black bears. The park provides a unique, natural environment that emphasizes conservation, education, and outdoor adventure.
Discover Native Wildlife
Visitors can explore animal exhibits spread across beautiful landscapes and interactive learning zones. The park also features informational programs, making it a fun and educational experience for kids and adults.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities
Wildlife Prairie Park offers hiking trails, fishing lakes, lodging options, and even scenic train rides during select seasons. Whether you’re ziplining, exploring nature, or enjoying a picnic, the park creates unforgettable memories for families.
Visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a cultural centerpiece that appeals to art lovers, science enthusiasts, and history fans. This state-of-the-art museum features rotating exhibits, permanent galleries, and interactive learning stations.
Explore Art, Science, and History
The museum’s collections include fine art, local history, and hands-on STEM experiences. Guests can explore everything from ancient artifacts and photography exhibits to space-themed displays and creative workshops.
Watch a Show at the Dome Planetarium
One of the museum’s biggest highlights is the Giant Screen Theater and the Dome Planetarium. Featuring immersive films and live sky shows, it’s an exciting attraction for families, students, and anyone curious about the universe.
Stroll Through the Luthy Botanical Garden
Located inside Glen Oak Park, the Luthy Botanical Garden is a serene escape from city life. This beautiful 4.5-acre garden features themed landscapes, seasonal flowers, and a tropical conservatory.
Enjoy Seasonal Blooms
The garden showcases vibrant flowers, water features, and peaceful walking paths. Each season brings a new display of colors and scents, making every visit unique.
Visit the Conservatory
The tropical conservatory houses exotic plants and orchids, offering a warm and relaxing environment even on colder days. Luthy Botanical Garden also hosts plant sales, floral shows, weddings, and photography events.
Spend a Day at Forest Park Nature Center
Forest Park Nature Center is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With miles of well-marked hiking trails and scenic overlooks, the center is ideal for nature photography, birdwatching, and peaceful walks.
Hike the Trails
The trails range from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes that lead to stunning forest views. Seasonal changes make hiking different and exciting every time.
Explore the Nature Center
Inside the building, guests can enjoy exhibits on local wildlife and ecosystems. Educational programs and guided hikes are offered throughout the year.
Tour the Caterpillar Visitors Center
Peoria is the proud global home of Caterpillar Inc., one of the world’s largest manufacturers of construction equipment. The Caterpillar Visitors Center offers an immersive experience into the company’s innovation and impact.
Step Inside Giant Machines
The exhibits include large machines, simulators, and displays showing the engineering behind Caterpillar’s iconic equipment. Visitors can even climb into the driver’s seat of massive machines to feel what it’s like to operate them.
Learn the History of Caterpillar
The center highlights the company’s global influence, achievements, and future technology, making it an engaging stop for engineers, construction fans, and curious travelers.
Enjoy the Arts at Peoria Civic Center
The Peoria Civic Center is the city’s entertainment hub. With concerts, Broadway shows, comedy acts, conventions, and sporting events, the center brings world-class experiences to the heart of Peoria.
Watch Live Performances
From musical events to theatrical productions, the Civic Center hosts a dynamic lineup suitable for all interests. It’s the perfect destination for a fun night out.
Attend Big Events
Large exhibitions, trade shows, holiday festivals, and community gatherings take place here every year, attracting visitors from across the region.
Taste Peoria’s Culinary Scene
Food plays a major role in Peoria’s charm. The city offers a mix of local eateries, fine-dining restaurants, cozy cafés, and international dishes.
Try Local Favorites
Many visitors enjoy the region’s signature Midwest comfort foods, steakhouses, and farm-to-table selections. Whether you’re craving pub food, pizza, BBQ, or handcrafted desserts, Peoria has options for every palate.
Explore Riverfront Dining
With beautiful waterside views, the riverfront area is a relaxing spot for dinner or drinks. Many restaurants feature live music, outdoor seating, and craft cocktails to complete the experience.
Shop at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie
For those who love fashion, gifts, or lifestyle shopping, The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is one of Peoria’s top retail destinations. This open-air shopping center features popular national brands, local boutiques, and seasonal events.
Relax and Explore
The outdoor layout makes it perfect for relaxed browsing, casual dining, and enjoying the fresh air while shopping.
Final Thoughts
Peoria offers an impressive variety of attractions that blend nature, culture, entertainment, and local charm. Whether you’re exploring the riverfront, discovering museums, hiking scenic trails, or enjoying the city’s culinary scene, Peoria delivers a memorable experience for every type of traveler. With its warm community atmosphere and diverse attractions, it remains one of the Midwest’s most underrated destinations.
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