Things to do & places to visit in Peoria, Illinois, United States

There is nothing average about the average American town of Peoria, where the diverse population and Midwestern vibe has long had entertainment promoters asking, "Will it play in Peoria?" If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, or so the logic goes. Its scenic skyline, energetic nightlife, lively performing arts scene and miles of mountain bike trails will have you wondering why you would want to make it anywhere else. Will you play in Peoria? Yes, you will!

Peoria city in Illinois, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 10:47.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Grand View Drive (291 reviews)
- Most Beautiful!
Spent < 1 hour Scenic Drives • Scenic Walking Areas

Grand View Drive is undoubtedly a very beautiful site to visit and to enjoy -- it's 2,5 miles of smooth driving on a waving road, flanked by a lavish residential area in the west and fantastic panoramic views of the Illinois River in the east. Pedestrian walk runs parallel to the road, the top of the steep bank is very well maintained and nicely landscaped, and picnic areas with benches and tables add more comfort to the scenery of sheer beauty. The place is popular with walkers (including the pets), runners, bikers, people of all ages, really. Tourists usually visit Grand View Drive too, and take tons of photos! Grand View Drive was constructed between 1910 ~ 1925, it is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places (1996), and the US President Theodore Roosevelt called it "the world's most beautiful drive". It most certainly is. Love Grand View Drive! See more..
5.0 Corn Stock Theatre (12 reviews)
- Memphis was Awesome!!
Sunday: Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

Corn Stock Theatre: friendly musicals in the summer under the outdoor Tent, contemporary plays and dramas during the winter at our indoor Theatre Center, and youth productions & workshops. A Peoria tradition since 1954. Join us. See you at the Tent! See more..
5.0 Donovan Park (1 review)
- Beautiful Tranquil Park
Parks

After the golf course closed at this location in 2014, it subsequently became Donovan Park -- vast, multi-use, beautiful and very tranquil. The park is great for walking on the trails, fishing in the ponds, having picnics, walking dogs. There's a nice restaurant in the park; during warm weather seasons, an interesting place in the park to visit could also be Northmoor Observatory. In the snowy, winter months, one can see amateur skiers in the park, racing on snow tracks. The park is very picturesque, its forests and hills, open grass spaces and small ponds are stunningly attractive. For the lovers of contemporary abstract art, on the park grounds there are sculptures by the talented local artists. I also have the impression, that the park is very well maintained, without losing its non-commercial, natural, very peaceful looks. A large parking space is available onsite, the location of Donovan Park is quite central -- off Knoxville Avenue, across from the Junction City Shopping Center. I visited Donovan Park many times, I always enjoy it, and I always look forward to coming back! See more..
5.0 Richwoods Christian Church (1 review)
- Friendly, Bible Teaching Church
Churches & Cathedrals
We love our new pastor, Chad Manbeck, and his family at Richwoods Christian Church. He uses lots of scripture and chellenges us each week to be more like Jesus. Communion is observed every Sunday. After carefully protecting the congregation and staff, we are now allowed to worship maskless if fully vaccinated. We invite you to worship with us on Sundays at 9 AM and 11 AM. See more..
5.0 Unique Gizmos (1 review)
- Home Decor and Collectibles
Sunday: Antique Shops

Unique Gizmos, in Peoria, IL, is the premier antique shop serving Peoria, Knox, and Tazewell counties since 2018. We carry furniture, bedding, candles, braided rugs, pottery, florals, dolls, gnomes, and much more. For your next shopping trip, visit Unique Gizmos in Peoria. See more..
4.5 Caterpillar Visitors Center (447 reviews)
- Fun way to learn the CAT history
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today. See more..
4.5 Dozer Park (193 reviews)
- We only did Dozier Park for a Tuesday night game
Arenas & Stadiums

As we only spent one night, our purpose was to attend a game at Dozier park. Our experience at game was great. It being a Tuesday night, only about 1600 people there. We were fortunate enough to get tickets directly behind the Chief’s dugout. This was our 30th ball park in 5 years. Our usher Bob was the friendliest usher that we have ever met. We were really impressed by how many players would toss some balls up to kids. At most park, it’s like they are told not to but that was not the case here. The concession stands were above average with prices being reasonable and selection being good. The gift shop was well stocked including some MLB stuff. We enjoyed the game and the crowd around our area was enthusiastic. Sadly we did not visit any other places while in Peoria. See more..
4.5 Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum (84 reviews)
- Amazing!!
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Peoria PlayHouse Children's Museum provides children with the tools and inspiration they need to be explorers and creators of the world. We do this in part through understanding, supporting, and promoting play in the fullest sense of the word, one that includes imagination and creativity. See more..
4.5 Forest Park Nature Center (78 reviews)
- Nice hideaway
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Forests

A Peoria Park District facility, Forest Park serves as the doorway to more than 500 acres designated as part of the Illinois State Nature Preserve. The center provides visitors with more than seven miles of trails that lead through dense forest, along trickling stream beds, and over dramatic hillsides. The A-frame trail head features a small natural history museum, nature store, and a room dedicated to bird-watching. Trails and museum are free and open to the public. NO PETS ALLOWED! See more..
4.5 Louisville Slugger Sports Complex (20 reviews)
- “Super Great Sports Park”
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Sports Complexes

The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex is the premiere sports facility in the Midwest, offering a modern and unique experience to all that pass through its gates. The LSSC is located a mile from five quality hotels, shopping mall, and movie multiplex with travel less than ten minutes from the Peoria International Airport. Boasting ten synthetic turf fields and a 125,000 square foot dome, the LSSC has enough space to cater multiple events. Wireless internet is available throughout the complex including the concessions, outdoor seating, and even our playground! The LSSC is a year-round event center that caters to a wide variety of sports. While our fields play host to baseball and fastpitch softball, our dome accommodates many more. See more..
4.5 Peoria Holocaust Memorial (14 reviews)
- Sobering - lest we forget . . .
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Seeing this and the magnitude of the atrocities really hits you. Equating each life with a button and then seeing the overwhelming numbers of buttons really hits you. So many, so very many and so overwhelmingly sad. See more..
4.5 Peoria Players Theatre (11 reviews)
- One Iconic Jam Session!
Sunday: Theaters

Happy 100th Anniversary, Peoria Players Theatre! Million Dollar Quartet we saw yesterday proved that you are doing great. The show was well-directed by Mary Ellen Ulrich and professionally performed by the whole cast of dedicated actors. Singing and acting were strong, and the show was very well-received by the audience. And a deep, velvet voice of Jared Coker (Johny Cash), as well as an incredible energy and a very powerful stage presence of Tyler Skibinski (Jerry Lee Lewis) - all this made the whole show even more successful and the audience - of all ages - quite happy. Seriously, Tyler - you are totally awesome. Peoria Players Theatre is perfectly designed for these types of production. New seats (we were seated in the middle of Row 5) - so the seats were very comfortable, lighting and acoustics were excellent. Well done, Peoria Players! Keep on high-quality performances for the next centennial. Spectators will enjoy them and they will remember. Thank you very much! See more..
4.5 Catholic Diocese of Peoria Museums (10 reviews)
- Worth every penny
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

I still listen to Blessed Fulton Sheen talks and was really looking forward to the museum. I loved a recommend all who are a fan of him to visit cause he is someone to look up to. A true champion of virtue, and inspiring on how one can make a difference. The sisters gave us such a wonderful tour and we went to the Cathedral what a beautiful Church that gives you goosebumps walking in. The sisters have done an amazing job on a shoestring budget, which makes me happen to donate to the cause. You know they will stretch that dollar to the fullest. See more..
4.5 Pettengill Morron House Museum (7 reviews)
- Lovely home with interesting history
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

Thanks to a previous reviewer who mentioned this home is open for tours on Thursdays, I managed to see it when I passed through Peoria. The house is lovely and well preserved. It's rare to see an historic home filled with furnishings and possessions that actually belonged to the original owner. The family history is quite interesting. The tour guides made me feel like a welcome guest. They are very knowledgeable and good storytellers. I'm really glad I stopped by and took the tour. See more..
4.5 Visit Downtown Peoria (2 reviews)
- Riverfront Fun
Spent More than 3 hours Farmers Markets

Enjoy dining, nightlife, art, shopping & entertainment throughout four Downtown districts! Find great places to eat, live music, concerts, festivals, baseball games, escape rooms, art exhibits and much more in Downtown Peoria. Plus check out our awesome outdoor RiverFront Market, every Saturday morning, June - September! See more..
4.5 Peoria Public Library (2 reviews)
- COMPREHENSIVE LIBRARY
Libraries
This library offers a comprehensive collection of books, CDs,and DVDs. Their genealogy department is excellent and has a copy machine available as these books cannot be checked out. Staff is knowledgeable. There is plenty of parking in a metered lot adjacent to the library. The lower level offers books for sale at a very reasonable cost where I purchased many children's books for 10 cents a piece for our neighborhood's Little Free Library. Be careful after dark as this is in the downtown area of Peoria. See more..
4.0 Peoria Zoo (396 reviews)
- Great zoo for a 90-minute trip
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zoos

The Peoria Zoo is home to over 100 species of animals from around the world. From giraffes and rhinoceros to spider monkeys and sea lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. The Peoria Zoo is open year round. Our Education Department offers programs for ages 2 and up. These include Home School classes, Zoo Tots, Jungle Jamboree, summer Zoo Camp and Zoo Teens volunteer program. During summer months we offer Giraffe Feeding in Africa and Budgie Feeding in the Aussie Walk About. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, scheduled Keeper Chats take place every day. Our two biggest events are the Easter Egg Hunt and Howl-Zoo-Ween. We offer a variety of birthday parties and Zoo Snoozes. Our Zambezi River Lodge is available for corporate events, wedding receptions, and special celebrations. See more..
4.0 Peoria Riverfront Museum (304 reviews)
- Outdoor Exhibits of Modern Art
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Peoria Riverfront Museum features international exhibitions, the Dome Planetarium, RealD Giant Screen Theater, art & natural history collections, and interactive galleries - including IHSA Peak Performance, Illinois River Experience, Discovery Worlds & The Street local history. We offer unique classes, programs and community outreach efforts that provide fun, hands-on educational experiences for all ages. The Museum is the perfect, riverfront location for one-of-a-kind event rentals - unique weddings in the sculpture garden, corporate team building activities, relaxing meeting spots, special celebrations, giant screen video game competitions and even dinners under the stars. Peoria Riverfront Museum is a privately funded AAM-accredited nonprofit museum. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all - connecting art, history, science and achievement through collections, exhibitions, and programs. See more..
4.0 Peoria Civic Center (263 reviews)
- Peoria Civic Center Keith Urban Concert
Convention Centers

The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG-managed facility in Peoria, IL. We are home to Bradley Braves Men's Basketball, concerts, comedians, conventions, Broadway productions, family shows and more! The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG managed facility in Peoria, IL. The PCC houses an Arena, Theater, Ballroom, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and flexible meeting space and is home to Bradley University Braves men's basketball, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and Peoria Ballet. The PCC is your place to be for live entertainment! The PCC hosts concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, family shows, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, private parties and more! See more..
4.0 Luthy Botanical Garden (73 reviews)
- Nice gardens
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Parks

Surround yourself with spectacular displays of spring blooming bulbs or the blazing color of autumn, the Garden offers a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of each passing season. Established in 1951, Luthy Botanical Garden encompasses five acres and offers over a dozen theme gardens, a Conservatory, a garden gift shop educational programming, numerous events, a rotating sculpture exhibit and magnificent floral displays. See more..
4.0 Dan Fogelberg Memorial (24 reviews)
- Touching- a neat place to visit when passing through
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

The park at Constitution Gardens is easy to find- I was a little concerned about my safety when driving through the immediate area but it's beautiful with wonderful views of the Illinois River/Lake Peoria. The Memorial is on the edge of the river and I was surprised to find two other groups that visited the park for the specific purpose of paying their respects to Dan Fogelberg. One group was singing "Part of the Plan" and it was touching. Something else you need to do- GPS to find Fogelberg Parkway. It's only a mile or so away. The high school at the corner of Monroe Street is where his father, the "Leader of the Band" was just that. Continue up the road where it becomes Frye Ave and intersects with Prospect Road. The convenience store at this intersection is where Dan ran into his ex girlfriend on Christmas Eve...... :) See more..
4.0 Giant Oak Park (23 reviews)
- If Trees Could Talk
Parks

The Giant Oak in the center of this little park is very old. You will want to take some time just to sit and reflect on its beauty and the events in history it has witnessed. See more..
4.0 Northmoor Observatory (13 reviews)
- Amazing views of the solar system!
Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers

This is super fun. We went on a Saturday night and were able to look through the big telescope and see Saturn - rings and all! You have to walk through the golf course at night, so take a flashlight and make sure you have some easy walking shoes! It's not very accessible, as you walk through the grass to get to the observatory and it's a good little hike from the parking lot. Free, but they take donations. See more..
4.0 Richard Pryor Statue by Preston Jackson (10 reviews)
- Awesome surprise
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

What a great tribute to the king of comedy! Centralized in downtown Peoria is this fantastic sculpture of Mr. Pryor. Quick stop in adjacent parking lot. See more..
4.0 the Shopps at Grand Prairie (5 reviews)
- The Shoppes
Shopping Malls

This open-air mall opened to public fifteen years ago, and it was very successful and attractive to both the local public and tourists. Located at the northern part of Peoria, it has variety of nice shops (from upscale to discount), ample parking , and it used to have several restaurants, until some of those moved out to other 'pastures'. This, and some other economic factors (online shopping, for one) influenced this mall. But now the mall is very busy, especially on weekends, stores offer nice deals (discounts, coupons, etc). Holiday season is just around the corner. The staff of the mall is usually very friendly and helpful. See more..
3.5 Peoria Speedway (8 reviews)
- Peoria Speedway Good Redneck Entertainment
Spent More than 3 hours Auto Racing Tracks
Peoria Speedway is good clean, safe, loud, family fun. Plenty of free parking, and the entry fee is about $ 10 for adults and it provides hours of good loud, dusty, dirty, mud throwing fun. Be sure and bring ear protection. Plenty of concessions that include snacks, soft drinks, and adult beverages. A great summer evening of fun for the family See more..
3.5 Limelight Eventplex (4 reviews)
- Cheap Trick
Sunday: Theaters

Limelight Eventplex is Peoria’s destination for the hottest live entertainment around. Designed and built by musicians, for musicians, this dynamic venue is Central Illinois’ most intimate, fan- and band-friendly facility for live music and other performances. Limelight features local, regional, national and even global touring acts. See more..
3.0 Airsoft X (2 reviews)
- Best Airsoft Field in the Mid West
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sports Complexes
I have lived all over the country and have been to a great many airsoft fields. I was not sure what to expect from Airsoft X in Peoria, Illinois. A couple of friends an I went out to the indoor field on a Saturday for open games. Short story is that this is the best airsoft field in the Mid West. They have a sweet CQB area, a shooting range and a huge indoor field with tons of obstacles. They had us playing all kinds of new games. They used low-light, sound effects and smoke. We will be there again very soon. See more..
2.5 Northwoods mall (15 reviews)
- Going downhill fast
Shopping Malls

The Northwoods mall has a few good stores left, but Macys closing anouncement as well as the clientel that hang out at the mall, one has to be choosy about the time of day to do shopping. I dont feel safe when I come here after dark, especially on the weekends. See more..
Dotty's (0 review)
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM Spent 1-2 hours Casinos

Dotty's welcomes you! We offer a fun, friendly atmosphere for gaming and slots in a shopping center conveniently located near you. Inside our country kitchen you'll find our ever changing food menu full of "comfort classics" and fun twists on old favorites. We also invite you to enjoy our gourmet coffee, herbal teas, and our generous selection of beer and wine. See more..