Caterpillar Visitors Center

Opened in October 2012, this brand new visitors center celebrates the long history of the Caterpillar company. Visitors can explore the past by taking a journey back in time via historic photos and antique equipment. Visitor favorites include a 24-foot tall 797 mining truck that doubles as a movie theater and a product floor complete with simulators to explore its world-famous product line.

CITY: Galesburg

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Illinois' only United Nations World Heritage Site. This 2,200-acre site preserves the central section of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. An Interpretive Center presents a coherent account of this sophisticated prehistoric culture. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and life-size village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.

CITY: Collinsville

John Deere Pavilion

The legend of John Deere lives on at the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit. Showcases vintage and modern-day equipment, interactive agricultural displays and feature film. Largest collection of John Deere merchandise anywhere.

CITY: Moline

Peoria RiverFront

You’ll find art galleries, music venues, specialty shops, and great restaurants all located along Peoria’s beautiful RiverFront. Whether it’s a quick bite at a casual café or a relaxing dinner, we have something for everyone. You can enjoy live music and entertainment every weekend, shop the largest Antique Center in Central Illinois or find the perfect gift or home accent at one of our fun and inviting RiverFront shops. Throughout the summer, we offer an endless assortment of outdoor concerts and events. And don’t miss the RiverFront Market featuring local produce, art, and musicians, Saturday mornings, June – September. Peoria’s RiverFront… Where fun, food and friends meet!

CITY: Peoria

Black Hawk State Historic Site

Wonderful for families and friends, this wooded, steeply rolling 208-acre tract, borders the Rock River in the city of Rock Island. Prehistoric Indians and 19th-Century settlers made homes here, but the area is most closely identified with the Sauk nation and its great warrior, Black Hawk. Voted one of the "7 Wonders of Illinois," this pristine park offers beautiful trails for hiking and walking only. Picnic areas are also available. While at the park be sure to visit the Watch Tower Lodge that houses the John Hauberg Indian Museum. The museum features Sauk and Meskwaki Native American Indian artifacts and displays depicting the four seasons and life of these tribes. A new exhibit tells the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki—how they came to live in the Quad City area, why they no longer live here, and, as the piece de resistance, a four-by-eight-foot scale model of the city of Saukenuk one of the largest Native American Indian settlements in the United States.

CITY: Rock Island

Apple River Fort State Historic Site

Apple River Fort State Historic Site, located in Elizabeth, Illinois, is the site of one of the battles fought during the Black Hawk War. Black Hawk and his 200 warriors attacked the hastily erected fort on June 24, 1832. His story and that of the early settlers are told.

CITY: Elizabeth

Fort de Chartres State Historic Site

This former French military stronghold has been partially rebuilt and turned into a museum. Regular living history events shed light on colonial life in Illinois, and include 18th-century crafts, food, music, hundreds of historically dressed participants, flintlock rifle and musket contests, cannon and mortar competitions, traders and much more. There are also guided tours of the 1800 Creole House, which was designed in the French-American Transitional Architecture style.

CITY: Prairie du Rocher

Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District

This district is the arts and entertainment destination of the Quad Cities. Located on the Mississippi River, the district ia a revitalized and vibrant area. You'll find art galleries, restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, casino, shops and a hotel.

CITY: Rock Island

National Great Rivers Museum

Located adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, this museum is dedicated to telling the story of the Mississippi River, from its colorful history to its modern-day role as a major transportation corridor. The museum features kid-friendly, interactive and computer animated exhibits. Steer a towboat through the locks and dam via simulator, measure your water consumption or come face-to-face with river fish in the aquarium.

CITY: Alton

Galena Carriage Co.

Take in the charm of Galena's 19th-century architecture while relaxing in a horse drawn carriage. Historic carriage rides, dinner rides, romance and roses rides. Seasonal sleigh rides. Reservations recommended.

CITY: Galena

The Loop Riverfront Circulator

The Loop riverfront circulator hugs the Mississippi River and offers easy access to popular downtown attractions in the Quad Cities. The Loop provides a uniquely enjoyable way to travel for nightlife, dining, entertainment, arts/culture, festivals, concerts, gaming, and the beauty of the Mississippi River. See the sights on plush buses with stadium seating, full glass ceilings, bike rack, wheelchair accessibility, and hospitality-trained drivers. The Loop operates Thursday - Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. The fare is $1 per trip/50c for seniors, disabled, or Medicare cardholders.

CITY: Moline

Galena Trolley Tours

City tours of Galena, tour of homes and nightly ghost tour. Group services and charters. Original tour company since 1988.

CITY: Galena

Peoria Civic Center

Downstate Illinois' largest center is a four-building complex with a 12,000-seat arena. With 110,000 square feet of exhibit space, a 2,200-seat theater, a ball-room seating 1,500 for banquets and 16 meeting rooms this venue can house it all. As the premier entertainment facility in downstate Illinois, the Civic Center plays host to a variety of concerts, family shows, sporting events and Broadway Theater Series each year.

CITY: Peoria

National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

The Shrine has 200 beautifully landscaped acres of gardens and devotional areas, including the Outdoor Amphitheatre, Shrine Church, Lourdes Grotto, Stations of the Cross, Millennium Spire, the Visitors Center with a restaurant and gift shop, and the Shrine Hotel.

CITY: Belleville

Martini's on Water

Visit Martini's to enjoy one or more delicious concoctions from the expansive beverage menu. The selection includes key lime pie, bloody Mary, cheesecake, and cinnamon apple. Martini's offers outdoor seating on the patio, which has magnificent views of the river. Live entertainment and Monday specials are sure to make your visit memorable.

CITY: Peoria

Alton Riverfront Amphitheater

The 4,000 seat Alton Riverfront Amphitheater hosts a variety of events from community festivals to live concerts throughout the summer months. With the Mighty Mississippi River as a backdrop, bring your blanket and spread out for an evening under the stars. Check out our website for a list of upcoming events.

CITY: Alton

Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum

Experience railroading during its glory days at a former link for the Chicago Great Western Railway from Chicago, Illinois to Oelwein, Iowa by taking a tour through our extensive collection of railway memorabilia. See a full-size caboose, both G-scale and HO-scale operating model railroads and artifacts of northwestern Illinois railroads.

CITY: Elizabeth

Schwiebert Riverfront Park

Located along the Mississippi River in the downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, this park offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River, an open-air stage, interactive fountain, observation shelter, waterfront promenade, bike trail and digital playgrounds (the first installation of its kind in the Midwest).

CITY: Rock Island

Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse & The Speakeasy

Enjoy Broadway musicals, comedies, concerts, children's productions, and dinner in this historic, beautifully restored Vaudeville-era theatre. For a schedule of upcoming and current productions please visit the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse website. Next door to Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse you will find the Speakeasy. This smaller theatre features comedy and concerts throughout the year. To see who is performing at The Speakeasy, go to the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse website.

CITY: Rock Island

The Belvedere

Italianate 1857 mansion. Victorian furnishings, Liberace's estate items, 'Gone With the Wind' green drapes. Guided tours. Dowling House combo available.

CITY: Galena

Louis Latzer Homestead

Louis Latzer, the founder of the Pet Milk Company, built this homestead for his wife and family in 1901. The home had many modern features of the day, including running water pumped by hand to a holding tank in the attic, a manufactured gas light system, speaking tubes between many of the rooms and one of the first telephones in the community.

CITY: Highland

Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill is a quiet country village where the charm and character of the original colony has survived the test of time. Bishop Hill is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and it is an Illinois State Historic Site. Taste the history of this once-bustling 19th century settlement. Sample our fascinating museums, quaint eateries, unique gift shops, and art galleries. Peek into the past at our seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations. Spend hours or days here with family and friends. Return to the serenity of our earlier time with a visit to this restored Swedish village. See traditional craftsmen at work, explore our museums, visit our numerous and unique shops, and dine in one of our Swedish restaurants. Renew your spirit in this peaceful prairie retreat. Discover why Bishop Hill remains a utopia on the prairie – then and now

CITY: Bishop Hill

Lakeview Museum of the Arts and Planetarium

The largest private downstate museum features art & science exhibitions, Children's Discovery Center, Planetarium, Illinois Folk Art Gallery, Illinois River Decoy and Illinois Jacquard Coverlet exhibitions, the Museum Store and more.

CITY: Peoria

Pinder Pottery Inc.

Unique hand-thrown stoneware pottery. See website for class schedule and show listings. Open by appointment.

CITY: Galena

Popeye Statue

This monument honors Elzie Seager, Chester native and creator of beloved cartoon character Popeye the Sailor Man. The Popeye statue stands proudly next to the Chester Bridge.

CITY: Chester

Miss Kitty's Grape Escape

Located in the heart of downtown Galena, this is a great place to relax and unwind. Enjoy wine, specialty martinis and craft beers. Live music on Fridays and Saturdays, Bloody Mary bar Saturdays and Quiz Show Sundays. Gourmet apps until 1 a.m.

CITY: Galena

John Hauberg Indian Museum

Discover the history of the Sauk and Meskwaki Native Americans in this intimate museum located in the Watch Tower Lodge situated in Black Hawk State Historic Site. This small museum tells the story of these tribes, the great warrior Black Hawk and the village of Saukenuk. After a visit to the museum, be sure to explore the wooded trails that wind throughout this beautiful park located on the Rock River. The Watch Tower Lodge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and features a special Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit that highlights the building of the lodge.

CITY: Rock Island

Galena Main Street Walking Tours with General Grant

Partake in an one-hour tour with one of Galena's most notable citizens, General Ulysses S. Grant, and explore the historic highlights of this award-winning Main Street. The tour also features the 'Field of Dreams' movie locations that were captured in downtown Galena. Reservations are not required to join in the tour.

CITY: Galena

Joseph Smith Historic Site

The Joseph Smith Historic Site retells the story of the Latter Day Saint movement in Nauvoo during the early 1840s. Within the Visitor Center, guests will find original paintings of Nauvoo by David Hyrum Smith as well as other artifacts and information about the city and its people. Guided walking tours begin at the Visitors Center, starting with a short film and continuing through the Smith family's homes.

CITY: Nauvoo

Landmark Recreation Center

This recreation complex features 12 movie theaters, 50 bowling lanes, a racquet and health club, Peoria OTB, a sports bar, a barbershop and a bowling pro shop.

CITY: Peoria

The Old Blacksmith Shop

Authentic 1897 blacksmith shop with working forges. Original tools/equipment and an on-site historian. Gift shop: Galena-forged items.

CITY: Galena

ComedySportz Theatre - Rock Island

Improv comedy played as a sport! It's ComedySportz® - every Friday and Saturday night at The Establishment theatre in The District of Rock Island! Our matches feature competitive team vs. team improv comedy complete with a referee and fouls. All ComedySportz® matches are Rated E For Everyone. • 4-time World Comedy League Champions • 2-time Sooper Bowl of Comedy Champions • Voted 'Best Comedy Venue' & 'Best & Inexpensive Place to Bring a Date' in the River Cities' Reader Best of the Quad Cities For tickets to our matches, contact The Establishment Box Office at 309.786.1111 or purchase tickets online at EstablishmentTheatre.com.

CITY: Rock Island

Piasa Bird Mural at Piasa Park

Located on the edge of Alton, Piasa Park is an attractive stop for motorists, picnickers and bicyclists. The park is set at the base of the giant Piasa Bird mural that is painted on the side of a huge bluff. A large granite arrowhead tells the story of the Piasa Bird, which, according to legend, Chief Ouatoga and his 20 warriors killed with poison darts.

CITY: Alton

Galena Clay Works

You'll find handmade functional wares and sculptural forms at Galena Clay Works. Pottery is made and sold at this funky two-story studio - from Cups to crazyware, sculpture and Galena pottery.

CITY: Galena

Conklin's Barn 2 Dinner Theatre

Your home for hospitality with a bountiful buffet and the funniest live dinner theatre in Central Illinois.

CITY: Goodfield

Custom House Museum

This renovated 1872 Romanesque-style structure houses historical artifacts from the surrounding area.

CITY: Cairo

Colonel Davenport House

Located on the historic Rock Island Arsenal island -- an active military munitions base -- the home offers guided tours that highlight the famous people who have visited this historic home, the history of the island through various wars, and the events that took place when the Davenport family lived in this home. Learn about the river bandits that broke into the home during the 4th of July and what happened to Colonel Davenport. IMPORTANT: Because this is an active U.S. Army facility, a current ID is required for age 16 or older to enter the island. International visitors must register one week ahead by calling 309-782-2686 Monday through Friday between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Central Time.

CITY: Rock Island

Beall Mansion Historic Tours

Tour the mansion built as a wedding present by railroad baron and riverboat magnate Z.B. Job for his son and bride Mary Drummond, heiress to the Drummond tobacco fortune. Today this three-story mansion serves as a bed and breakfast.

CITY: Alton

Old Stockade on the Cobblestone Street

Used as a refuge for women and children of Galena area during the Blackhawk War of 1832, the Old Stockade brings Galena's earliest history to life in this 1820's log building. Come, share!

CITY: Galena

Bishop Hill State Historic Site

Four historically significant buildings are owned by the State of Illinois and are maintained as part of the Bishop Hill State Historic Site. These architectural treasures are the two-story Colony Church (1850), the three-story Colony Hotel (1852-ca. 1860), the Boys Dormitory (ca. 1850), and the Colony Barn (mid-1850s) that has been relocated behind the Hotel. In addition, the state owns the central village park containing a reconstructed gazebo and war monuments. On the south edge of the village, the state built a new brick Museum to house a comprehensive collection of paintings by colonist and self-taught artist, Olof Krans (1838-1916). Hours and days of operation change with the season. Please call to confirm your visit.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Scottish Rite Cathedral

Scottish Rite Cathedral is on the former site of the Stillman Wheelock mansion, this Gothic Revival style cathedral was built in 1930.

CITY: Moline

Peoria Symphony Orchestra

Professional symphony orchestra performing 7 classical concerts per season and various pops and youth performances.

CITY: Peoria

Gateway Building

An elegantly appointed venue along Peoria’s Riverfront, the Gateway offers the finest surroundings for your next business or social function. Constructed in 1997, this beautiful building was designed and created to be the focal point of Peoria's Riverfront. The Gateway is conveniently located downtown just one block from Interstate 74 and is within walking distance of hotels, major businesses, and many restaurants. The Riverfront provides a spectacular backdrop with its stunning views and the vibrant nightlife offers a unique and festive atmosphere. This is an affordable, convenient site for any meeting, banquet, or conference occasion. With the comfort and versatility the Gateway offers, you will want to make this the new home for your annual banquets and weekly meetings.

CITY: Peoria

Mt. Carroll Garden Walk

Stroll the brick streets and enjoy unique historic architecture while viewing beautiful flower, perennial and water gardens. Garden vendors and a farmer's market will be stationed in the Courthouse Square.

CITY: Mount Carroll

Alton Little Theater

Entertaining audiences since 1934, the Alton Little Theater offers a season of great live theatrical performances from dramas to comedies to everyone's favorite musicals. The Alton Little Theater is one of the oldest community theaters in the state of Illinois.

CITY: Alton

Eastlight Theatre

A regional community theatre presenting 4 main stage musicals a year.

CITY: East Peoria

Golden Windmill

The Golden Windmill was built in 1872, and is the only smock mill that still has its original stones and gears in place. Today it is home to the Windmill Museum and gift shop.

CITY: Golden

Nauvoo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Nauvoo Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was recently rebuilt in Nauvoo, one of the early settlements of the Mormon people. The structure is 150 ft tall and overlooks the Mississippi River. The temple was reconstructed on the site of the original temple, which was built between 1841 and 1846. The temple is a beautiful building and a "must-see" when visiting Nauvoo.

CITY: Nauvoo

Conklin's Barn II Dinner Theatre

dinner theatre

CITY: Goodfield

Peoria Area Civic Chorale

A volunteer chorale group of around 100 singing members, PACC performs two concert series annually, May and December.

CITY: Peoria

The Framer's Gallery

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience stop at The Framer's Gallery and see all the great one-of-kind gifts from over 20 local artists including jewelry, pottery, wood carving, photography and various mediums of art work. The gallery also offers experienced custom framing at competitive prices. This is always a fun place to be. Come and enjoy the day on Washington Square.

CITY: Washington

Alton Museum of History and Art

Winged monsters, explorers, riverboats and a gentle giant. The Alton Museum of History & Art shows the crossroads of American history in Alton. The museum is located in the historic Loomis Hall across from the Wadlow statue. Loomis Hall is the oldest building in the state of Illinois continuously utilized for education. One of the most popular rooms, the Wadlow Room, pays tribute to Alton's "Gentle Giant" and the World's Tallest Man. The Pioneer Room explores the history of Alton from the Lewis & Clark Expedition to the Civil War with exhibits on Elijah Lovejoy, the Lincoln-Douglas Debates and the "Alton Route" on the Underground Railroad. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sunday 1 - 4 p.m.

CITY: Alton

Playcrafters Barn Theater

Enjoy a variety of dramas and comedies at this theater situated in a renovated barn. Theater productions are available throughout the year and feature professional actors and actresses. Great venue and wonderful theater productions make this a fun attraction in the Quad Cities.

CITY: Moline

Howlin on Water...Dueling Pianos at the Waterhouse

The Waterhouse is a reception, rental and performance facility located in downtown Peoria along the beautiful Illinois River. Get crazy every Friday night at this hilariously entertaining show.

CITY: Peoria

Gateway Geyser Fountain

As the world's tallest fountain, the Gateway Geyser Fountain reaches 627 feet in height, and is centered in a pond that holds five million gallons of water.

CITY: East St. Louis

Hello Galena!

65 artists selling and demonstrating artwork. Jewelry, pottery, stained glass, paintings, photography, wooden toys/pens, purses, more! Events, demonstrations & classes.

CITY: Galena

Marissa Academy Museum and Coal Miners Monument

Memorabilia celebrating the city's growth from a coal mining town to the present makes this an interesting stop.

CITY: Marissa

Mississippi Mud Pottery

Watch the potters at Mississippi Mud spin a creation right before your eyes. The potters work daily making dinnerware, lamps, vases, planters, casseroles, pottery and custom-designed ware. Their creations are made from natural clay materials mined in the Midwest region, with lead-free glazes that are microwave, oven proof and dishwasher safe. The pottery on display makes a great gift as a beautiful piece of art, as well as practical dishes for use in the home.

CITY: Alton

Fine Line Studio

Give a gift that will be treasured forever. Beautiful graphite pencil and watercolor portraits created from your favorite photos. Homescapes, portraits and pets. Local watercolor prints and notecards available. Gift certificates available.

CITY: Peoria

Jukebox Comedy Club

Regarded by many as one of the best clubs in the country. The home of Richard Pryor & Sam Kinison should accept nothing less!

CITY: Peoria

Villa Kathrine

Villa Kathrine is a unique example of Mediterranean architecture in the Midwest. Located on the bluffs of the Mississippi, Villa Kathrine houses Quincy's tourist information center.

CITY: Quincy

Main Street Jazz & Blues

Join the group at this small intimate club featuring performers from St. Louis and the local area.

CITY: Belleville

Andover Historical Museum & Grounds

This former home of August Rehnstrom was a temporary haven for Swedish immigrants in the 1860s. The lawn features the bell from the area's first two-story school and millstones from the historic Edwards River Mill.

CITY: Andover

Stone House Pottery & Gallery

Stone House Pottery & Gallery has much to offer visitors. Gallery openings, demonstrations and 2-day Glaze & Graze classes are bound to keep participants entertained. Functional and decorative pottery, tiles, figurative bronzes, featuring area artists work, as well.

CITY: Galena

Beer Barrel Pub

Must be 21

CITY: Godfrey

Annie's Little Pots and Pottery Center

Annies Little Pots is a “must-see” shop in Princeton, Illinois. Discover many local artists along with Ann Dittmer’s beautiful hand-made pottery, created in her on-site studio. Besides Princeton's own handmade pottery, you’ll find Metal Sculpture, Home & Garden decor, soaps, candles, jewelry, and original paintings. Want to try your hand at the Pottery Wheel? Schedule a Pottery Class. The Pottery Cellar located in the basement of Annies Little Pots features a fun Paint Your Own Pottery Studio.

CITY: Princeton

Horse and Buggy Museum

The museum offers agricultural history exhibits and programs from the period 1820-1920 when horses were the man source of power for farming and transportation. With 6000 square feet of display area featuring eight interactive touchscreen kiosks with 80 video clips making Henderson county horse era come alive again. Over 50 equipment pieces are on exhibit.

CITY: Biggsville

Cairo Public Library

Museum quality working library of Queen Anne, Architecture on two floors built in 1884.

CITY: Cairo

Images of Nature

Located on Galena's historic Main Street, this gallery features the award-winning nature photography of Thomas D. Mangelsen, limited edition photographs, posters, books, art cards, puzzles and calendars.

CITY: Galena

Peoria Ballet

The Peoria Ballet offers a season of spectacular dance performances featuring the Peoria Ballet Company and guest artists from across the globe, while the Peoria Ballet Academy provides excellent dance education in ballet, modern, jazz, tap and hip hop.

CITY: Peoria

Carl Johnson's Gallery

I paint on-site...and travel. Come see my original watercolors and etchings. Galena, Chicago...wherever. Ballparks, flowers, reproductions...commissions, too.

CITY: Galena

Deere-Wiman House & Butterworth Center

Two historic homes, built in 1872 and 1892, were occupied by four generations of John Deere's descendants. Guided tours showcase the history of the houses, and are available by reservation only.

CITY: Moline

West Street Sculpture Park

Wander through this outdoor gallery of large steel sculptures by award-winning local artist John Martinson. On-site metal studio.

CITY: Galena

Toraason Glass

A contemporary hand blown glass art studio. Original works of art created by Hiram Toraason. The studio provides a number of glass making opportunities, for the beginner to the advanced. Customize your experience! Formal classes to team building workshops are available. The gallery offers a variety glass from functional to the one of a kind creations. Ready to get hands-on with glass blowing yourself? Call for an appointment and let Torasson Glass help you create the perfect glass creation for you!

CITY: Peoria

The Feathered Nest at Windy Corner Farm

A delightful artist haven offering a mix of Victorian eggs, feathered masks and wreaths, floral arrangements and intimate miniature portrait silhouettes. Windy Corner Farms and The Feathered Nest gardens and studio are an experience soon to be a cherished memory.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Studiowork

A gallery of handmade pottery and art by local artists and the studio of Adrienne Seagraves and Stephanie O'Shaughnessy.

CITY: Elizabeth

The Milagro Studio

Contemporary gold/silver jewelry, precious/semi-precious stones, hand wrought on premises.

CITY: Galena

Galena Artisan Center

Mix of jewelry, photography, pottery, stained glass and items made by 60+ local/Midwest artists. Tapestry and table runners too.

CITY: Galena

Historic Barn Tours

Four different self-guided driving tours pass 30 historic country barns, ranging in style from double valley, cross gable and gambrel, to stick and round.

CITY: Macomb

Alton Stained Glass Works

Visit this working studio to shop for hand-crafted works of art - lamps, window panes, ornaments, sun catchers, glass beads and more. From decorative items to window panes, make a purchase from the floor or have Lynne custom design a piece for you and your home. Classes are also available. Hours: Tuesday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. or by appointment.

CITY: Alton

The Mermaid House

The beautiful house is an example of an 1830s hotel. Charles Dickens once visited there in 1842 while researching a book he wrote on prairies in America.

CITY: Lebanon

Pumpkin Glass Gallery and Studio

Welcome to Pumpkin Glass -- featuring exquisite lampwork glass beads, crystal, handmade jewelry, fused pendants, sterling silver jewelry, natural stone, and bead / jewelry making supplies and classes.

CITY: Morton

Peoria Players Theatre

The Peoria Players Theatre is the longest continuously running community theatre in Illinois, and the 4th oldest in the nation. Peoria Players has been in continuous operation since 1919.

CITY: Peoria

Thomas Kinkade Gallery

The Thomas Kinkade Gallery of Belleville is full of beautiful works by Thomas Kinkade.

CITY: Belleville

Three Sisters Park

Three sisters, Sadie, Lillian, and Goldie Cohen, expressed a wish that the 400-acres of farmland located adjacent to the city of Chillicothe, IL be dedicated as park land and a model farm for educational, recreational, and conservational purposes. While the Cohen sisters lived just off Moss Avenue in Peoria, they loved their family farm. Their vision was for the property to remain agriculturally related. The master plan envisions the creation of a living history farm, a central activity building, large festival areas, a welcome center, restaurant, agricultural equipment museum activity area, and outdoor natural amphitheater. The open fields and forested areas offer unique space for special events, concerts and festivals.

CITY: Chillicothe

Field of Dreams - DeSoto House Hotel

An Iowa farmer is inspired to build a baseball field on his farm after he hears a voice that tells him, "If you build it, he will come." Once built, the field is visited by the ghosts of Shoeless Joe Jackson and other Chicago Black Sox players who were banned from the game for throwing the 1919 World Series. A nighttime street scene was filmed in Illinois in front of the historic DeSoto House Hotel in Galena, which dates back to 1855 and served as the presidential campaign headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant.

CITY: Galena

Center For American Archeology

Archeological field experience. Archeological research. Education programs. Museum exhibits and tours. Scientific publications. Public events.

CITY: Kampsville

Apollo Theatre

In 2009, Lara & Joachim (Jay) Schneider bought the Apollo. Since then there have been quite a few changes. Just recently new seats were installed and the concession area was given a make-over. We offer "Buy Nachos For One Buck Mondays" and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bucket and fill it up for only 75 cents) Tuesdays! If you never been to the Apollo or haven't been in awhile, please come and see this Princeton landmark!

CITY: Princeton

Rex's Museum

A Lionel train set shares space with a Li'l Abner Dogpatch Band windup toy and British toy soldiers. Antique collectibles, clothing, glassware, a mule deer antler chandelier, and many more unusual items fill the 2,000 sq. ft. "extra room" added onto the house.

CITY: Waterloo

Beall Mansion - An Elegant Bed & Breakfast Inn

Welcome to the mansion built as a wedding gift. Designed by Lucas Pfeiffenberger and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this elegant mansion features 18 ionic columns, eleven and a half foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers and marble and bronze statuary throughout. Let us pamper you with sumptuous feather beds, whirlpools for two, 24 hour "all you can eat" chocolate buffet, and optional gourmet breakfast in bed. Free wi-fi. In room massage, spa, golf and corporate packages available.

CITY: Alton

Jacoby Arts Center

Jacoby Arts Center is dedicated to creating opportunities for individual artists in their pursuit of artistic excellence and economic success. The stunning gallery presents works of regional and national artists and the retail shop, known as The Artist Shop, showcases items in a variety of media while providing artists a retail outlet to their audiences.

CITY: Alton

Apple River Canyon Photography

Photographer Larry Backe specializes in families, pets and seniors. Commercial also available. Visit his studio and gallery. Portraits by appointment.

CITY: Apple River

Outsider Gallery

The Outsider Gallery is filled with whimsical, elegant, and functional items from regional artisans Steve and Marsha Carleson. Marsha makes handmade paper, 3-dimensional paper pieces, bowls, vases, bottle cap tables and other objects of whimsy. Steve makes glass ornaments, beads, and fused glass pieces with the occasional traditional Swedish tina boxes combined into the mixture.

CITY: Bishop Hill

Contemporary Art Center of Peoria

Peoria's cultural hub featuring art exhibitions, artist studios, art instruction, comedy improv, poetry nights, yoga and tai chi classes, and jazz and blues performances. The Contemporary Art Center exhibits the work of living artists at the forefront of their fields. About 20 resident artists are constantly creating art on-site, and prolific artist and co-founder Preston Jackson continues to maintain his sculpture and painting studio.

CITY: Peoria

Arts & More Gallery

Arts & More Gallery offers custom framing, in-home consultations, art classes, hundreds of mats and frames, and thousands of prints. Also, original art by local, national, and international artists.

CITY: Red Bud

John Hauberg Indian Museum

The John Hauberg Indian Museum is located in Black Hawk State Historic Site in Rock Island, Illinois and features full-size replicas of Sauk winter and summer houses. Dioramas with life-size figures depict activities of the Sauk and Meskwaki people between 1750 to1830. Artifacts, including authentic trade goods, jewelry and domestic items are displayed. In addition, a special exhibit tells the story of the Sauk and Meskwaki along with a four by eight foot scale model of the city of Saukenuk - one of the largest Native American Indian settlements in North America. This small, intimate museum is nestled in a park setting filled with wooded hiking trails and picnic areas. Guided tours of the museum are given by appointment by calling 309-788-9536.

CITY: Rock Island