Spirit of Peoria

Take a sightseeing or theme cruise on the Spirit of Peoria, an old-fashioned replica of a 19th-century riverboat that docks at the Peoria RiverFront. Join a one- to five-day overnight excursion to Starved Rock State Park or the St. Louis riverfront and be entertained by live ragtime piano and banjo music, as well as a storyteller sharing river lore, while the Spirit of Peoria paddles along the Illinois River. Stay the night at Starved Rock Lodge and see a show by a Mark Twain interpreter who brings the iconic author to life.

CITY: Peoria

Peoria's Grandview Drive "World's Most Beautiful Drive"

This quote from President Teddy Roosevelt describes his 1910 visit to Grandview Drive in Peoria Heights. The vistas gazed upon by the former president still sit upon bluffs unchanged from when the Indians first settled in the area centuries ago. Drive along the two-and-on-half mile drive to see the expansive panoramic view of Woodford, Tazewell and Marshall counties, where on a clear day, visitors can see more than thirty miles of the scenic Illinois River valley.

CITY: Peoria Heights

Glen Oak Zoo

Open year-round, the Peoria Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals from around the world. Come see our newest members of the zoo family in Africa! From giraffes and rhinoceros to spider monkeys and lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. In addition to family recreational resources, educational programming and conservation-based programs are top priorities.

CITY: Peoria

Luthy Botanical Gardens

This beautiful spot features five acres of landscaped gardens including the Woodland Garden, Children's Garden, Herb Garden and several others. Tropical conservatory is open year-round. Outdoor Garden is open 8:30am to dusk year-round. Closed Mondays.

CITY: Peoria

Splashdown at EastSide

The wettest and wildest family water park in Central Illinois. Play in Splashtower Island or ride the lazy river. There's even a splash and play area for the young ones in your family. www.fondulacpark.com

CITY: East Peoria

Grady's Family Fun Center

As Bloomington-Normal's only amusement park, Grady's features an 18-hole mini-golf course, batting cages, bumper boats, go-karts and kiddie rides.

CITY: Bloomington

Riverplex Recreation and Wellness Center

State-of-the-art fitness center, indoor family aquatic center, pro shop, smoothie bar, classrooms, gymnasium, multipurpose recreation area with sports, classes, programs and other activities. Daily user fees or memberships available. Don't forget to also check out our indoor two-story water-slide, lazy river, zero depth pool and splash equipment!

CITY: Peoria

Linden Hill Farms

Come experience a working dairy farm! Milk a cow, feed the chickens, and just learn what it's like to live on a farm. Located just 8 miles from downtown Peoria. Call today to schedule your tour!

CITY: Peoria

Lavender Creek Farm

Lavender Creek Farm grows fields of organic lavender plants. Walk the lavender fields, pick bouquets and browse the plants for sale. Lavender soaps, oils, lotions, candles and more are made at the farmhouse - the old fashioned way!

CITY: Mackinaw

The Palms Grill Café

The Palms Grill Cafe was a well-known restaurant during the heyday of Route 66. Recently the cafe was revitalized and reopened, and is serving up delicious nostalgia from the fabled Route 66 era. Conveniently located right across the street is the towering Bunyon’s Statue, another one of Route 66’s famous Muffler Man Statues.

CITY: Atlanta

Fon du Lac Park District

Experience what 1600+ acres of parks, natural areas, riverfront and trails have to offer. Enjoy 2 golf courses, a picturesque marina and campground, Splashdown Water Park, and a variety of recreational programs and activities for all ages.

CITY: East Peoria

Peoria Glen Oak Zoo

Open year-round, the Peoria Zoo is home to more than 100 species of animals from around the world. Come see our newest members of the zoo family in Africa! From Giraffes and Rhinoceros to Spider Monkeys and Lions, the Zoo is the wildest family place in town. In addition to family recreational resources, educational programming, and conservation-based programs are top priorities. www.peoriazoo.org

CITY: Peoria

Forest Park Nature Center

500-acre Illinois nature preserve offering 7 miles of hiking trails ranging from rigorous uphill courses to flatter, less strenuous paths. The center also features a natural history museum, spacious bird watching room, nature hikes, guided walks and a nature store.

CITY: Peoria

Lakeview Family Aquatic Center

This outdoor aquatic center has a swimming pool, a zero depth pool with play equipment, 2 giant water slides, 1 small slide, diving boards, a video arcard and wet sand play area.An arcade, lockers, showers, concessions and souvenirs are also available! Children seven years and under must be accompanied by an adult 17 years or older.

CITY: Peoria

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway

The Byway unites more than 100 nature-based destinations throughout the Illinois River Valley, beginning in Ottawa and ending 140 miles south in Havana. Find the best spots for hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, wetlands, gardens, birding and watching wildlife.

CITY: Peoria

Shoppes at Grand Prairie

The Shoppes at Grand Prairie ~ a vibrant, open-air lifestyle center in Peoria ~ is the premier dining and shopping destination for the region, rivaling the chic malls typically found in larger cities. The Shoppes features an exciting blend of retailers and restaurants, along with our anchor stores: Bergner's, DSW, Jillian's and Dick's Sporting Goods. The center is highlighted by an inviting, lushly landscaped outdoor environment that features animal sculptures throughout the center, the nationally acclaimed Holocaust Memorial Button exhibit filled with 11 million buttons, the Caterpillar children's play area, and weekend entertainment.

CITY: Peoria

Miller Park Zoo

Miller Park Zoo is the only Illinois zoo to feature the endangered Sumatran tiger. This zoo also features several indoor and outdoor exhibits of exotic animals, special events, and is open year round.

CITY: Bloomington

Route 66 Park & Tourism Center

This small park is right on Route 66, and it's a great place to check out the town of Atlanta. It is a great park, including flat area to run and playground for the kids to climb and run on, you and your family are sure to enjoy.

CITY: Atlanta

Genevieve Green Gardens

The Genevieve Green Gardens offer a relaxing setting for contemplation and the appreciation of nature's beauty. Small gardens are tucked in at various locations; there is also a formal compass garden with a beautiful arbor, a Japanese garden, and a main plaza that is highlighted by a water feature. Walkways, accompanied by tasteful signage, conveniently guide visitors around the property and are in harmony with the landscape's topography. Carefully designed lighting makes it possible to enjoy the gardens during evening hours.

CITY: Bloomington

World on Wheels Segway Tours

Peoria area’s only Segway tour and Quadracycle bike rental experience. Offering 30-minute, 1-hour, and 2-hour Segway tours as well as 30-minute Quadracycle bike rides. Gliding with World On Wheels is as fun as it gets. Use them for individual riding or corporate events. Open March thru November, weather permitting. Feel free to call for an appointment. Easy riding for all age levels.

CITY: Peoria

River Trail of Illinois

This 10-foot wide asphalt trail winds 4.8 miles along the former Illinois Terminal Railroad Co. path. Build in 1991, the River Trail provides a safe scenic route for outdoor recreation year round, winter weather permitting. The trail affords patrons the opportunity to experience the natural preservation of wildflowers, grasses, trees and wildlife. With direct access at the Park Administration Center, Bunnell field, and Taylor Street ball diamonds, and in close proximity to Veterans Park, Central Jr. High, West Park, and local restaurants, the River Trail offers something for everyone!

CITY: East Peoria

Ackerman Farms

Ackerman Farms, celebrating over 100 years as a working family farm, invites everyone to join us from the 3rd week in August through the 3rd week in December. We feature over 150 different varieties of pumpkins and squash in all shapes and sizes, over 25 varieties of beautiful hardy mums, and over 15 varieties of apples from our orchard - everything you need for your fall decorations and for your table. Plan to spend the afternoon with us in our family friendly corn maze, ride a hay rack, browse the gift shop and visit our friendly farm animals. At Christmas, join us for hot cider by a cozy fire and leisurely shop our wonderful Christmas selection of gifts and decor. Don't forget to call us to schedule birthday parties or class field trips.

CITY: Morton

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

Weaver Ridge Golf Course

This 18-hole championship golf course with incredible views also features a restaurant that opens daily at 11am and offers Sunday brunch.

CITY: Peoria

Fairview Water Park

Fairview has an activity pool featuring arched water jets, a polar bear slide and a water mushroom. The park also features six lap swim lanes, a deep pool with two thrilling drop slides, multiple diving boards and two sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Normal

Detweiller Golf Course

9-hole executive course with beautiful views of the Illinois River. Great for beginners and seniors.

CITY: Peoria

EastPort Marina

Public marina with two levels of accommodations. Beautiful view of downtown Peoria, nautical gift shop, full parts and service department along with five gas pumps, one diesel pumps, pump-out facility and detail shop on site (East Peoria Boat Works).

CITY: East Peoria

Newman Golf Course

This 18-hole course provides a great test of golf acumen, with rolling terrain and a superb back nine.

CITY: Peoria

Splashdown Water Park

Central Illinois' premier family water park is located at the Eastside Centre Sports Complex. Play in Splash Tower Island, ride the lazy river, or spend time in the splash and play area designed for little ones.

CITY: East Peoria

Carl Spindler Marina

Part of the Riverfront Greenway, Spindler Marina is a public gateway to the Illinois River, offering reasonable rates, parking and storage. Make Spindler Marina your launch today. Spindler Marina is a public gateway to the Illinois River. The Mar ina is available for public boat launch, slip rental and dry dock storage. Pick up your ice, boating or camping supplies at the Marina office. With a picnic and shelter area, rest rooms available seasonally, and the beautiful views from the River Trail Boardwalk, make Spindler Marina your next Illinois adventure.

CITY: East Peoria

Coyote Creek Golf Club

Championship course with a country club atmosphere. A challenging 18-hole course designed by the late Bruce Borland, senior designer for Jack Nicklaus.

CITY: Bartonville

Kellogg Golf Course

Challenging 27 holes of golf and driving range in a country setting with rolling terrain, water and bunkers.

CITY: Peoria

Kartville

The family fun here includes go-karts, off-road ATVs, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats and more. Open daily April through November 1.

CITY: Peoria

Leo Donovan Golf Course

This 18-hole golf course has a layout that offers challenges for all levels of play.

CITY: Peoria

Fon du Lac Golf Course

This nine-hole course is challenging for the experienced golfer, but also beginner-friendly for the novice. Great for a quick round and easy on your pocketbook.

CITY: East Peoria

Golf Learning Center and Academy

All-weather heated and lighted driving range that recreates golf course hole layouts. Indoor and outdoor practice greens, indoor hitting stations and a 9-hole pitch and putt course.

CITY: Peoria

Ecology Action Center

This walk-in information and environmental education center offers workshops on recycling, composting and energy saving.

CITY: Normal

Pine Lakes Golf Club

This 18-hole public golf course, designed in the 1960s by Val Gene Gould, features nice tree-lined fairways. A driving range and discounted twilight fees are available.

CITY: Washington

Comlara Park

Bike trails, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, nature area, picnic shelters, playground, restrooms, sand volleyball, swimming, beach, sledding and cross-country skiing.

CITY: Hudson

Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area

This site offers a diversity of landscape covering 1,448 acres over timbered hills, open meadows, and river bottoms. Canoe access enables visitors to float the scenic Mackinaw River. Other activities include fishing, hunting, hiking, and picnicking.

CITY: Mackinaw

Quail Meadows Golf Course

This beautiful 18-hole course offers golf outings, a pro shop, driving range and banquet facilities.

CITY: Washington

Pheasant Lanes

Bowling & billiards.

CITY: Bloomington

ISU Bowling and Billiards Center

The Bowling and Billiard Center (BBC) is located north of the ISU Quad, next to the Bone Student Center, and Milner Library. The BBC provides entertainment for students, faculty/staff, & the general public including: bowling, billiards, video games, etc.

CITY: Normal

Sudden Impact

Paintball.

CITY: McLean

Quail Meadows Golf Course

This 18-hole championship golf course features a pro shop, a PGA professional on staff, and an all-grass driving range and target area.

CITY: East Peoria

Fairview Family Aquatic Center

Fun for the whole family! Zero depth activity pool, six lap swim lanes, separate pool for drop slides and diving boards, as well as a sand/water play area for children and two competition sand volleyball courts.

CITY: Normal

Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym

Upper Limits has more than 20,000 square feet of climbing, including routes up to 110 feet tall. Other features include a wave-wall, bi-level cave, and a unique outdoor bouldering area. Upper Limits accommodates all ages and skill levels, offering introductory and advanced classes, parties, group rates, scout programs, and team building exercises. Come visit Upper Limits, one of the largest and tallest gyms in the world!

CITY: Bloomington

North Greens Golf Course

Golf with your family on this great course. 18 holes of fun are in store for your family when you visit North Greens. You will be challenged at your game and have a great time teeing off!

CITY: Atlanta

Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges

Darnall's Gun Works and Ranges is a family owned business that provides a place for trap shooting, target practice and personal instruction and training in the use of firearms for self-defense.

CITY: Bloomington

Circle Lanes

Looking for late night or weekend bowling fun? Take your game to an unexplored new level with Xtreme Bowling – an adventure of lights, great music, wild bowling challenges, and (of course) your favorite food & beverages.

CITY: Bloomington

Metamora Fields Golf Club

An 18-hole D. A. Weibring/Wolfard designed championship golf course with a 25,000 sq-ft clubhouse that offers banquet seating up to 400 people in one room. Introducing a brand new "classic" golf course to the Tri-County area focusing on offering "playable" golf for every skill level. Stunning panoramic views overlooking this links course make for an amazing backdrop for any special event. Our tag line "Where You're Always Welcome" says it all. Hang out for a while in the clubhouse - even if you don't play golf very much but like to watch. We have the very best view of golf in all of Central Illinois from our two level outdoor deck that peers out to the 9th and 18th greens tucked on opposite sides of our beautiful clubhouse chain of lakes. We intentionally brought these two greens as close to the clubhouse as possible so that everyone can enjoy watching golf while relaxing on the decks or inside the clubhouse.

CITY: Metamora

Madison Golf Course

Madison Golf Course offers 18-holes of golf with flat terrain and bunkers.

CITY: Peoria

Camp Komfort

The campground is very clean and quiet. There are many features, such as an in-ground pool, a large pavilion, a play area for children, a small store and a dog walk area. There is plenty of shade in this campground. They provide 30 and 50 AMP service.

CITY: Carlock

Spring Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Contains a large bluff overlooking a long, narrow lake. Camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting opportunities provide a vast recreational experience. Concession and boat rentals are also available.

CITY: Manito

Peoria Palace Roller Skating Rink

Heart of Illinois' premier roller rink with family entertainment. We feature great food, a party area, live music, big screen TVs, wireless internet access and more. Peoria Palace Skating Rink offers the best in family oriented entertainment that will appeal to all ages! Peoria Palace has a large arcade area with the newest games, and some "Old Skool" classics that offer arcade tickets which can be traded for prizes at the Redemption Center. Choosing healthier lifestyles has become more important and Peoria Palace definitely fits the bill! Research has shown that roller skating burns up to 660 calories an hour! You see not only is skating fun but it’s good for your health!!

CITY: Mossville

Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area

Picturesque bottomland setting with an abundance of silver maple, cottonwood, ash and willow trees. Picnicking, camping, boating, fishing, and hunting add to the visitor's enjoyment.

CITY: Lowpoint

Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

The lake was built on the floodplain of the Illinois River in 1971 by Commonwealth Edison Company as a cooling reservoir for the fossil-fuel power plant. Today, the completely diked, 1,426-acre lake is leased for visitor hunting and fishing.

CITY: Manito

Pekin Park District

Facilities include a 4-mile trail, indoor ice-skating rink, horse riding stables, fishing, bocce ball, canoes, bike boats, Frisbee golf course, mini-golf and a lot more.

CITY: Pekin