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

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

Captain Swift Covered Bridge

Located one mile west of Princeton in Bureau County, Illinois is the Captain Swift Covered Bridge. Built in 2006, the bridge derives its strength from its burr arch design, an idea patented by Theodore Burr of New York in 1804. Made entirely of wood using 1800s concepts (it has an outer skin of Douglas Fir), the Captain Swift Covered Bridge is the only two-lane covered bridge in Illinois. It has a 16’-3” vertical clearance, a 28 foot minimum roadway width and a 128’ span over the Big Bureau Creek. GPS co-ordinates - N41 22.745 W89 29.871

CITY: Princeton

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

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

American Discovery Trail

What a way to travel - about 75 miles, from one major river to another (the Illinois and the Mississippi), all on one newly built trail. The Hennepin Parkway State Trail (a linear state park) offers surcease from the flat, treeless Illinois prairie with a lock-strewn straight course of water and a green tunnel over the old tow path of a canal that was obsolete before it was completed. Quaint towns lie nearby, camping spaces (usually primitive) abound, and history is there for the dipping of your fingers in the water. At Sheffield, a comprehensive trail museum more than fills the gaps in your experience of a very unique way to travel through the heart of America. The trail ends in Rock Island, just a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Mississippi River to Iowa.

CITY: Bureau Junction

Hornbaker Gardens

Hornbaker Gardens is a family owned and operated nursery specializing in perennial flowers. Large collections of hostas, daylilies, iris and other perennials draw plant enthusiasts from all over the Midwest to this nursery in the country. Whatever we get interested in as gardeners, we seem to start providing for our customers as well. Thus, the offerings of granite and pottery, bronze sculptures and rusty metal artwork. In 2008, we put up a new building which we call The Shop at Hornbaker Gardens. It is stocked with garden art and other garden accessories where you are sure to find something unique for your garden.

CITY: Princeton

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

A Hundred Acres Orchard and Market

A fun-filled orchard featuring apples, berries, melons. The indoor market is filled with jams, jellies, sauces, dips, salsas, candy and homemade "take n bake" pies. Also unique is the Krazy Kernel Kettle Korn, produced right in Princeton! Specialty cheeses, such as Antonella, Buffalo Wing Jack, and Tomato Basil Yellow Cheddar are also available. Pair these cheeses with some of the wines that are sold in the new wine shop, or enjoy your purchase on the newly constructed outdoor patio area. The Cider Mill banquet room has been expanded to accommodate 200 guests, so plan your wedding, reception, party, or reunion here!

CITY: Princeton

Detweiller Golf Course

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

CITY: 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

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

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

Tanner's Orchard

Central Illinois' most unique farm market. Wagon rides, playground, corn maze, farm animals, Apple Express train. Farm market filled with unique gifts, fresh produce and specialty foods such as jams, salsas, soups, etc. The large bakery provides an assortment of fresh baked goods and a great lunch on weekdays. Lunch served on weekends in September and October from The Old Market Eatery.

CITY: Speer

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

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

Quail Meadows Golf Course

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

CITY: Washington

Cedar Creek Ranch

Horseback Riding stables including public trail rides, boarding, birthday parties and holiday rides!! And more.

CITY: Cedar Point

Boggio 's Orchard and Produce

Boggio's Orchard & Produce is a family-oriented owned orchard and produce. Our Orchard includes freshly picked produce, bakery, a craft store, livestock farm and local craft shows. Boggio's fruits, vegetables, petting zoo, corn mazes, pony rides and more are truly a joy for everyone in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

CITY: Granville

Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area

Bottomlands and bluffs support a variety of animals, plants, and outdoor pursuits including picnicking, camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. Migrating waterfowl, great blue herons, and bald eagles provide birders exceptional viewing opportunities.

CITY: Lacon

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

Donnelley/Depue State Fish and Wildlife Area & Complex

This complex is an important North American waterfowl migration corridor. Much of the 3,838-acre complex is managed for waterfowl feeding, nesting, resting, harvesting, and viewing.

CITY: De Pue

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

Rock Island Trail State Park

The Rock Island Trail provides 27 miles for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. A primitive campground is also available. One of the premier rails-to-trails facilities in Illinois, this trail is a sure-fire winner for the entire family.

CITY: Wyoming

Carriage Classics, Ltd.

This horse-drawn carriage service is available for scenic tours, weddings and other occasions. Equipped for all seasons. Evening rides in downtown Peoria Fridays and Saturdays during April through mid-October. Thursday through Saturday rides during June through August. Pick-up points at Hotel Pere Marquette and The Landing. $20 for two adults and $5 for each additional person. Children under 10 ride free. Carriage rides available 7 p.m. through midnight. May be hired any time of the year for service in the Peoria and surrounding area. We also have a horse-drawn trolley available for special groups outings. Call for details!!!

CITY: Chillicothe