Roll into the river town of Peoria, where you can find loads to do, like taking a riverboat ride on the Illinois River, monkeying around with native animals at a wildlife park and watching minor league baseball games. Dive in and enjoy a splashy water park and visit museums that have everything from a starry planetarium to cool classic cars.
Day One
Take a Peoria Trolley Tour and hear all about the town and its past, then head to the RiverFront for some of the coolest shopping and eating in town. Embark on a sightseeing adventure on the Spirit of Peoria, an old-fashioned paddleboat that cruises the Illinois River. Peoria’s biggest fests are located right on the RiverFront, including the Steamboat Festival that has speed boat races, sporting events, contests and a carnival, held June 12-14. Munch on popcorn shrimp or get crab legs in a bucket at Joe’s Crab Shack on the RiverFront or groove to the live bands at Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe.
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Day Two
Explore the 1800s at Pioneer Farmstead and spend the night in a renovated train caboose or cabin on the hill overlooking the bison range. Wake up with the animals at Wildlife Prairie State Park, home to cougars, bison, black bears and more. Then, snag a seat at O'Brien Field and catch a Peoria Chiefs baseball game. Work up your appetite at Splashdown Water Park, where you can swish down a tube slide or float on the lazy river. Don't spoil your dinner, though - there are plenty of yummy places to try. Crunch on the breakfast pizza at One World Cafe or munch on the famous Gondola sandwich at Avanti's Ristorante.
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Day Three
Do some serious stargazing and see if you can find the Big Dipper or Orion's belt at the Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences planetarium. Roll over to the Wheels O' Time Museum, where you can see some of the first cars, fire engines, a steam locomotive and airplanes. Watch a special sea lion show or see the primates monkey around at the Peoria Zoo. Try a delicious sandwich and warm homemade cookies at Apple's Bakery for lunch. Chomp on your own drumstick meal in a real farmhouse at Fairview Farms Restaurant.
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