Rollin on the River - Western

Head to the Western part of Illinois and discover awesome winter fun that includes nighttime skiing, a pajama party at a wildlife park, a holiday cruisin’ Christmas show and eagle watching on the mighty Mississippi River.

FUN THINGS TO DO

John Deere Pavilion
Ever seen a real Model D tractor or a huge corn planter from the 1800s? At the John Deere Pavilion, you can check out some of the biggest machines ever made by John Deere, plus neat farm exhibits that show how farming has developed over the past two hundred years.

Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park
From December through March you can snow tube, snowboard and even do some night skiing at Ski Snowstar. Join in the fun of the Snowbound Beach Party, Feb. 21-22, with grilling on the lodge patio and live music.

Spirit of Peoria
Get in the spirit of the season with a Holiday Cruise on the Spirit of Peoria, an old-fashioned paddleboat that travels on the Illinois River. Cruises, featuring A Nabor Family River Christmas show, are offered Dec. 5-6 and 12-13.

Peoria Zoo
Pal around with Santa as zookeepers present tasty treats to animals like lions, meerkats and zebras during Critter Christmas on Dec. 6.

Wildlife Prairie State Park
Through Dec. 14, stroll through this snowy wildlife park and see if you can scout out the cougars, bison and black bears who call this place home.

Bonkers Family Fun Center
It doesn't get much better than arcade games, awesome food and an indoor playground with endless twists and turns all in one place. Bonkers Family Fun Center keeps kids busy the whole day.

GOOD EATS

Lagomarcino’s
Spoon a gooey hot fudge sundae or grab a box of chocolates to-go at this old-fashioned soda fountain.

Huckleberry’s Great Pizza & Calzones
Snack on a cheesy calzone or share a pizza, but be sure to leave room for the creamy gelato (also known as Italian ice cream).

One World Cafe
Have a scrambled egg breakfast pizza or dig into a basket of crunchy chicken tenders for lunch at One World Cafe.

Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
Get a side of music with your meal (like the tortilla casserole) at this groovin’ restaurant that’s right in the Peoria RiverFront district.

Avanti’s Ristorante
Gobble up a Gondola sandwich that's heaped with ham, salami and cheese, or spool spaghetti at this Italian family restaurant.

AWESOME EVENTS

East Peoria Festival of Lights
This holiday spectacular runs from Dec. 5-31 and includes the drive-through Winter Wonderland of animated lights displays and Folepi’s Village Winter Carnival and Enchanted Forest. And don't miss indoor carnival rides, decorated Christmas trees, visits with St. Nick and more.

Wildlife Prairie State Park
Show up in your PJs for the Polar Express Pajama Party, Dec. 11-13, where you’ll hear an enchanting holiday story and receive a bedtime snack of cookies and hot chocolate before heading home for the night.

Eagle Watch Clock Tower Tours
On weekends from Jan. 3-15, watch bald eagles fly over the Mississippi River and follow a park ranger to the top of a historic clock tower for a bird’s-eye view of the majestic animals.