Edging the Illinois River, Peoria is an historic destination with all sorts of unique things to do. From museums and botanical gardens to seasonal festivals and live entertainment, there’s something for everyone. To help you plan your visit, we’ve compiled the following list of can’t-miss attractions.
1. Peoria Riverfront Museum
Marvel at a vast collection of decorative arts, fine arts, ethnographic arts, folk art and natural science, along with a stunning planetarium and a theater with a giant screen.
2. Peoria Zoo
Founded in the 1800s, this popular zoo showcases an incredible assortment of animals, including rhinos, giraffes, gazelles, and zebras.
3. George L. Luthy Botanical Garden
At this gorgeous 4.5-acre conservatory and garden, you will find colorful orchids, rare tropical plants and intriguing species of flora from all over the world.
4. Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
Located adjacent to the Peoria Zoo in the Glen Oak Park Pavilion, this inspiring attraction includes interactive exhibits and family workshops.
5. The Spirit of Peoria
Take a scenic one-to-five-day cruise down the Mississippi River on this authentic paddlewheel-driven boat.
6. Peoria Civic Center
Home to several local sports teams, the Peoria Civic Center includes an arena, meeting rooms, exhibit hall, and a theater.
7. Thirty-thirty Coffee Co.
This popular local coffee shop gets its name for serving unrivaled gourmet coffee, grown between 30 degrees south and 30 degrees north of the Earth’s equator.
8. Forest Park Nature Center
This breathtaking 540-acre nature center offers seven miles of scenic hiking trails and a natural history museum.