Peoria Riverfront Museum Tours

Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring signage
Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing interior views as well as children
Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing interior views and theater scenes as well as a large group of people


Explore art, science, history and technology exhibits, plus an expansive planetarium and a riverfront sculpture garden, at Peoria’s premier museum.  

Bring the whole family for a day of fun and learning at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Overlooking the Illinois River in downtown Peoria, the museum building includes dozens of exhibits, a massive movie theater and an expansive planetarium dome.

Explore the museum’s many exhibits. Check out the current lineup of temporary exhibits, which have covered everything from President Lincoln to mythical creatures. Spend time in the permanent exhibits. These include a section dedicated to fine and folk art, with works on display by world-famous artists. Examine geological specimens in the area dedicated to natural sciences.

Go outside to the Sculpture Garden where there is over a dozen pieces of art overlooking the river. Many of the sculptures are made by Illinois artists.

Travel to outer space from your seat in the Dome Planetarium. See the skies unfold above your head as you learn about astronomy, the solar system, galaxies and more. Check with the museum’s front desk to see what educational programs are currently on the docket.

Watch a supersized film in the Giant Screen Theater. See everything from educational films to classic movies on the massive screen, which stretches seven stories high.

Stop by the museum store. Browse through a range of one-of-a-kind and locally made items, including books, T-shirts and souvenirs related to the exhibits. 

Visit Peoria Riverfront Museum throughout the year. During the summer, it is open every day of the week, while it is closed on Mondays during the rest of the year. It is closed on certain holidays, including Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 

Purchase your admission ticket at the entry desk. A general admission ticket gives you access to all the museum’s exhibits and the planetarium. Buy a separate ticket to see a film in the giant screen theater. Enjoy complimentary parking in the museum’s covered garage.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Peoria Riverfront Museum

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

3 out of 5
21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

3.5 out of 5
501 Main Street, Peoria, IL
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center

3.5 out of 5
100 Conference Center Drive, East Peoria, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center
Best Western Plus Peoria

Best Western Plus Peoria

2.5 out of 5
300 Eastlight Ct, East Peoria, IL
Best Western Plus Peoria
Courtyard Peoria Downtown

Courtyard Peoria Downtown

3.5 out of 5
533 Main St, Peoria, IL
Courtyard Peoria Downtown
Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1100 Bass Pro Dr, East Peoria, IL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites East Peoria by IHG

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites East Peoria by IHG

3 out of 5
101 Holiday Dr, East Peoria, IL
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites East Peoria by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Peoria Riverfront Museum

The Peoria Riverfront Museum offers a variety of activities, including boating, baseball games, and beautiful sunset views. Visitors can enjoy live music performances and find inviting gathering areas to relax and socialize. Be sure to visit today to experience the vibrant atmosphere and engaging exhibits that the museum has to offer.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Northwoods Mall, located 6.4km from the Peoria Riverfront Museum, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Lakeview Shopping Center, 27.4km away, for a wider selection of shops in a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

At O'Brien Field, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of sports events. Weaverridge Golf Course offers a serene outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts, while Bicycle Safety Town provides a relaxing park environment ideal for leisurely strolls and wellness activities, all within close proximity to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Adventure

Kartville offers thrilling go-kart racing excitement, only 4.8km from the Peoria Riverfront Museum, perfect for adrenaline junkies. For a family-friendly outdoor adventure, Camp Wokanda, located 16.1km away, provides a beautiful campground experience. The scenic Rock Island Trail, 43.5km from the museum, invites hikers to explore stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Enjoy cocktails at the nearby Revelry, then catch a live performance at the historic Apollo Theatre. For a unique twist, visit the museum's occasional evening events, featuring art exhibits and interactive experiences that light up the night.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Peoria Riverfront Museum

While visiting the Peoria Riverfront Museum, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nearby, explore the Peoria Civic Center and East Peoria Riverfront Park for a blend of urban experiences and nature. With venues like an entertainment facility and historic colleges, there's something for everyone to enjoy within a short distance from the museum, making your trip to Peoria exciting and memorable.

  • Peoria Civic Center: This vibrant arena offers a variety of entertainment options, from concerts to family-friendly events. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a great spot for enjoying local culture while being just 483m from the Peoria Riverfront Museum.
  • Bradley University: A historic institution, Bradley University boasts beautiful architecture and a rich cultural heritage. Located 1.6km away, it's a perfect place to stroll through its picturesque campus and soak in the academic ambiance.
  • Illinois Central College: Situated only 0.1.6kms from the museum, this modern college offers a dynamic urban vibe. Its contemporary facilities and diverse programs reflect the spirit of a thriving city, making it a unique spot to explore.

Best time to go to Peoria Riverfront Museum

The best time to visit Peoria Riverfront Museum is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February28.2°F (-2.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December32.5°F (0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Peoria Riverfront Museum

To save money on your visit to the Peoria Riverfront Museum, consider traveling during the cheaper months of February or November to December, and plan your stay for a Sunday, which is the least expensive day. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates and find the best deals by filtering for the lowest prices. Look for package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities to maximize savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Peoria Riverfront Museum are February and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Peoria Riverfront Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Peoria Riverfront Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable prices and deals, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Peoria Riverfront Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia