Peoria, IL

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Peoria Area CVB
Photo provided by Peoria Area CVB
Photo provided by Paul Kluber/Peoria Area CVB
Photo provided by Todd Ryburn/Peoria Area CVB
Photo provided by Peoria Area CVB

Stroll along the picturesque Illinois River, through parkland and down tree-lined streets in the oldest European settlement in Illinois.

Visit museums, theaters and galleries in Peoria, one of the first towns to be settled by Europeans in Illinois. The city was established in 1680 by French explorers and is today the biggest city on the Illinois River.

Visitors of all ages will love the Peoria Riverfront Museum. This fusion of art and science has a planetarium, sculpture garden and large theater screen. Peoria has been the headquarters of famous American equipment manufacturer Caterpillar since 1925. Discover how the company’s iconic tractors are made at the Caterpillar Visitors Center. 

Peoria caters to a variety of musical tastes with concerts held frequently. See a performance by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest of its kind in the U.S. The city is also home to a variety of choral groups, bands and youth symphonies. 

See a play by one of Peoria's many professional and community theater groups. Peoria Players Theatre is one of the five oldest community theaters in the nation. In the warmer months, see a play at the outdoor Corn Stock Theatre. 

Peoria Park District is the oldest park district in Illinois. Walk or rent a bike to ride through 9,000 acres (3,642.2 hectares) of protected land. Play a round of golf at one of six public golf courses.

Spot exotic creatures in the African safari exhibit at Peoria Zoo in Glen Oak Park just north of downtown. See movies and concerts held regularly during the warmer months in an open-air theater. Go hiking and biking on trails and let the kids explore the playgrounds. Surround yourself with blooming flowers and landscaped shrubbery at Luthy Botanical Garden. 

Rent a car to take the scenic trip along Grandview Drive. This 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) road north of Glen Oak Park has spectacular views of the Illinois River and historic mansions. President Theodore Roosevelt is said to have called this “world’s most beautiful drive” during a visit to Peoria in 1910.

Rent a car to drive from Peoria to Chicago, 167 miles (268.76 kilometers) northeast of the city. Peoria International Airport provides regular services to a number of destinations within the United States.

Where to stay in Peoria

Peoria showing street scenes

Downtown Peoria

If you're spending some time in Downtown Peoria, Peoria U.S. Courthouse and Carver Arena are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Peoria
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Bartonville

When in Bartonville, you can plan a visit to Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bartonville
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Central Peoria

While there might not be top attractions in Central Peoria, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Northwoods Mall and Weaverridge Golf Course.

Central Peoria
This female ruby-throated hummingbird regularly visits the trumpet vine in my backyard. Three hours of watching, waiting, and taking many photos paid off! Sometimes, you only need to step out your door to find an adventure.

#backyardadventures

South Peoria

Though South Peoria might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum.

South Peoria
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Northwest Peoria

While visiting Northwest Peoria, you might make a stop by sights like Shoppes at Grand Prairie and Weaverridge Golf Course.

Northwest Peoria
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West Peoria

Though West Peoria might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carver Arena and Peoria U.S. Courthouse.

West Peoria
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is NT$2,233 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
NT$2,233
NT$2,545 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,008 reviews)
"I like that I had my dog and they welcomed them with open arms"

Reviewed on 2025/8/24

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria

AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria

2.5 out of 5
9106 North Lindbergh Drive, Peoria, IL
The price is NT$2,392 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
NT$2,392
NT$2,727 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"I was there for 5 days and never got my room cleaned."

Reviewed on 2025/8/23

AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

3.5 out of 5
501 Main Street, Peoria, IL
The price is NT$2,834 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$2,834
NT$3,259 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"I always enjoyed my experience at this hotel. Its my #1 choice."

Reviewed on 2025/8/11

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
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.
Prime Peoria Retreat w/ Deck & Fireplace!

Prime Peoria Retreat w/ Deck & Fireplace!

3 out of 5
Peoria
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Peoria. Enjoy free parking, in-room fireplaces, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Knoxville Crossing and Timothy J. Cassidy ...
Prime Peoria Retreat w/ Deck & Fireplace!
Sankoty Lakes

Sankoty Lakes

2 out of 5
1583 Spring Bay Rd, East Peoria, IL
Stay at this campground in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Spring Bay Branch Library and Village Hall ...
Sankoty Lakes
Watch the Sunrise at This Quaint Lake-view Cottage

Watch the Sunrise at This Quaint Lake-view Cottage

3 out of 5
4319 N Galena Rd, Peoria Heights, IL
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Peoria Heights. Enjoy a marina, patios, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bielfeldt Park and Poplar Lane Park are located ...
Watch the Sunrise at This Quaint Lake-view Cottage
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.

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