Peoria

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, theatres 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 theatre 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 Centre.

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 theatre groups. Peoria Players Theatre is one of the five oldest community theatres 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 theatre. 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-kilometre) 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 kilometres) 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 featuring street scenes

Downtown Peoria

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

Downtown Peoria
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Central Peoria

Central Peoria might not have many top sights, but Northwoods Mall and Weaverridge Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Central Peoria
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Northwest Peoria

If you're spending some time in Northwest Peoria, Shoppes at Grand Prairie and Weaverridge Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Peoria
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Bartonville

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

Bartonville
Luthy Botanical Garden featuring wildflowers

East Bluff

If you're spending some time in East Bluff, Luthy Botanical Garden and Peoria Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

East Bluff
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West Bluff

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

West Bluff
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is RM374 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM374
RM426 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Easy check in process. Clean room and great dining option"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Quality Inn & Suites Peoria North

Quality Inn & Suites Peoria North

2.5 out of 5
4112 N Brandywine Dr, Peoria, IL
The price is RM266 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
RM266
RM303 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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 helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Safe and simple stay. If I ever visit back again this will be my first option."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Quality Inn & Suites Peoria North
AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria

AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria

2.5 out of 5
9106 North Lindbergh Drive, Peoria, IL
The price is RM298 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM298
RM340 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Very good. The breakfast could be better."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
"The staff was very helpful and nice and quick to fix any issues"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Sankoty Lakes
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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