Peoria Riverfront Museum
Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, the Peoria Riverfront Museum beautifully combines history, art, and science into one enriching experience. This hidden gem houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the area’s rich past, featuring everything from mammoth bones to steamboat models. Kids and adults alike will love exploring the hands-on science exhibits and 7,500 square foot domed planetarium. The best part is enjoying panoramic views of the riverbank and historic water tower from the museum’s giant windows. Don’t miss Peoria’s best-kept secret on your next visit! Peoria Riverfront Museum 222 SW Washington St, Peoria, IL 61602 (309) 686-7000
Forest Park Nature Center
Immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city at Forest Park Nature Center. Tucked away in a secluded 150 acres within Peoria’s massive Forest Park, this nature center provides a serene escape to forests, wetlands, and prairies teeming with native flora and fauna. Follow miles of wooded trails to spot wildlife, wade in babbling brooks, and take in gorgeous panoramic views from overlooks. Inside, experience live snakes, turtles, and fish up-close in engaging exhibits. Outdoors, climb the 60-foot observation tower for a bird’s eye view above the treetops. With so much natural beauty, you’ll forget you’re in the middle of Peoria at this hidden oasis! Forest Park Nature Center 5809 N Forest Park Dr, Peoria, IL 61614 (309) 686-3360
Wildlife Prairie Park
For a safari-style adventure close to home, head to Wildlife Prairie Park. This incredible zoo spans over 100 acres and provides large enclosures that mimic natural habitats for its animal residents. Get eye-level with grazing bison, pet friendly goats, and even hand-feed giraffes! The park’s wildlife rehabilitation program means many animals were rescued from dire circumstances, making your visit even more meaningful. Little ones will love the enchanting train ride circling the park and rambling through tunnels. With its scenic setting and caring mission, Wildlife Prairie Park is a hidden treasure perfect for families. Don’t miss out on this Peoria gem! Wildlife Prairie Park 9531 N Woodland St, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 676-0998
Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum
Let your kids imaginations run wild at Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum! This vibrant museum bursting with hands-on exhibits turns learning into an adventure. Kids can roleplay as chefs in a giant kitchen, perform “surgery” in an ambulance, build racetrack towers, and more! Interactive science displays provide families hours of educational fun through creative play. When you need a break, stop by the Imagination Cafe craft room and kid-sized farmer’s market booth. With endless activities, your young explorers will never want to leave this Peoria hidden gem! Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 (309) 323-6900
Luthy Botanical Garden
Discover floral beauty in the heart of Peoria at Luthy Botanical Garden. Encompassing 14 acres in the center of Glen Oak Park, these gardens burst with vibrant blossoms, serene water features, and intriguing sculptures. Tour the Greenhouses showcasing exotic tropical plants and bonsai trees. Meander down brick pathways through rose gardens, herb gardens, rock gardens, and beds of bright flowering annuals. Kids will love getting their hands dirty in the new Children’s Garden and playing in the whimsical Treehaus overhead. For garden lovers, Luthy Botanical Garden’s diverse plant collections make it one of Peoria’s loveliest attractions. Luthy Botanical Garden 2218 N Prospect Rd, Peoria, IL 61603 (309) 686-3362
Spirit of Peoria Riverboat
See Peoria from a new perspective aboard the Spirit of Peoria, America’s largest riverboat not located on the Mississippi. This authentic paddle boat provides narrated cruises along the Illinois River, offering incredible city skyline views. Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise, hop on a fun-filled dinner cruise, or spend the evening at their special theme-night cruises like Margarita Madness or Blues & Brews. Kids of all ages will get a kick out of touring the engine room, piloting the paddlewheel, and hearing river tales from the captain. For a memorable experience on Peoria’s waterfront, hop aboard the Spirit of Peoria! Spirit of Peoria Riverboat 600 SW Water St, Peoria, IL 61602 (309) 680-1000
Jolt Haunted House
Get your fright fix at Jolt Haunted House, consistently ranked one of the best haunted attractions in the Midwest! Two terrifying experiences await inside this immersive 30,000 square foot haunt. The main haunted house takes over 45 minutes to complete, leading you through movie-quality sets filled with terrifying actors, amazing special effects, and shocking scares. Brave visitors 10 and older can also experience The Experiment, an extreme 15-minute blackout maze. As if traversing through creepy laboratories, eerie forests, and chilling cells wasn’t scary enough, you’ll also encounter carnival rides and an escape room for even more spooky thrills. Visit if you dare, but be prepared to be scared out of your wits at this Peoria gem! Jolt Haunted House 6103 N Main St, Peoria, IL 61615 (309) 585-6851
Wheels O’Time Museum
Travel back in time at Wheels O’ Time Museum, a collection of over 100 rare and beautifully preserved antique vehicles. Marvel at vintage cars from the early 1900s, including Model T’s, Auburns, Cords, and Duesenbergs. See exotic classics like a 1907 Thomas Flyer that completed the famous 1908 New York to Paris auto race. Vintage motorcycles, pedal cars, and horse-drawn carriages complete this nostalgic exhibit. Car lovers and history buffs alike will appreciate the stories behind these amazing autos at this unique Peoria museum. With free admission and tours available, Wheels O’ Time is a hidden gem not to be missed on your trip! Wheels O’ Time Museum 1 Wheels O’ Time Museum Campus Dr, Dunlap, IL 61525 (309) 243-3311
Plan Your Trip With Charter Bus Company Peoria
Now that you know about Peoria’s amazing hidden gems, it’s time to start planning your visit! Our team at Charter Bus Company Peoria can provide easy group transportation to each destination in the city and surrounding areas. Forget about parking headaches, getting lost, and splitting up – we’ll handle it all! Our charter buses and minibuses are clean, comfortable, and equipped with amenities like wifi, DVD players, and restrooms. With a professional driver behind the wheel, you can sit back and enjoy the sights stress-free. Give Charter Bus Company Peoria a call at 779-206-3286 to start crafting your custom Peoria itinerary today! We’re available 24/7 to answer questions and provide a free quote. Let us handle the transportation details so you can fully explore these amazing hidden gems. Peoria is waiting to dazzle you on an unforgettable trip!