Visit the Peoria Riverfront Museum
One of the best places to start your Peoria trip is at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. This modern, beautifully designed museum sits right on the Illinois River and offers a little something for visitors of all ages and interests. Kids will love the giant model trains in the Illinois River Encounter area, while science buffs of all ages can geek out exploring natural history and learning about Peoria’s role in technological innovations at the museum’s Innovation Gallery. History lovers will enjoy exhibits detailing the area’s rich background. And when you need a break, grab a bite at the Atrium Cafe & Catering inside the museum.
The Riverfront Museum is open daily except for a few major holidays. General admission tickets are $11 for adults, $10 for seniors over 60, and $7 for kids ages 3-17. Children under 3 get in for free. Various combo tickets and discounts for Peoria residents are also available.
Tour the Whiskey City Historic District
Whiskey City is the historic warehouse district sitting right along the riverfront in Downtown Peoria. Today, these impressive old buildings house trendy loft apartments, boutique shops, cafes, art galleries, and fun nightlife spots. It’s the perfect place to wander around for an afternoon, do some window shopping, grab a bite to eat, and soak in Peoria’s past.
Some highlights of the Whiskey City Historic District include the Contemporary Art Center, where you can catch rotating exhibits by local artists. Stop into the Spirit of Peoria Distillery to learn about the city’s spirited past and sample award-winning liquors. Or browse through home decor, women’s clothing, and gifts at locally owned retailers like Iron + Grain and Whiskey City Mercantile.
See Wildlife at the Peoria Zoo
Both kids and adults alike will love a day spent exploring the Peoria Zoo. This small but impressive zoo is home to over 75 animal species ranging from playful river otters to majestic Amur tigers. In addition to getting up close views of exotic creatures, kids can burn off some energy in the expansive play area. Families will also appreciate the picnic pavilions when it’s time for a snack or lunch break.
The Peoria Zoo is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Tickets are $9.95 for adults, $8.95 for seniors over 62, and $7.95 for kids ages 2-12. Kids under 2 get in for free. Special discounted combo tickets are available that include admission to the zoo and nearby Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum.
Tour the Peoria Civic Center
Whether you’re a sports fan, theater lover, or concert junkie, the Peoria Civic Center has something for you. This multi-complex center includes Carver Arena, home of the Peoria Rivermen ice hockey team. It’s also a major concert and events venue, hosting big name music acts, comedians, Broadway shows, family events, and more.
Next door is the Peoria Civic Center Theater, hosting a variety of live performances from ballet to musicals. And across the street is the Peoria Civic Center Convention Center with over 100,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space. It’s the perfect place to catch a show or event during your Peoria visit.
Relax at Donovan Park & Golf Course
For a leisurely day enjoying the sunshine, head over to Donovan Park & Golf Course. Situated on 175 acres, it’s one of the largest public parks in Peoria. Spend the day hitting the links on an 18-hole golf course with bentgrass greens. Wander through gorgeous gardens and along walking trails. Let the kids burn off some steam at two different playgrounds. And enjoy a picnic lunch under the pavilion while taking in the peaceful views.
Daily fees for 18 holes of golf are $31 on weekdays and $36 on weekends. Reduced rates are available for kids 17 and under as well as seniors 55+. Walking trails, playgrounds, and green spaces in Donovan Park are free and open to the public daily from dawn till dusk.
Explore the Rock Island Trail
Stretching for over 30 miles with multiple access points throughout the Peoria area, the scenic Rock Island Trail is the perfect spot for cycling, jogging, or a leisurely stroll. Following a former railroad corridor, the trail takes you through parks, across bridges, and along the riverfront. It’s a beautiful way to experience Peoria’s natural side.
Rent a bike from a shop like Bike Rack Peoria and spend a few hours pedaling from downtown to Chillicothe. Stop for ice cream in Rome or a craft beer in Mossville. Have an outdoor picnic along the trail. Or simply go for a tranquil walk and enjoy some fresh air away from the city.
Sample Local Wine at Luminous Brewhouse
Luminous Brewhouse is a fantastic place to get a taste for Peoria’s up-and-coming spirit scene. This family-owned distillery and tasting room in downtown Peoria has won awards for its artisan vodka, bourbon, moonshine, and other liquors. Swing by their rustic but chic tasting room to learn all about the distilling process, taste their latest creations, and fill up your liquor cabinet with some unique local finds.
Luminous Brewhouse is open 7 days a week. Tasting flights of their various liquors start at just $8 per person. It’s the perfect activity for your 21+ group before heading out for a fun night downtown.
Take In the View from Grand View Drive
For amazing skyline views of the Peoria river valley, take a drive up Grand View Drive. This winding scenic byway delivers panoramic vistas of downtown and the Illinois River down below as it loops along the ridge of Grand View Mountain. Stop at designated overlook points to snap photos and admire the view.
Grand View Drive is a nice quick scenic detour you can easily add to your Peoria itinerary. It’s accessible from War Memorial Drive and also connects to the Rock Island Trail, so you can park your car and explore more on foot or bike. Just be aware that the road is quite narrow with some hairpin turns, so take it slow.
Shop, Dine, and Play at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie
The Shoppes at Grand Prairie is Peoria’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located right off I-74. With over 50 stores ranging from Target to Williams Sonoma, you’ll find all your favorites at this outdoor lifestyle center. Grab a bite at one of the 12 on-site eateries like Barrack’s Bar & Grill or Nothing Bundt Cakes. Catch a flick at the cinemas or let the kids run wild at the expansive Unleashed indoor playground. With so much to see and do just in one spot, you can spend an entire afternoon or evening exploring The Shoppes at Grand Prairie.
How to Get Around Peoria
Now that you know all the top attractions and activities for your Peoria vacation, let’s talk logistics. Here are the best options for getting yourself and your group around the city during your travels.
Public Transportation
Peoria offers public bus transportation through the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (GPMTD). Bus fare is just $1.25 per ride, with discounts available for seniors, persons with disabilities, students, and children. Multiple buses run each route generally every 30-60 minutes, connecting most major areas of the city. While the bus can get you to key spots like the Riverfront Museum and Civic Center, routes are limited so a car rental or rideshare app may be more efficient overall.
Taxis and Rideshares
You’ll find traditional taxi companies as well as ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft readily available throughout Peoria. This is often the simplest way for an individual or couple to get around town, especially at night when public transit schedules are reduced. Fares run $2-$5 for taxis and vary for rideshares depending on your pickup time and route.
Charter Buses
For group travel or transportation to attractions outside of city limits, a charter bus rental is the way to go in Peoria. Charter Bus Company Peoria offers a wide selection of bus sizes and types to accommodate groups of any size—from a minibus for a family reunion to a coach bus for a school field trip. You can even request specialty buses with ADA wheelchair access if needed. Plus, you get the benefit of a professional driver to handle navigation so you can sit back and enjoy the scenery. Contact Charter Bus Company Peoria at (779) 206-3286 to get started planning your Peoria group transportation today!