Peoria Travel Guide

Tucked snuggly into the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria is a city that boasts a great location for both leisure and business. It offers an array of exciting things to do, fun annual events, and plenty of opportunities for business networking and educational experiences.

Things to Do in Peoria

Guests who visit Peoria can start their vacation off with a trip to the Luthy Botanical Garden where they can take a relaxing walk through the various flower gardens. Then, they can continue with the outdoors fun by taking a walk on the trails of Forest Park or catch a live baseball game at Dozer Park. Visitors with a passion for history and a thirst for knowledge will take delight in touring the city’s various museums and historical sites, which include the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Pettengill Morron House Museum, and the Peoria Holocaust Memorial. Guests can also watch a live dirt bike race at the Peoria Speedway, catch a concert at the Limelight Eventplex, or enjoy an afternoon of reading at the Peoria Public Library.

Best Places to Stay in Peoria

Guest staying in Peoria for a short amount of time can book a hotel room or a suite at an inn, or stay with one of the friendly locals through a service such as Airbnb. Those wanting to stay for a longer vacation can rent a cottage, cabin, condo, or full house to use as their home away from home.

Best Time to Visit Peoria

The best time to visit Peoria is May to October for optimal, warm weather and the opportunity to meet other friendly tourists.

Best Events in Peoria

A few of Peoria’s most popular annual events include the Central Illinois Pet Palooza, the Christkindlmarkt, Santa Claus 5K, WinterFest, and Howl-Zoo-Ween at Peoria Zoo, which is a family-friendly Halloween celebration that features costume contests, magic shows, and trick or treating. 20 minutes away, in Metamora, visitors can attend the Jeepers Creepers Fall Festival, where they can go on hay rack rides, go trick or treating, do spooky crafts, relax around a bonfire, play games, and try tasty treats.

Things to Do for Families in Peoria

Families visiting the city can spend a day with the animals at the Peoria Zoo where they can feed friendly giraffes or cheerful parakeets, learn about the animals, and admire more than 20 animal exhibits. They could also head over to the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum which features a variety of fun interactive exhibits, creativity stations, a water play area, and various themed rooms for learning and having fun. Or, they can spend their evening counting stars and naming planets at the Northmoor Observatory.