East Peoria, IL is a wonderful city located just north of the Illinois River. With its vibrant culture and rich history, East Peoria offers plenty to explore and do! From outdoor activities such as biking along the riverbanks or kayaking in Lake Lou Yaeger to visiting one of the local breweries for craft beer tasting – there truly is something for everyone here.
And don’t forget about all the great shopping destinations – you can find unique gifts at specialty boutiques or grab some clothes at Northwoods Mall! Whatever your interests maybe – you’ll find something fun in East Peoria.
1. Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a museum located in downtown East Peoria, Illinois. This interactive and engaging museum explores science, history, and the Arts through three main galleries that feature exhibits such as an ancient Egyptian Mummy Gallery and Fossil Encounter.
The Giant Screen Theater features regular movie screenings on its 80ft wide screen while education programs are available for children of all ages to encourage learning about topics such as culture, biology, or geography.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy events throughout the year which offer hands-on educational activities plus 3D movies from the giant screen theater or guided tours of this stunning building that was built over 100 years ago!
2. Caterpillar Visitors Center
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a great place to visit for people of all ages in East Peoria, IL.
Located at the corporate headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., visitors can take in interactive exhibits and displays that showcase the history as well as current product lines from this leading company in heavy industry.
The facility also offers educational opportunities through mini-studio workshops that focus on design, engineering, technology, and sustainability among other topics. In addition to regularly scheduled tours throughout their expansive campus grounds – including access to advanced manufacturing process bays – there’s family-friendly programming like Story Time for Kids and seasonal 5K fun runs within the historic village green area between buildings.
A cafe featuring meals made with fresh local ingredients rounds out this excellent attraction located right outside downtown Peoria across the Illinois River!
3. East Peoria Riverfront Park
East Peoria Riverfront Park is a scenic and recreational park located in East Peoria, Illinois. The park, situated along the mighty Illinois River and adjacent to the Fondulac Bank Drive Trail, features stunning views of both the river and the downtown skyline.
Visitors have access to miles of trails perfect for walking or biking as well as horseshoe pits, disc golf courses, and playgrounds for children’s activities conveniently located throughout the park.
Additionally, there are beach volleyball courts connecting onto grassy areas ideal for events such as picnics or other outdoor festivities while the central Gazebo area provides an inviting spot with its benches overlooking beautiful gardens where patrons can enjoy relaxing moments together with friends or family members alike under nature’s canopy.
Charter boats containable at nearby harbor also allows visitors the opportunity to experience unique on-the-water adventures like fishing trips (with all necessary gear available on location) kayaking sightseeing cruises even dining charters that open waterways up the full range of entertainment possibilities!
4. Levee District
The Levee District is a scenic shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located on the East Peoria waterfront.
Featuring charming cobblestone streets, exciting attractions, and unique specialty shops, the area is often bustling with activity alongside breathtaking views of the Illinois River. It’s home to Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World; various nightlife hotspots such as Barley & Rye Gastropub or Skip’s On The River; a fishing pier at Lunker’s Marina; top-notch restaurants like Kilwins’s Confections & Ice Cream Parlour or Maggie Miley’s Irish Pub & Eatery; popular fish boils at Deer camp By The Lake restaurant.
Visitors can also enjoy summertime concerts taking place right off Riverside Drive in Festival Park as well as boat cruises around Bartonville Islands for an enjoyable afternoon outing!
5. River Trail of Illinois
The River Trail of Illinois is a scenic trail located within East Peoria, IL. Along the way, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities including walking/jogging on paved trails as well as mountain biking and sightseeing along wooded hillsides while also having access to views overlooking the mighty Illinois River.
Picnic areas are abundant along with benches for just taking it all in or enjoying lunch. There are various informational kiosks throughout that provide detailed insights into local history and wildlife native to this area making for an impactful educational experience at every turn!
6. ROC Ice Cream and Golf
ROC Ice Cream and Golf is a fun family entertainment center in East Peoria, IL. It features a 9-hole miniature golf course with water obstacles, as well as an ice cream parlor serving up delicious soft serve creations.
The golf course has special nighttime lights that allow you to put under the stars, too! ROC also offers several arcade games for more active indoor playtime along with birthday party packages for kids of all ages.
7. East Peoria Riverfront Greenway
The East Peoria Riverfront Greenway is a public park in central Illinois that encourages recreation and environmental conservation along the banks of the Illinois and Mackinaw rivers.
Located across from downtown East Peoria, it runs parallel to Washington Street on its way to Pioneer Park at Camp Street. The greenway consists of many different trails, walking paths, and open spaces that are ideal for jogging, biking or just taking an evening stroll.
With breathtaking views of nature’s beauty all around you can’t help but feel relaxed while exploring this wonderful area! There are multiple access points along the greenway where visitors can enjoy fishing off one of several piers or relax under vast willow trees in select areas away from roadsides and active traffic areas.
Other features include playgrounds for children and fenced-in patio seating perfect for hosting birthday parties or other small social gatherings upon request with local authorities!
8. Fon Du Lac Farm Park
Fon Du Lac Farm Park is a picturesque park located in East Peoria, Illinois along the banks of the Illinois River. It offers visitors a variety of recreational activities including fishing, boat launches at three separate areas, picnic shelters, and pavilions for large gatherings such as weddings or family reunions.
Trails are available among acres of natural woodlands filled with birds & wildlife where visitors can enjoy everything from bird watching to taking leisurely strolls.
Additionally, there are playgrounds suited for different age groups where children can enjoy playing games & sports like basketball and baseball during warm weather months.
Spring tulip displays create an unforgettable setting for picture-perfect memories making this farm park an enjoyable place year-round!
9. EastSide Centre
EastSide Centre is a family entertainment complex in East Peoria, Illinois. It features multiple indoor attractions, such as an interactive sports area with batting cages and climbing walls, a multilevel go-kart track, carnival rides, and mini golf.
The facility also offers outdoor activities including paintballing and laser tag courses. There are concessions throughout the center that offer food to match any taste or diet preference.
With over 25 years of experience in providing fun for families, East Side Centre is sure to be your perfect destination on hot summer days!
10. Pleasant Hill Antique Mall
Pleasant Hill Antique Mall specializes in selling antiques from the 1700s through the mid-1900s but also carries an eclectic selection of collectibles that include toys, vintage jewelry, books & magazines, china & glassware as well as clothing for all ages.
You will find unique items at every turn within their meticulously kept shop located on Farmington Road just off Interstate 474 next to the HyVee plaza.
Visitors have access to knowledgeable staff who are always willing to answer questions about any treasure you might discover while rummaging around this 10 000+ sq ft store full of surprises!
11. Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights is an annual family-friendly event held in East Peoria, IL. During the festival, lights are displayed throughout areas such as the downtown district, Illini Center and Riverfront Park.
Other activities include hayrack rides around town to view the decorations and a parade with floats featuring different themes each year.
There’s also live music from various local bands performing throughout the festival area as well as various food vendors for refreshments and treats!
12. Grandview Drive
Grandview Drive is a scenic road along the Illinois River in East Peoria, IL. Along the drive, visitors and locals can enjoy picturesque views of passing barges and serene wildlife on both sides of the river.
Grandview Drive also offers picnicking spots where one can eat lunch or dinner with friends, family, or co-workers while saying hello to local fishermen launching their boats for a day out on the water. Additionally, nearby boating ramps provide access to those who wish to explore by canoe or kayak.
With plenty of things to see and do from sightseeing along neighborhoods near Historic Downtown East Peoria shopping at Levee District Commercial Complex as well as various trails such as Trail Trails Park & Nature Preserve makes this spot an ideal destination for families looking for multiple activities all in one trip!
13. Peoria Zoo
The Peoria Zoo boasts over 300 individual animals from around the world. The zoo features a wide range of wildlife such as lions, tigers, giraffes, camels, anteaters, and primates among others.
Visitors can interact with these animals through several educational exhibits designed to be as close to natural habitats as possible for the species living inside them.
Additionally, there are plenty of other attractions at the zoo including playgrounds for children along with picnic tables where you can eat your lunch or snack while enjoying some animal spotting! Other activities include interactive learning experiences like conservation meetings and bird-watching programs available year-round!
14. Giant Rooster in a Top Hat
The Giant Rooster in a Top Hat is a popular roadside attraction located in East Peoria, Illinois. The figure stands 10 feet tall and its head is made of fiberglass with hand-painted details. It wears an old-fashioned top hat adorned with Christmas lights for extra flare.
Many tourists enjoy taking pictures next to the rooster as it serves as a unique photo opportunity and symbolizes the vibrant culture of East Peoria. Visitors can also find small souvenirs at the nearby shop commemorating their visit to this large bird!
15. Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino is a popular casino and entertainment destination in East Peoria, Illinois. This riverboat casino offers 24 table games and nearly 1,200 gaming machines.
The hotel attached to Par-A-Dice has 105 guest rooms along with amenities such as an indoor pool and fitness center for the comfort of its guests. There are four restaurants within the complex that serve delicious cuisines from all around the world including sushi from Shogun Sushi Bar & Grill; Italian classics at Olive Restaurant & Bar; 6th Street Diner serving up classic diner food favorites; as well as fine dining at SF Prime Steakhouse & Seafood.
Lastly, there are various events taking place throughout the year like concerts by popular artists or professional wrestling shows hosted in their conference space Ballroom #3 making it an even more desirable destination for locals and tourists alike!
16. Splashdown Water Park
Splashdown Water Park is an exciting aquatic destination located in East Peoria, Illinois. It features thrilling slides, lazy river rides, and a giant wave pool.
For those looking to be more active, there are sports pools with basketball and volleyball nets plus bumper boats, and water walkers.
Young children can enjoy the Tadpool with mini waterslides or the Pirate’s Cove play structure filled with squirters, a tilting bucket of water at its peak as well as other interactive elements like net crawls for little adventurers!
Adults can relax in hot tubs or lounge on chairs near the pool-side tiki bar enjoying food available all day from Snack Attack Cafe & Bar.
17. Murray Baker Bridge
The Murray Baker Bridge is a cantilever bridge in East Peoria, Illinois. This signature structure of East Peoria has been an integral part of the gateway for over 70 years and still stands strong today as a recognizable landmark that defines this community’s identity.
Featuring four massive concrete piers supporting two steel towers connected by cables that support seven separate spans made up of over 3000 tons each; it provides endless hours of outstanding viewpoints with views stretching southward into downtown Peoria or northward towards Lakeview Park along with plenty of places to enjoy nature including some excellent fishing spots below its decks allowing visitors relaxation and exploration possibilities throughout any season!
18. J.K. Williams Distilling
J.K. Williams Distilling is an independent, craft distillery located in East Peoria, Illinois that specializes in making and bottling handcrafted spirits including whiskey, vodka, moonshine, and other hard alcohols.
The company was founded by Jeremy Kintzel who has been home-brewing since he was a kid—his first attempt being with his “Grandpa Mack” at age 9 while they brewed apple wine together on the kitchen stove in East Peoria!
Their unique crafty approach to spirit processing ensures incredibly smooth flavors and outstanding quality at every level of their production process. They pride themselves on delivering each product as quickly as possible so you can enjoy it right away.
Conclusion
East Peoria, IL is a wonderful city to visit and has much to offer in terms of sightseeing opportunities, recreational activities, local attractions, and shopping. Visitors can find plenty of unique experiences among its various museums, zoos, and nature trails.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family outing or an adventurous day out with friends there are choices for all tastes! With many public parks providing picnic grounds as well as sports fields for organized games; exciting water activities; hiking on picturesque trails, biking along scenic roads, or simply admiring the city from your hotel window there are lots of options that will help make your stay enjoyable while leaving you feeling refreshed after visiting East Peoria’s wonders!
