View Interesting Sculptures At The Peoria Riverfront Museum
Peoria Riverfront Museum offers the opportunity to view and learn about art, science, and culture. Permanent exhibits include a beautiful sculpture garden and the Duryea Motor Trap, the worlds first mass-produced, gasoline-powered manufactured car. Also included in the museum is a dome planetarium with space-themed showings. Monthly events highlight rotating exhibits and current movies on the Giant Screen. July and August events include Brick Building Challenge! and Relax Under the Stars . Be sure to check out the Art of the Brick, the worlds most elaborate LEGO creation!
Peoria Riverfront Museum
Peoria Civic Center is a rich resource for the Peoria community, offering music, stand-up comedy, and theater. Currently running a series of Broadway plays, this hall is a wonderful way to stay cultured while in the Midwest. Other upcoming acts include comedian Tom Segura, Grammy award-winning Brandi Carlisle, and the largest exhibition of life-size dinosaurs in North America. The Peoria Rivermen games and March Madness tournament is also housed here at Peoria Civic Center. Additionally, while at Peoria Civic Center, be sure to check out the many impressive sculptures on-site.
Peoria Civic Center
Enjoy The Spirit Of Peoria
Where is Peoria, Illinois? You ask. Know this bustling city sits in the center of the state. And because its by the famous river, a must-have activity is to book a cruise on the Spirit of Peoria.
A major bonus is you neednt worry if youre booking a summer or winter trip because it runs all year round. Theres no better way to soak up Peoria than with this five-hour cruise.
Plan To Explore Peoria Il
Peoria is a town full of bustling and captivating locations and would never let your expectations down.
The museums, landmarks, shopping malls, and parks are superb and top-notch. Not to forget the science, arts and historical centers, galleries, golf courses, and theatres that are all worth a visit.
Start making plans for spending your next vacation in Peoria. This piece can always guide you, so pin it.
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Have Fun At Blue Falcon Battleground
Posted by Blue Falcon Battleground on Friday, June 22, 2018
Its time to get silly and unleash some energy at Blue Falcon Battleground, an indoor NERF arena. Kids of all ages will love playing on their battleground with unlimited ammo. Referees judge the five-to-ten-minute challenges that are fast-paced and heart pumping. Great for birthdays or large groups, check out Blue Falcon Battleground. Frequent tournaments add to the competition and up the bar for even more fun.
Blue Falcon Battleground
Visit Donovan Park And Northmoor Observatory

Donovan Park, located in the downtown area, was once a golf course. Now, it is a park with pedestrian paths and open green spaces. It is a nice place to take a stroll, and runners enjoy the cross-country course. There is also Cyds Gourmet Kitchen, which boasts a bakery, a takeaway café, and a coffee bar. However, the parks highlight is the Northmoor Observatory, which has a domed ceiling and a nine-inch refractor telescope. It is open to the public every Saturday from May to October.
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Tour The Historic Pettengill
The beautiful and historic Pettengill-Moron House Museum invites you to take a step back into time and explore what life was like in Peoria in the 1800s. As some of the first settlers in the Peoria area, the house was built in 1868 for the Pettengill family in the Second Empire architectural style, then sold to the Morron family. In the early 1900s, the porch was added to the structure, giving it a Victorian flair. When the owner died in 1966, the house was handed over to the Peoria Historical Society and now it serves as a resource to the community and public.
Pettengill-Moron House Museum
Opening hours: Thu: 10am – 2pm first Sundays of the month: 1pm – 4pm
Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Explore one of Americas most scenic Byways in the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway!
One of the best things to do in Peoria, IL, is traveling along the Illinois River Road corridor. It stretches about 150 miles. This Byway connects over 100 nature-based destination spots starting from Ottawa and ending south in Havana.
You will have enough fun as there it has the best spots for hiking, hunting, biking, fishing, canoeing, gardens, wetlands, and watching birds and wildlife. You will also come across 100 historical and natural sites and many rare communities dotted all through this region .
It doesnt matter if you have the afternoon, day, or an entire weekend to tour the Illinois River Road there are interesting talking points already planned for you to see.
Why not go on this Illinois River Road adventure!
Address: 100 SW Water Street, Peoria IL 61602
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Things To Do In Peoria Il
If youre looking to get out and enjoy the many attractions in Central Illinois, you should plan on a visit to Peoria. This city on the banks of the Illinois River is loaded with interesting places to go and fun things to do. At Sam Leman Automotive Group weve selected a few of our favorite Peoria attractions, which we think will delight both visitors and locals alike.
Visit The Catterpillar Visitor Center And Gallery
This is one of the best attractions of Peoria that perhaps should be put much higher on the list, but as it i a museum basically focused around a private company rather than artefacts and gallery of historical significance, so despite its popularity, Ive decided to place it in the lower stratum. Open Monday through Saturday, the galleries of the museum display the various tools, artefacts and machines, that have been used in the past around the beginning of the company.
The exhibits on display are basically machinery utilized by the company in diifferent phases of its rich history. To uncaring eyes, they might just be machines, but to the staff of the company, the local populace relate to the company in different way. The center showcases the machines used with the past and the vision of the company in the future.
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Peoria Playhouse Childrens Museum
The Peoria PlayHouse Childrens Museum is situated adjacent to the Peoria Zoo on North Prospect Road, precisely in the Glen Oak Park Pavilion.
The Junior League of Peoria built this museum to inspire children to learn through diverse, fun activities. It is open to every child irrespective of background, skills, or income.
The Peoria PlayHouse Childrens Museum offers different programs like scavenger hunts, Tot Time , themed programs covering topics on colors, shapes, animals, and more.
Your children will also enjoy the extra programs, including Kid Workshops, Transformation Events, and Family Workshops. One can rent the museum for special occasions like birthday parties.
Address: 2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois.
Get Golfing At Weaverridge Golf Club
Unlike most golf courses this course was not focused around the professional golfers and sporting events in mind. Although they may be held sometimes, as it is one of the best golf courses in Illinois, but it is designed with the goal in mind to offer golfing services to people of all skill levels.
Amidst the landscape of rolling Hills Anne first valleys in the central Illinois area, WeaverRidge Golf Club was established by hurdzan-fry. As it is designed with beginners and amateur golfers in mind, there are learning centres for golf and warm up driving range. Residents and tourists alike visit the Golf Club to either practise their craft or learn golfing. Everybody starts somewhere right? Why not you?
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Best Places To Eat In Peoria Il
You must have gotten hungry from all that touring around, how about grabbing a bite at one of the most popular restaurants of Peoria listed below?The blue duck barbecue tavern is famous in the locality for its house smoked barbecue speciality along with locally crafted beer and outdoor dining, takeaway options.
Perhaps you would prefer a more private, romantic setting for your date? Connected is a fine dining restaurant, popular among couples for its innovative cocktails, American entrees and Italian speciality. If you are travelling in a budget then Jerusalem restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Peoria IL. Offering kebabs, shwarma and salads its a simple homely eatery, popular among residents and tourists alike.
Pleasant Hill Antique Mall

Anyone looking for Morton High School Yearbooks? We just got a copy from the graduating classes of 1944, 1945, 1946, and 1947
Posted by Pleasant Hill Antique Mall on Tuesday, 19 November 2013
To all vintage style lovers, East Peoria also has something for you! Pleasant Hill Antique Mall is a store of collectables and antiques, including pottery, books, records, clocks, dolls and even Indian artifacts. You can look at a little sample of their collection on their web page below.
Pleasant Hill Antique Mall
Website: Pleasant Hill Antique Mall
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A Visit To Peoria Civic Center Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Peoria Il
The Peoria Civic Center is a convention center located on SW Jefferson Avenue.
This center has an exhibit hall, an arena, a theater, and meeting rooms. In 2008, the center was renovated this saw to expanding the meeting rooms and the lobby.
You will also find the Carver Arena here, the home of many sports teams, including the Peoria Rivermen Southern Professional Hockey League team and the Bradley University Braves mens basketball team.
The exhibit area has more than 108,000 sq ft of space, divided into, say, four lesser spaces. The theatre plays a host of various performances, including Broadway shows, ballet productions, and concerts by the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
This is one of Peoria Illinois points of interest, it makes what to do in Peoria for a fun time.
Address: 201 SW Jefferson Avenue, Peoria, Illinois.
Exciting Things To Do In Peoria Illinois
Illinois attracts around 120 million tourists every year, many of whom visit the charming city of Peoria.
Located on the Illinois River, Peoria offers stunning views, is the states oldest urban hotspot, and has a rich cultural heritage. Perhaps youve booked a vacation to Peoria, but youre not sure what to include on the itinerary.
Sounds like you? Dont worry youve come to the right place. Here are five things to do in Peoria, Illinois.
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The 20 Best Things To Do In Peoria Il For First Timers
Peoria is a city in central Illinois and the largest city that sits along the Illinois River. It is a popular destination to visit in Illinois because of the multiple and diverse activities and attractions to enjoy there. If you plan a visit to this city, you will find a vast array of things to enjoy during your visit. TO get the most out of your experience and to help you plan your itinerary, here are the 20 best things to do in Peoria, IL, for first-timers.
Go To The Peoria Riverfront Museum
According to Planetware, the best thing to do in Peoria for first-timers is to go to the Peoria Riverfront Museum. It is a massive museum complex that boasts fascinating permanent exhibits along with many touring exhibitions. In the permanent exhibition, many branches of science and art are covered. Within the complex, there is a Giant Screen Theater that shows summer blockbusters and documentaries. It is also used for various film festivals. You will also find the Dome Planetarium at this venue, and there are 30 celestial shows from which you can choose.
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Golfing At Weaverridge Golf Club
One of the top golf courses in Illinois is the WeaverRidge Golf Club. This course was created by Hurdzan-Fry and is located in Central Illinoiss scenic landscape, nestled with gently rolling hills and forested valleys.
This course is cherished by green lovers because of its design to accommodate players of all skill levels. There is a Learning Center and Driving Range if you wish to warm up or practice for a round of golf.
Some other features include private rooms for events such as parties and business meetings, and a restaurant opened out over the golf course. We are not leaving behind the WeaverRidge Pro Shop, which is also close to the Clubhouse.
Address: 5100 North Weaverridge Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois.
Here is a guide on things to do in Naperville, this will meet you with some fun must-see Illinois attractions.
Luthy Botanical Garden Editor’s Pick
Fountain at Luthy Botanical Garden
The George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden is a beautifully landscaped space located near the Peoria Zoo within Glen Oak Park. Established in 1951, this botanical center now incorporates more than 15 themed gardens and a tropical conservatory spread out over five acres.
A few of the floral venues include a Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, and Herb Garden. Inside the tropical conservatory at the park, visitors can find tropical plants like cacti and exotic lilies on display. Luthy Botanical Garden also hosts several floral shows to highlight special varieties, including an annual orchid show.
The botanical garden is a popular venue to rent out for special occasions, and the garden space hosts many educational events and programs throughout the year. Admission is free to this public garden, though donations are greatly appreciated.
Address: 2520 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois
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Caterpillar Visitors Center & Museum
Caterpillar Visitor Center | Photo Copyright: Brad Lane
Adjacent to the downtown Riverfront Museum, this 50,000-square-foot visitor center is dedicated to the Peoria-based, world-leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment: Caterpillar Inc. Open since 2012, the visitor center and museum feature eight galleries, including exhibits on the past, present, and future of the company.
Hard to miss on the exhibit floor, the museum also displays massive Caterpillar machinery from throughout the ages, including a few that visitors can climb aboard.
Other fun features of the museum include a driving simulator and a 3D design technology application. An on-site merchandise center at the Visitor Center features scale-model machines and branded apparel.
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is open Monday through Saturday during the day. Kids under 12 years old receive free admission.
Address: 110 Southwest Washington Street, Peoria, Illinois
Explore Jubilee College State Park

Just west of downtown Peoria, you will find Jubilee College State Park. It is a designated State Historic Park, and it included three thousand acres of grounds surrounding the former Jubilee College, which was one of the earliest educational establishments in the state. There are 40 miles of multi-use trails within the park, and these are great for hiking or cycling. In the winter, the trails are used by snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. There is also a seasonal campsite within the park.
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Best Things To Do In Peoria Illinois
Located on the Illinois River, Peoria is a historic city that offers many unique attractions, museums and things to do. Explore the Peoria Riverfront Museum, stop by the Caterpillar Visitors Center and stroll through Luthy Botanical Garden which features a beautiful conservatory filled with orchids and tropical plants. Best things to do in Peoria for families include the Peoria Zoo, the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum and Forest Park Nature Center. Certain attractions may be temporarily closed or require advance reservations. Some restaurants are currently offering pickup only. Hours/availability may have changed.
Meet The Wildlife At Peoria Zoo
Attention wildlife enthusiasts! if you are looking for a place to encounter the rare and exotic creatures of fauna, if you are looking to have fun with your friends enjoying the outdoors, then you are invited at Peoria zoo, on offer is the Illinois’s one of the best attraction.
Now a famous local attraction, it comes from a humble starting point, from a donated herd of elk. Currently the zoo maintains exhibits of rhinos, giraffes, zebras and many more animals. Walk along the Asian trails or Australia walk-about, roam around the place with your gang, keep moving, have fun. Make some memories, that might someday come handy in a conversation.
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Rock Island Trail State Park
Encourage your family to get outside and appreciate all that Peoria has to offer, no matter the season. You can spend the entire day biking or hiking on this 26-mile trail, and follow it up with a family picnic or a night of camping. In the winter, youre welcome to bring snowmobiles and cross country skis. Visit at the right time of year and you can see beautiful Virginia bluebells in bloom, and stop in the Wyoming Depot to check out the railroad museum and visitor center.
Catch A Flick At Willow Knolls 14 Theater
Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account
Posted by GQT Willow Knolls 14 on Friday, October 16, 2020
Willow Knolls 14 Theater is a movie lovers best friend. With reasonable matinee prices, a 3D screen, and a plethora of options dont miss out on the hot summer movies such as The Lion King. Sit back and relax with snacks as you recline in the adjustable seats. Its a perfect idea for your whole gang during the summer holidays. Online ticketing makes heading to a movie a breeze. Enjoy morning movies, starting 10am onwards, free of charge for members with a GQT card.
Willow Knolls 14 Theater
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