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Home You are in… Take a Road Trip » A Step Back in Time in Central Illinois

from the local experts at Discover Peoria

In 1680, French explorers first established a fort along the Illinois River where our Peoria area communities now thrive. We invite you to step back in time and explore our region, to create new memories and discover why the Peoria region has been so special, for so long, in so many hearts.

Make sure to check with attractions ahead of time for up-to-date operating hours, travel policies and health and safety information.

  • Day 1: Peoria, Hanna City

Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery

Luthy Botanical Gardens

Hop aboard the Spirit of Peoria paddlewheel and enjoy a sightseeing cruise along the Illinois River! Take in the Peoria skyline and the natural hillsides of the river valley. This authentic paddlewheel cruise is a must-do for those wanting to relive Peoria’s yesteryears.

Need a midday pick me up? After you part from the Spirit of Peoria and head to Luthy Botanical Gardens, stop by thirty-thirty Coffee Co. in downtown Peoria. Located in the historic Anheuser-Busch/Kickapoo building, thirty-thirty has been brewing up high-quality coffee and using locally made products since 2011. 

Luthy Botanical Garden is a five-acre park that's home to over a dozen themed gardens, a conservatory and a garden gift shop. It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year based on different seasonal foliage.

Before you head up to Wildlife Prairie Park to stay the night, end your day with a meal at The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, which is located right on the Peoria Riverfront and in an old train depot. Not quite ready to turn in for the night? Head next door to Martinis on Water where you can enjoy great homemade cocktails and listen to live music. Or walk down the street to Kelleher’s Irish Pub & Eatery where there's a full bar and, on Saturday nights, Water Street is closed down for live music and dancing. 

Rest your head and tired feet at Wildlife Prairie Park where you can spend the night in renovated Santa Fe Train Caboose. On the edge of the Bison and Elk Range, the cabooses are complete with all the amenities you could expect from any hotel room. They also offer cabins and restored grain bins. When you spend the night at Wildlife Prairie Park, you have full access to the park to fish, hike and discover the natural wildlife and plants.

  • Day 2: Peoria, Peoria Heights, Dunlap and Lewistown

Dickson Mounds

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery

Looking for a yummy breakfast before you start discovering all the Peoria-area has to offer? Check out Trefzger’s Bakery in Peoria Heights. Established in 1861, Trefzger’s is now located in a restored building that is about as old as the bakery itself. The fresh sticky buns will pair nicely with your morning coffee you can pick up right up the block at Leaves 'n Beans Coffee. 

Want to relive Peoria’s past? Check out the Peoria Historical Society's history tours. Go back in time, from the first Native American settlers to the establishment of the “whiskey capital” on this hour to two-hour-long tour. When finished, walk through the Flanagan House Museum and the Pettengill-Morron House Museum, two of Peoria’s well-known houses. 

Antique cars, trains, and Cat machinery await you at the Wheels O’ Time Museum north of Peoria. Take a trip down memory lane with interactive displays. This piece of Peoria’s past is great for all ages! 

Looking to get out of the city for the day? Check out Dickson Mounds Museum, the premier on-site archaeological museum, located 45 miles southwest of Peoria in Lewistown. The museum interprets the 12,000-year history of American Indian cultures in Illinois. 

After your long day of traveling back in time, continue that journey by heading to Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery and Eatery located in a historic restored 1889 church. With a diverse menu and full, locally made beer list, there is something everyone can enjoy.

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Download this itinerary, save it to your favorites to revisit it later, and make the trip your own by choosing some more things to do along the way.

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