Things to Do in Peoria, IL

If you’re 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 we’ve selected a few of our favorite Peoria attractions, which we think will delight both visitors and locals alike.

Corn Stock Theatre

Location: 1700 North Park Road, Peoria, IL

Peoria’s only outdoor community theatre presents 5 different shows throughout the summer under a big-top circus-style tent. It’s a fun and festive way to enjoy live theater, dance, and music. During the fall and winter, the shows move indoors to the Corn Stock Theatre Center building, which is located just south of the tent in Bradley Park.

The Spirit of Peoria

Location: 100 Northeast Water Street, Peoria, IL

Take a day or overnight cruise on an authentic riverboat. The Spirit of Peoria was built in 1988, and is powered exclusively by paddle wheels. Overnight cruises include tours of St. Louis and Hannibal, the boyhood home of Mark Twain.

Peoria Zoo

Location: 2320 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL

Founded in the 1800s when a herd of elk was donated to the Peoria Park District, the Peoria Zoo now features rare, exotic, and endangered species from around the globe. Tigers, monkeys, wallabies, lions, giraffes, and even the endangered White Rhinoceros can be seen in the African, Asian, Australian, and Tropical exhibits. Prepare to be amazed by these fascinating and beautiful creatures.

Caterpillar Visitors Center

Location: 110 SW Washington Street, Peoria, IL

From helping to build the Panama Canal to providing critical equipment for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon, Caterpillar is famous worldwide for its tractors, construction equipment, and bulldozers. Interactive simulators allow visitors to feel what it’s like to operate heavy equipment, and there are a variety of exhibits highlighting the history and the future of the Caterpillar company. In the gift shop, you’ll find die-cast scale models of tractors and a wide assortment of Caterpillar-branded apparel.

George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden

Location: 2520 North Prospect Road, Peoria, IL

Explore over 5 acres of gardens featuring plants and flowers from all around the world. The spectacular array of gardens include a rose garden, herb garden, perennial garden, and a tropical conservatory. The Botanical Garden hosts many seasonal shows during the year, including the popular Poinsettia Show in November and December.

DragonLand Water Park

Location: 1493 Red Bud Memorial Drive, Pekin, IL

Just a short 18-minute drive from Peoria, DragonLand Water Park features 3+ acres of pools, waterslides, and beach volleyball courts. Lifeguards are on duty, and there are changing, shower, and locker facilities. Grab a hot dog and an ice cold Pepsi from the concession stand, or get some ice cream for the kids, and enjoy all the fun activities waiting for you at DragonLand Water Park.

Learn About Local Things to Do from Sam Leman Automotive Group

Looking for things to do in Bloomington-Normal, or Champaign-Urbana? Sam Leman Automotive Group can point you in the right direction. If you’d like to learn more about local attractions and events, make sure to contact us.