Peoria (Illinois) Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
county seat of Peoria County, Illinois, United States
About Peoria (Illinois)
Situated on a river bluff with excellent natural resources and easy river access, the area has been settled since prehistory, with artifacts and burial mounds showing settlement as far back as 10,000 BC. Peoria was first settled by French explorers in 1680 and is one of the oldest continuously-occupied European settlements in what is now Illinois. Thanks to its position on the Illinois River, Peoria enjoyed comfortable growth from shipping business in the 1800s and early 1900s. LikeMuncieinIndiana, it became known as an Average American Town, leading to the famous phrase used by Jack Benny as a radio punchline (and the Nixon administration for political spin) "Will it play in Peoria?" Residents may rankle at the implied lack of sophistication in the phrase; right or wrong, they take fierce
Top Attractions in Peoria (Illinois)
Explore the best things to see and do in Peoria (Illinois):
- ★Caterpillar Visitor's Center
- ★Forest Park Nature Center
- ★Glen Oak Park
- ★Glen Oak Park Amphitheatre
- ★Grandview Drive and Park
- ★Luthy Botanical Gardens
- ★Par-a-dice Casino
- ★Peoria Chiefs
Where to Eat in Peoria (Illinois)
Must-try local food and restaurants:
- 🍴Alexander's Famous Steakhouse
- 🍴Connected
- 🍴Hearth
- 🍴Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe
- 🍴Rizzi's Italian Restaurant
- 🍴Table 19
Where to Stay in Peoria (Illinois)
- 🏨Comfort Suites
- 🏨Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel
- 🏨Mark Twain Hotel
- 🏨Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
- 🏨Pere Marquette
Peoria (Illinois) Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 11 sections including: