Western Illinois Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Western Illinois showing a bridge and a garden
Western Illinois
Western Illinois showing interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing marine life and interior views

Visit charming downtowns, archaeological sites, historic locations and beautiful natural areas in one of the longest-inhabited regions of the Midwest.

Western Illinois is full of history, adventure and Midwest hospitality. Made of smaller communities than other parts of the state, the whole region has a pleasing laid-back atmosphere with lovely natural areas and interesting local history. Set out on a road trip, following the rivers or meandering between communities.

Peoria, the region’s biggest city, founded in 1691 by the French, was one of the first European settlements in Illinois. Drive down Grandview Drive, a wooded road through the town’s highlands that Theodore Roosevelt once supposedly called the “world’s most beautiful drive.” Catch a baseball game at locally beloved Dozer Park or take a rambling walk down the popular Illinois River Bluff Trail, connecting four of the town’s park districts.

Drive west to the fishing town of Havana, named for its similarity to a Cuba-shaped island, which was once a glittering gambling destination for people like Al Capone. In Lincoln’s New Salem, costumed docents bring visitors around a reconstruction of the village where Lincoln once lived.

Connect with the area’s Native American history at the Rockwell Mound, built in A.D. 150. It is the largest known mound of the Hopewell culture that once dotted the banks of the Mississippi.

Spot eagles, go fishing and pick berries in the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful park atop the Manito Blacktop.

In Quincy, have dinner and a stroll in the South Side German Historic District, known for its well-preserved architecture, built by newly arrived German immigrants. Nearby Woodland Cemetery has a great hill for watching the sunset as the Mississippi flows lazily below.

Fly into Peoria, where General Wayne A. Downing Airport offers connections to other destinations in the Midwest and Canada. Drive from downtown Chicago to Peoria in 2.5 hours. The region is best explored with a car.

The United States’ most famous series of debates, between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, offer a great way to structure a Western Illinois road trip, starting in Quincy, the biggest of the seven communities where they verbally sparred.

Where to stay in Western Illinois

Peoria which includes street scenes

Downtown Peoria

If you're spending some time in Downtown Peoria, Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Peoria
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Central Peoria

Central Peoria might not have many top sights, but Northwoods Mall and Weaverridge Golf Course are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Central Peoria
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Northwest Peoria

If you're spending some time in Northwest Peoria, Shoppes at Grand Prairie and Weaverridge Golf Course are top sights worth seeing.

Northwest Peoria
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Bartonville

Though Bartonville may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum.

Bartonville
Luthy Botanical Garden which includes wild flowers

East Bluff

If you're spending some time in East Bluff, Luthy Botanical Garden and Peoria Zoo are top sights worth seeing.

East Bluff
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West Bluff

Though West Bluff may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum.

West Bluff
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,201 reviews)
T
Everything was good except for the pillows.

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

3 out of 5
21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL
The price is AU$204 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$204
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
Parking was easy and well lite. The staff was very friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is AU$148 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$148
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,016 reviews)
Easy check in process. Clean room and great dining option

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sankoty Lakes

Sankoty Lakes

2 out of 5
1583 Spring Bay Rd, East Peoria, IL
Stay at this campground in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Spring Bay Branch Library and Village Hall ...
8/10 Very Good! (4 reviews)
The staff was very helpful and nice and quick to fix any issues

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

Sankoty Lakes
Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos

3 out of 5
2372 N County Road 900, Nauvoo, IL
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly condo in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (422 reviews)
The check in process was brilliant and very easy. The place was clean and comfortable and met our needs perfectly. New pillows would be nice though.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
Charming Vintage Hideaway with Finished Attic

Charming Vintage Hideaway with Finished Attic

Peoria
Stay at this vacation home in Peoria. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Luthy Botanical Garden and Peoria Zoo are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
Nice location in Peoria. Well decorated and quaint. The hardwood floors made it feel nice and open. It’s a cool old house with all the pros and cons of a house built in the 30s.

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025

Charming Vintage Hideaway with Finished Attic
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Western Illinois

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