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 showing street scenes

Downtown Peoria

If you're spending some time in Downtown Peoria, Peoria U.S. Courthouse and Peoria City Hall 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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West Peoria

While there might not be top attractions in West Peoria, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Carver Arena and Peoria City Hall.

West Peoria
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South Peoria

When in South Peoria, you can plan a visit to O'Brien Field and Carver Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

South 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
Luthy Botanical Garden featuring 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
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is AU$160 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$160
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (898 reviews)
"It wad nice"

Reviewed on 8 Mar. 2025

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
The price is AU$175 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
AU$175
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 Mar
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The pool was great staff was very helpful n respectful"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 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$193 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
AU$193
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Quiet and professional staff"

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
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.
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! (388 reviews)
A great place to stay if going to Nauvoo!
"I hadn’t read check-in instructions about arriving before 4 pm. I panicked and called about coming late. They were prepared with great instructions! They addressed any concerns we had promptly and with kindness, even offering cell phone for any time . It was a great place to stay!"

Reviewed on 2 Mar. 2025

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
15 Beautiful Themed bedrooms, Sleeps over 55! 7 LG bathrooms & HUGE game room!
15 Beautiful Themed bedrooms, Sleeps over 55! 7 LG bathrooms & HUGE game room!
East Peoria
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Par-A-Dice Casino and Contemporary ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
New Years Eve Celebration!
"The place was even better than expected! We had a group of over 40 family members of all ages and fit comfortably. In the diner area we had more than enough space to ring in the new year and spend quality time together. The rooms were clean and the themes were very cool. The game room was a huge ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jan. 2025

15 Beautiful Themed bedrooms, Sleeps over 55! 7 LG bathrooms & HUGE game room!
Enjoy Sunsets in a enclosed Jacuzzi in any weather!
Enjoy Sunsets in a enclosed Jacuzzi in any weather!
East Peoria
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in East Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and a garden. Popular attractions Woods Park and Forest Park ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
Great place and location
"Awesome views from all over the house ! Would stay again!"

Reviewed on 1 Dec. 2024

Enjoy Sunsets in a enclosed Jacuzzi in any weather!
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

Cities near Western Illinois