Western Illinois Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Western Illinois showing a park and a bridge
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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Central Peoria

If you're spending some time in Central Peoria, Northwoods Mall and Donovan Park are top sights worth seeing.

Central Peoria
Default Image

North Peoria

While visiting North Peoria, you might make a stop by sights like Detweiller Park and Galena Marina.

North Peoria
Default Image

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
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
The price is ₹10,459 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
₹10,459
₹11,712 total
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in East Peoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Love that it was close to lake"

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2024

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 ₹9,354 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
₹9,354
₹11,039 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in East Peoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,024 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on 3 Nov 2024

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 ₹6,139 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
₹6,139
₹6,997 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7/10 Good! (787 reviews)
"Good spot to stay when attending concert at Peoria Civic Center. Food and drinks at on site restaurant Craft 309 were good, too."

Reviewed on 2 Nov 2024

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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (382 reviews)
"great staff/"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2024

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
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