Western Illinois

Travel Guide

Western Illinois showing a bridge and a park
Western Illinois
Western Illinois which includes interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum which includes interior views and marine life
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
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

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

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
Default Image

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
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
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
The price is RM389 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
RM389
RM436 total
includes taxes & fees
24 Feb - 25 Feb
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Nice place away from downtown"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is RM324 per night from 23 Mar to 24 Mar
RM324
RM370 total
includes taxes & fees
23 Mar - 24 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! (881 reviews)
"Nice property clean quiet and very relaxing"

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2025

Four Points By Sheraton 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 RM491 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
RM491
RM580 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 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! (1,000 reviews)
"This place was so clean and managed so well. Very impressive"

Reviewed on 15 Feb 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! (387 reviews)
"Very good place to stay."

Reviewed on 2 Feb 2025

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

Things to do