Western Illinois

Travel Guide
Western Illinois showing a garden 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

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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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West Peoria

Though West Peoria might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Carver Arena and Peoria City Hall.

West Peoria
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Central Peoria

While visiting Central Peoria, you might make a stop by sights like Northwoods Mall and Donovan Park.

Central Peoria
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Bartonville

When in Bartonville, you can plan a visit to Carver Arena and Peoria Riverfront Museum, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bartonville
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North Peoria

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

North Peoria
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Northwest Peoria

While visiting Northwest Peoria, you might make a stop by sights like Shoppes at Grand Prairie and Weaverridge Golf Course.

Northwest Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
The price is CA $173 per night from Nov. 6 to Nov. 7
CA $173
CA $194 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
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! (954 reviews)
"Love that it was close to lake"

Reviewed on Nov. 4, 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 CA $155 per night from Nov. 17 to Nov. 18
CA $155
CA $182 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,024 reviews)
"Very nice"

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 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 CA $101 per night from Dec. 4 to Dec. 5
CA $101
CA $116 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 4 - Dec 5
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Peoria. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
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 Nov. 2, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (382 reviews)
"great staff/"

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2024

Nauvoo Vacation Villas & Condos
The Red Front Suite - Sleeps 15
The Red Front Suite - Sleeps 15
Nauvoo
Stay at this apartment in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Weld House Museum and Nauvoo State ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (61 reviews)
This is the perfect place to stay in Nauvoo
"Not only is there plenty of room and wonderful views from every window, the only place in town to buy food on any given day is just downstairs. We loved the property and the location. A great place to stay and for the right price."

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2024

The Red Front Suite - Sleeps 15
Fairy Bowery
Fairy Bowery
Nauvoo
Stay at this apartment in Nauvoo. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room jetted tubs, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Weld House Museum and Nauvoo State Park ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
Great Stay
"REALLY nice apartment! Comfy and well stocked with bedding, pots and pans, towels etc. Its an old house, which I love, but the floor creaks so don't plan on sneaking in the kitchen for a midnight snack! We had a super great time and definitely would come back to this apartment!"

Reviewed on Oct. 20, 2024

Fairy Bowery
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.

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Cities near Western Illinois