Western Illinois

Travel Guide
Western Illinois showing a garden and a bridge
Western Illinois
Western Illinois featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum which includes interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum which includes 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

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

Central Peoria

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

Central Peoria
Default Image

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
Default Image

North Peoria

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

North Peoria
Default Image

Northwest Peoria

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

Northwest Peoria
Default Image

Bartonville

When in Bartonville, you can plan a visit to Contemporary Art Center of Peoria and Carver Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bartonville
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
The price is CA $102 per night from Dec. 23 to Dec. 24
CA $102
CA $116 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 23 - Dec 24
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (797 reviews)
"Everything about our stay was very good"

Reviewed on Nov. 17, 2024

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 CA $148 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $148
CA $166 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
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)
"Love the cabin look on the inside and loved the boat theme for rooms . Nothing bad to say"

Reviewed on Nov. 18, 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 $126 per night from Nov. 25 to Nov. 26
CA $126
CA $151 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 25 - Nov 26
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Would like a food option at the hotel. We didn't want to go to Casino building every time we wanted food and/or beverages"

Reviewed on Nov. 19, 2024

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! (384 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! (62 reviews)
Awesome place to stay for larger groups
"We have a group of friends scattered across the Midwest and this was a great central location and large enough for us to get together and spend a couple days."

Reviewed on Nov. 14, 2024

The Red Front Suite - Sleeps 15
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 Poplar Lane Park and Bielfeldt ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (30 reviews)
family weekend
"The property owners were very nice and helpful. Check-in was easy. The reference in the listing to a picnic on the beach seems mis-leading. You do have a nice view over the river and we had a pretty sunset but no beach. The house looks nicer in the pictures than in person although it is large and ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 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