The Peoria center point is around the area of Peoria Riverfront Visitor Center and the area of Peoria Civic Center.
The best time to visit Peoria is during the summer (June, July, or August). This is when the weather is warmest and the rain not so frequent. The heart of Peoria is the riverside, and the city schedules many of its events and festivals in this area to coincide with warm summer weather. Expect temperature highs of around 80 degrees.
If you prefer cooler (but still warm) temperatures, consider visiting Peoria during the shoulder season in September and October, when the high is around 70 degrees. There are still plenty of outdoor events, or you can enjoy Peoria's inside attractions, like art exhibits or the Caterpillar Visitor Center.
In March, basketball fans descend on Peoria to enjoy March Madness and to experience the town's interactive (and huge) March Madness Experience event held at the Exhibition Hall in the Civic Center. Hotel rates in Peoria may go up during this popular event. Remember to shop around when looking for a budget-friendly hotel in Peoria during March.
When you're packing for your trip to Peoria, don't forget your AAA card so you can take advantage of accommodation discounts. Try Super 8 Peoria East in East Peoria, which offers a 10 percent discount for AAA members. The hotel is near the freeway, south of Peoria Lake. Enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast and free Wi-Fi in this modern hotel. The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, Illinois Central College, and Courthouse Square are nearby.
Another hotel offering a AAA discount is Residence Inn Peoria, near the Lakeview Museum and Peoria Zoo. Enjoy a 15 percent discount on weekend room rates. Guest rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, bed with pillow-top mattress, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an indoor pool, spa tub, and fitness center.
Seniors can enjoy discounted accommodations at Red Roof Inn Peoria, convenient to both Northwoods Mall and Lakeview Museum. Rooms are clean, comfortable, and include complimentary Wi-Fi. There is complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby. Quality Inn Peoria also offers discounts for seniors, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi. Enjoy the hotel's indoor pool, spa tub, or fitness center after a day on the greens at Weaver Ridge Golf Course or visiting at Peoria Zoo. Be sure to present your identification when you check in to receive your accommodation discount.
Each room at the high-value Comfort Suites comes with a refrigerator, microwave, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center. Breakfast is complimentary. The property is pet friendly, so all family members can come along on your visit to Peoria. Conveniently located near Northwoods Mall and Lakeview Museum, Comfort Suites is only 15 minutes from Greater Peoria Airport.
Another great value option in Peoria is Springhill Suites Peoria Westlake, an all-suite hotel. Guest room amenities include a pantry, mini-fridge, and microwave. Guests can relax in the hotel's indoor pool or whirlpool after a day of shopping or sightseeing. Complimentary breakfast is served daily, and the free airport shuttle makes traveling between that airport and the property a breeze. Enjoy convenient shopping and dining, with both Westlake Shopping Center and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
There's plenty to see during a stay in Peoria, including museums, art, heavy equipment, and sporting events. Lakeview Museum features both art and science exhibits, with rotating monthly galleries. Another notable museum is the Wheels O' Time, a quirky collection of devices with wheels and gears. Mostly antiques, the museum displays all kinds of interesting exhibits including cars, clocks, old washing machines, farm machinery, and even a mechanical barbershop quartet.
Peoria Sculpture Walk leads through Peoria's Warehouse District, giving visitors a chance to enjoy viewing creative public sculptures while enjoying through Peoria.
For basketball fans, Peoria gets especially crowded during March Madness. The boy's state basketball finals are held at Carver Arena in Peoria, amidst crowds of fans. Across the street at Peoria Civic Center you'll find the March Madness Experience, an interactive, family oriented exhibition. If you're visiting Peoria during March Madness, be sure to make your reservation well in advance.
Caterpillar Visitors Center offers visitors a self-guided tour through the history of heavy equipment up to the present, with a focus on (what else?) Caterpillar's contribution to the industry. Try a simulator and test your skills operating a backhoe or a bulldozer, or climb into one of the many heavy machines on display. An exhibit featuring the Cat basketball team made up of Caterpillar employees who became 1952 Olympic gold medal champions emphasizes the company's focus on its employees.
Not as busy as nearby Chicago, Peoria is great for experiencing the Illinois River without fighting the crowds. Riverfront dining is top-end, with fresh markets and dueling pianos to entertain visitors. March Madness grips the city's basketball fans every year, so plan to book early if you come for the action. You'll find many luxury accommodations in Peoria near the riverside, and reasonably priced, quality hotels only a few miles from city center.
Below are reviews of the city of Peoria, IL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Hiking trails!
Restaurant and in the area of the MALL.
We were there for my wife's medical procedure at OSF St. Francis. The hospital as great as was the Perkins where we ate when she was done. Those are the only places we visited.
Was attending a performance at The Center which was conveniently located.
Beautiful cathedral and Performance Center.
Enjoyable stay!
Quiet and easy to get around.
Lots of shopping and eating opportunities!
The 33 Room! Sullivan's!
Nice restaurants!
We were there for baseball and Dozer Park was neat. Many small unique restaurants in the area.
Places to eat were great; a lot of variety.
I had a softball tournament
I visited OSF St. Francis.
I love the view, the lights and the buildings make it better at night! It's just really fun to look at!
I like Kelleher Pub. The food is always good. My waiter last night took the time to chat about the menu.
The riverfront and Obed & Isaac's!
We had no trouble finding food, the restaurants are plenty and easy to locate. We found everything easily.
The city was very nice with a lot of things to see.
It is very nice. Convenient for restaurants and shopping in the area.
Hotel is very nice. Convenient for restaurants and shopping in the area.
Good hotel, good restaurants, good places to visit.
Quaint
Hotel is clean.
Everything was close by
Shopping centers, haunted houses for Halloween, had a lot of choices of restaurants. I'm not really a city person.
Our location made it easy to get around town, and the venue we were using for the wedding.
Fun golf courses. Would highly recommend golfing at Weaver Ridge. Also, full menu in the dining room. Excellent food there and Mr Weaver treated us like royalty. We will be back!
I have relatives that live in the city which was my reason for staying in Peoria. Good theatre scene, hiking trails, and day tours.
We were in town for a soccer tournament and we also enjoyed the large shopping outlet, Bass Pro, and a lot of different restaurants.
All the local shopping, food and fun were great. Even the soccer field were easy to get to.
Really nice riverfront area. Enjoyed sightseeing too.