Peoria, Illinois, is a city whose history is rooted in agriculture. The area is also known for its art, music, and culture. Its riverfront area is a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment district. There are also several museums and attractions to visit in the area.
If planning a trip to Peoria, Illinois, you’ll want to check out some of the city’s best attractions. These include the Caterpillar Visitors Center and the Wheels O’ Time Museum. You may also be interested in visiting the Peoria Zoo and Wildlife Prairie Park.
Caterpillar Visitors Center
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is located in Peoria, Illinois. This three-story, 50,000-square-foot structure was designed to commemorate the company’s 150-year history. It features several interactive exhibits, including one that uses the latest 3D technology to create a model of the future of Caterpillar. Other highlights include drought-tolerant native plantings and onsite rainwater retention.
The center is not exactly what you would expect from a massive engineering and construction firm. Rather than cramming every conceivable thing into the building, Caterpillar built it to last. One of the more impressive features is the onsite irrigation system, which reduces potable water usage by 85 percent. In addition to the aforementioned features, the center uses 35 percent less energy than the average office building, making it one of the greenest buildings in the city.
Peoria Zoo
If you are looking for a fun and educational place for your family, then the Peoria Zoo is a great choice. The zoo features unique animals from around the world. It is a wonderful place to take your children on a fun day trip or for a family birthday party.
One of the best things about the Peoria Zoo is that it is open 360 days a year. In addition to seeing the animals, you can participate in educational programs. For instance, you can learn about the endangered species of boa constrictors. You can also get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo.
Aside from the resident animals, the zoo is also home to an Asian Trail, an African Trail, and a Conservation Center. You can see many of the animals native to Illinois and Arizona, and you can find several rare species as well.
Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park has more than 100 species of animals. Some of the more common ones include tigers, boa constrictors, and a variety of mammals. Several species are endangered or threatened, such as cheetahs and elephants.
You can also stroll through the Stover Wildlife Park during your visit. This park is home to native Midwest wildlife, farmyard animals, and reptiles. Plus, you can enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking. There are also 20 miles of trails.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has accredited the Peoria Zoo since 1976. As a result, you can rest assured that it is clean, well-maintained, and easy to get to.
Peoria Riverfront Museum
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a new incarnation of the old Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences. Located along the banks of the Illinois River in downtown Peoria, Illinois, the oh-so-grandiose building aims to please visitors of all ages. In addition to the museum’s plethora of educational programs, the nifty-looking facility features a 70-foot IMAX digital theater, a planetarium, and several other interactive exhibits. Those seeking a taste of the local flavor can take advantage of the children’s discovery center.
While the facility has been designed to a high standard, the most important part is the people that come through its doors. With over 240,000 expected visitors each year, the museum has all the resources it needs to stay afloat. In addition to the usual suspects, the facility will boast a handful of other noteworthy relics, including the IHSA Peak Performance Center.
Wheels O’ Time Museum
If you’re interested in antique and collector cars, trains, airplanes, and more, you’ll enjoy visiting the Wheels O’ Time Museum in Peoria, Illinois. The museum features over 30,000 square feet of exhibit space and a vast collection of antique automobiles, tractors, fire engines, musical instruments, and more.
The Wheels O’ Time Museum has been around for 37 years. Founded as a private garage for two Peoria auto enthusiasts, the museum has evolved to include an ever-growing number of displays. This includes a fully restored Ahrens-Fox fire engine, two restored train cars, a steam locomotive, a player piano, vintage clothing, toys, musical gadgets, a rotating Peoria Historical Society display, and more.
Wheels O’ Time is located 8 miles north of downtown Peoria on Route 40. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 pm. You can get free admission for military personnel, seniors, and children three to eight years old.
Wildlife Prairie Park
If you are in the market for a day out in the sun, you’ll want to consider some options available at Wildlife Prairie Park. From lodging and dining options to golf courses and nature tours, there’s something for everyone. The state of Illinois manages the park and operates under the watchful eye of the Friends of Wildlife Prairie Park. Located just south of Peoria, the 2,000-acre park is also home to the aforementioned Sandhill Cranes.
No wonder the park has garnered a reputation as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The amenities offered include camping, fishing, golfing, mountain biking, and horseback riding. In addition to the usual suspects, the park offers the opportunity to see various animals, including the endangered bald eagle, bobcat, and white bison.