Things to Do in Peoria, IL: Outdoor Fun in Every Season
“What is there to do in Greater Peoria?” Realtor Mark Monge gets this question a lot when working with people relocating to the Peoria, IL, area. Monge’s response? “What isn’t there to do in Greater Peoria?”
“If you think about the qualities outdoor communities have, like hiking, biking, water sports, microbreweries, a great live music scene, tons of trails and parks, we’ve got everything those communities have, and we’ve got it in spades,” Monge says. “And it’s a lot more accessible and affordable here.”
To illustrate his point, Monge began blogging at Peoria Outdoor Adventure, where he curates an evolving list of nearly 100 year-round outdoor pursuits.
“From hiking, biking, water sports, microbreweries, a great live music scene, tons of trails and parks, we’ve got everything those communities have, and we’ve got it in spades.”
Realtor Mark Monge
Chill Out
Most everything outdoor enthusiasts enjoy in the summer can also be pursued in winter, Monge says. You just need the right equipment.
“Snowshoeing is really fun,” says Monge, who recommends Forest Park Nature Center.
An avid biker, Monge enjoys fat-tire biking in winter along the shoreline of the frozen Illinois River on Rock Island Trail or at Wildlife Prairie Park.
Emily Cahill, executive director of the Peoria Park District, recommends cross-country skiing along the groomed trails of Donovan Park.
All these spaces are part of Peoria Park District, which is the oldest and largest park district in Illinois. The park district offers guided hikes year-round.
“Winter is not the time when most people think of going on a hike, but there are many things that are beautiful about the woods in winter,” Cahill says. “Our naturalists help hikers identify tree species, look for birds that winter here, talk about what to do if you get lost in the woods and help you practice mindfulness. The peacefulness that comes in a hike when the leaves are off the trees is amazing.”
Area traditions include winter solstice hikes and New Year’s Day hikes, both typically originating from Forest Park Nature Center.
Hike and camp during the winter at Camp Wokanda and Jubilee College State Park.
“A winter hike at Camp Wokanda is silent, peaceful and full of deer tracks,” Monge says. “Jubilee College is an enormous park with many trails and beautiful terrain.”
He also recommends hitting the Pekin Park Trail after a fresh snow for its gorgeous, tree-lined paths.
Sledding down the hill at Detweiller Park is an iconic Greater Peoria experience.
“Locals have been sledding down that hill for many, many decades whenever there is snow,” Monge says. “It’s a classic.”
Warm Up
As the air warms up, the waterways beckon. From the Illinois River to its tributaries, the Mackinaw and Spoon rivers, there are plenty of waterways to float and paddle. Banner Marsh is also a popular spot that offers a small water trail to follow. Monge also recommends the various lakes at Wildlife Prairie Park, where visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards.
Throughout the summer months, the Peoria Park District offers free Yoga in the Park on Saturday mornings in various locations.
“Sometimes, it’s held at iconic places like Grand View Drive, and sometimes, yoga is offered at smaller neighborhood parks,” Cahill says. “Combining nature and yoga is natural and gives our patrons a new perspective on our green spaces while practicing mindfulness.”
The park district offers more guided hikes in the warmer months.
“Hikes focus on different themes, like looking for butterflies or bugs,” Cahill says. “We do a really fun hike in late October – Creatures of the Night – where we look for bats, owls and other Halloween creepies.”
Along the Rock Island Greenway, walkers, runners and bikers can enjoy multiple environments.
“Starting from downtown Peoria, you get that urban experience. Walk on through the Heights to Donovan Park to experience its great offerings, whether that’s Cyd’s in the Park or Keller Station (restaurants and shopping venues),” Cahill says. “Continue on and have fun experiences with kids at Bicycle Safety Town, then farther along the greenway, there are more natural experiences. The greenway has become an essential part of our community, and it’s changing the way people live, work and play.”
Overall, both Cahill and Monge believe the region’s abundance of natural resources rivals the outdoor opportunities found anywhere.
“People travel here to experience what we have, whether that’s in the Peoria Park District or in one of our sister park districts,” Cahill says. “We’re lucky enough to live here and experience it every day.”
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