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5 Fun Places To Go In Beautiful Peoria

Updated on November 26, 2011

Peoria, Illinois is a great place to visit with many things to do. It is located in central Illinois along Interstate 74. It sets on the banks of the Illinois River and also has a major airport. This makes is accessible by land, water, and air. Now you have no excuse not to come and visit the wonderful people in Peoria. There are hotels and camping areas scattered across the area so you will have plenty of places to stay. While you are here in Peoria, make sure you visit some of these places.

The Spirit of Peoria is a beautiful paddle boat that you can take a tour on the Illinois River in. There are short daily tours 3 to 4 times a week and 2 and 3 day tours for the more adventurous. The 2 day tour takes you to Starved Rock Park and back. This voyage takes 1 day there with an overnight stay at the Starved Rock Lodge. The following day you will return to Peoria on the same boat. This is a great weekend adventure and well worth the money. There is a longer trip to St Louis that is 3 days and 2 nights. On the boat there will be much entertainment and great food along the way. The boat stops many places along the way with 2 over night stays that are an adventure in themselves. After you arrive in St Louis, you will return to Peoria by motor coach.

The Peoria Civic Center needs to be on your list of things to do here. There are so many things going on at here that you are sure to find something you want to see there. The Bradley University basketball team plays there home games there. There is a 12,000 seat arena and over 2000 seat theater in the center also. They host hundreds of events every year here. There are many great concerts and shows performed at the civic center, so come and visit this place soon.

The Luthy Botanical Garden in Peoria is actually many different beautiful gardens combined in one area. This is an awesome place to visit, especially in the spring. This garden sets on approximately 5 acres and has been around for over 60 years. Many local musicians play in the garden and there also other events held throughout the year. There is also a Gift Shop you can buy books on gardening and also other unique items. You might even get some ideas for your own flower garden at home.

The Peoria Zoo is another place that should be on your list of things to do in Peoria, Illinois. There are more mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and many other creatures than you can imagine. You can spend all day just looking at all the different ones that live here. The zoo is open daily but closed on certain holidays. There are special events and there is even a lodge that can rented out for special occasions. You can even rent the entire zoo out for weddings, birthdays, or what else you got planned. Of course there is a gift shop to be visited on the way out.

Par A Dice Hotel and Casino is located just across the Illinois River in East Peoria. The casino is only closed 2 to 3 hours a day leaving you plenty of time to play your favorite slot machine or table game. There are over 1000 slot machines and 25 table games so you should always be able to find something to do. There are also different restaurants available when your stomach calls. There are often special promotions and bonuses available on certain days. And of course like any quality place to visit there is a gift shop ready for your purchases.

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