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We Have It All - Restaurants, Shopping, Arts and Entertainment

Diversity has defined this Midwestern city since day one, and the wide range of religious institutions offer a spiritual setting for all needs and beliefs.
Hungry? Come and get it in the Peoria area! From the unique flavors of local ethnic and traditional offerings to the best of the national chains, Peoria’s restaurants satisfy the most discerning appetites, no matter your budget. 


Locations are as varied as the offerings, from restaurants overlooking the Illinois River to popular neighborhood diners, all overflowing with the tastes of Peoria and the world.  

We guarantee you’ll have no excuse to be bored in the heart of Illinois! Entertainment is our specialty, whether homespun or straight from the world’s finest forums.

The fine arts thrive in Central Illinois and have put Peoria on the map with some of the finest talents in the world performing on our stages.

You’ll find something that appeals to everyone, from the refrains of the more than century old Peoria Symphony Orchestra, known throughout the world, to lively contemporary acts that rock downtown venues. Or expose yourself to rich cultural delights such as Opera Illinois and the Peoria Civic Chorale as they take the stage at the Peoria Civic Center Theater.

Peoria is home to Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences, the only one of its kind between Chicago and St. Louis. From exhibits such as Rodin and King Tut to upcoming blockbusters such as the exquisite glasswork of artist Dale Chihuly, Lakeview reaches into every corner of central Illinois with offerings for all ages.

Several entities, including Lakeview Museum and the Peoria Historical Society, are working on creating a state-of-the-art museum along the riverfront downtown as an attraction for all ages.

Speaking of unique, the Shoppes at Grand Prairie is home to the new Peoria Holocaust Memorial, an outdoor display with 11 million buttons and educational materials to honor and teach about the 11 million victims of the Holocaust. 

Also check out live theater on several stages including Corn Stock Theatre in the comfortable setting of Laura Bradley Park. Don’t miss out what’s new at the Peoria Art Guild and its annual fall Fine Arts Fair along the riverfront. Liven up your life with the Miller Midwest Jazz Heritage Festival or the Budweiser Illinois Blues Festival, performances at the CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing, or a concert in the park with the Peoria Municipal Band.

Arts Partners, an umbrella agency, helps promote the countless corners of arts in the community and how they enhance this region’s cultural and financial development, pumping millions of dollars into the local economy while creating a better and more enriching environment for resident and visitor alike.

Keep eyes and ears open for the renovation of the Glen Oak Zoo, tripling the size of the facility with the development of an African savannah and interactive animal exhibits. Don’t be scared when you hear screams and giggles during the annual Hall-Zoo-Ween! Walk through the nationally recognized George L. Luthy Botanical Garden or peek at the fields of yesteryear at Wildlife Prairie Park. Play the rich array of games at Maxam inPlay, Peoria’s newest entertainment adventure. Let the kids explore Caterpillar Inc.’s tractor-tough playground at the Shoppes at Grand Prairie. Or ...

The list is too long because it keeps changing every day!

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