Grand View Drive brings together scenery and history. The road was laid out in 1903 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley. There is also a paved 1.75-mile walking trail. This historic setting, the view of the river valley and a precisely measured trail distance all come together in one place.

Nature on Different Scales

Peoria County lies west of the Illinois River and at the center of a multi-county region along the river. Natural areas also vary in size and character. Jubilee College State Park is a 3,200-acre property in Peoria County between Kickapoo and Brimfield. Forest Park Nature Center is a 540-acre nature preserve. At Kickapoo Creek Recreation Area, 14 acres of native prairie have been restored. These figures therefore refer to different things: a park, a nature preserve and an area of restored prairie. This comparison gives each landscape its own scale rather than presenting them as one single natural backdrop.

Museum Themes: From Art to Industrial History

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is an interdisciplinary museum covering art, science, history and achievement. Its range of themes brings together different approaches to culture and knowledge. The Caterpillar Heritage Gallery offers a more company-focused perspective, taking visitors on a journey through Caterpillar’s history. Peoria thus offers both a broad range of museum subjects and an exhibition with a clearly defined historical focus.

Wildlife and Hands-On Activities

The Peoria Zoo covers more than 14 acres. Its Africa exhibit simulates African grasslands. The Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum focuses on hands-on participation and offers three floors of play for children. At the Light Wall, visitors can explore prisms, shadows, mirrors and color filters. The museum’s programs also include cultural storytelling. The PlayHouse’s offerings thus range from independent exploration of interactive features to shared program activities. The contrast lies in the type of experience: the zoo exhibit simulates African grasslands, while interactive features and cultural storytelling are part of the PlayHouse’s offerings.

Getting Around

Forest Park Nature Center is accessible by CityLink bus service. If you’re driving, use the Water Street parking garage next to the Caterpillar Visitors Center as a landmark; free parking is available there. Since parking regulations can change, check the parking information before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Peoria, Hanna City, Rome, Ogle County, Perry County, Tazewell County, Fayette County and Coles.

For the broader travel overview: Illinois.