Dunlap IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Dunlap, Illinois.
1. Wheels O' Time Museum
VINTAGE TRANSPORTATION AND HISTORY
The Wheels O' Time Museum in Dunlap offers an entertaining and educational experience showcasing transportation, industry, farm, and home life from the 20th century in central Illinois. The museum features a multitude of interactive exhibits where visitors of all ages can see, hear, and sometimes touch items representing the region's past. A new exhibit building opened in 2021 that includes military displays, vintage Caterpillar machines, and a 'Bricks in Motion' giant LEGO display.
2. Northtrail Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Northtrail Park serves as a popular outdoor recreational space in Dunlap, offering residents and visitors a place to enjoy nature and outdoor activities. The park provides various amenities for community gatherings and leisure activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and green spaces that characterize this local favorite.
3. Leslie Rutherford Park
WILDLIFE PRESERVE AND RECREATION
Leslie Rutherford Park is a vast 241-acre wildlife preserve located at 7263 Dickison Cemetery Road within the Village of Dunlap. The park features a cricket pitch where matches are played by the Cricket Association of Peoria, as well as a dog training area managed by the Central Illinois Police & Working Dog Association. Managed by the Peoria Park District, this park primarily consists of preserved natural landscape, offering visitors a chance to experience local wildlife and ecosystems.
4. Stone Water Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER RECREATION
Stone Water Park offers visitors water-based recreational opportunities in the Dunlap area. The park provides a refreshing escape during warm months for families and individuals looking to cool off and enjoy water activities. Visitors can appreciate the well-maintained facilities while enjoying a day of outdoor fun.
5. Hickory Grove Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR SETTING
Hickory Grove Park offers Dunlap residents and visitors a pleasant natural setting for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation. The park features tree-lined areas providing shade and a serene atmosphere for picnics, casual strolls, and community gatherings. Nature enthusiasts can appreciate the local flora and fauna while enjoying this peaceful green space in the village.
6. Lake Of The Woods Plaza
SHOPPING AND COMMUNITY HUB
Lake Of The Woods Plaza serves as a community hub and shopping destination in the Dunlap area. The plaza offers visitors access to various retail establishments and services in a convenient central location. Local residents and tourists alike can enjoy the amenities and shopping opportunities available at this community fixture.
7. Creative Soul
ARTS AND CRAFTS GALLERY
Creative Soul is an art gallery showcasing local artistic talent and creativity in Dunlap. The venue offers visitors a chance to appreciate various forms of artistic expression and perhaps purchase unique handcrafted items. Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the creative atmosphere while supporting the local arts community.
8. Debbie's Slots Lounge
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Debbie's Slots Lounge offers gaming entertainment options for adults visiting the Dunlap area. The lounge provides a casual atmosphere where visitors can try their luck at various slot machines and electronic gaming options. Guests can enjoy the social environment while participating in recreational gambling activities in this local establishment.
9. Green View
GARDEN CENTER AND LANDSCAPING
Green View provides comprehensive landscape design, architecture services, and garden center products in Dunlap. The center offers professional lawn maintenance services along with a wide selection of plants and gardening supplies for home gardeners and professional landscapers alike. Visitors interested in enhancing their outdoor spaces can find inspiration and expert advice at this horticultural destination.
10. Garfield Park Conservatory
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
The Garfield Park Conservatory is a stunning botanical garden located near the Dunlap area, offering visitors a lush indoor paradise of exotic plants and themed garden displays. The conservatory features various climate zones allowing for the growth of tropical plants, desert specimens, and seasonal floral exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy educational programs, special events, and the peaceful ambiance of this horticultural gem regardless of the weather outside.
11. Regal City North
MODERN CINEMA EXPERIENCE
Regal City North provides a premium movie-going experience for visitors from Dunlap and surrounding areas. The theater features current film releases, comfortable seating, and modern projection and sound technology for an immersive cinema experience. Movie enthusiasts can enjoy concessions while catching the latest blockbusters in this entertainment venue.
12. Humboldt Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARK
Humboldt Park is a historic community park near the Dunlap area that offers visitors extensive green spaces, recreational facilities, and cultural landmarks. The park features walking paths, sports fields, and seasonal gardens that provide a peaceful retreat from urban surroundings. Visitors can enjoy various community events, concerts, and festivals that take place in this beloved public space throughout the year.
13. Hawthorne Works
INDUSTRIAL HISTORICAL SITE
Hawthorne Works represents an important piece of industrial heritage near the Dunlap region, showcasing the area's manufacturing history. The site offers insights into the technological innovations and labor practices that shaped the development of the region. History enthusiasts can learn about the significant contributions this facility made to American industrial progress during its operational years.
14. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Wildlife Prairie Park is a unique 2,000-acre zoological park near Dunlap that showcases animals native to Illinois in their natural habitat settings. Visitors can observe bison, wolves, black bears, elk, and numerous other species that once roamed the Illinois prairie lands freely. The park combines wildlife viewing with recreational activities including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and educational programs that make for an engaging day trip for nature lovers of all ages.
15. Peoria Riverfront Museum
ART, SCIENCE AND HISTORY
The Peoria Riverfront Museum is a comprehensive cultural institution located near Dunlap that combines art, science, history, and achievement in one dynamic space. The museum features a state-of-the-art planetarium, interactive science exhibits, fine art galleries, and rotating special exhibitions that appeal to curious minds of all ages. Visitors from Dunlap can easily access this educational destination that celebrates the region's heritage while connecting to global perspectives.