Princeville IllinoisATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Princeville, Illinois.
1. Princeville Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE
The Princeville Heritage Museum is a sprawling 30,000 square foot facility showcasing area artifacts, antique agriculture equipment, and providing a genealogy research area for visitors interested in local history. Open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 11am to 3pm, this museum offers an intimate look at the community's rich heritage. Visitors can arrange special appointments outside regular hours to explore this valuable repository of Princeville's past.
2. Rock Island Trail
SCENIC NATURE PATH
The Rock Island Trail passes through Princeville, offering adventurers a scenic path lined with prairie grasses and wildflowers. This popular trail provides outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation throughout the seasons. Visitors can experience the natural beauty of central Illinois while enjoying the peaceful solitude of this well-maintained recreational pathway.
3. Jubilee College State Park
HISTORIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Jubilee College State Park, located near Princeville, offers visitors 3,200 acres of lush woodland, ravines, and prairie to explore through its network of hiking and equestrian trails. The park is named after Jubilee College, an Episcopal school founded in 1839, and features historical buildings that visitors can observe. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy activities like camping, picnicking, hunting, and fishing while taking in the diverse plant and animal life throughout the changing seasons.
4. Tanners Orchard
FAMILY FARM EXPERIENCE
Tanners Orchard is a beloved family destination near Princeville where visitors can enjoy apple picking, a country market, and seasonal activities like the fall festival with a corn maze and pumpkin patch. The orchard grows over 285 different varieties of produce, ensuring visitors will find something they love. Families can create lasting memories while enjoying fresh baked goods, homemade apple cider, and farm-to-table experiences throughout the growing season.
5. A Few of My Favorite Things Flower & Gift Shop
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING
A Few of My Favorite Things Flower & Gift Shop in Princeville offers a charming shopping experience with carefully curated gifts, home décor, and fresh floral arrangements. This highly-rated local business provides personalized service and unique items you won't find in chain stores. Visitors can discover the perfect souvenir or gift while supporting a small business that captures the character of Princeville.
6. Wildlife Prairie Park
NATIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Wildlife Prairie Park near Princeville features over 150 animals native to Illinois in naturalistic enclosures spread across 2,000 acres of beautiful landscape. Visitors can observe bison, wolves, black bears, elk, and other indigenous wildlife while enjoying miles of hiking trails, fishing lakes, and educational programs. The park also offers unique lodging experiences, picnic grounds, and special events throughout the year that celebrate the natural heritage of Illinois.
7. Princeville Park
DOWNTOWN COMMUNITY GATHERING
Princeville Park occupies a full city block in downtown Princeville, offering a convenient retreat for visitors and locals alike. The well-maintained park provides the perfect setting for a picnic lunch or a relaxing afternoon with friends and family. Its central location makes it an ideal spot to rest while exploring the village's other attractions.
8. Bally's Quad Cities Casino and Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Bally's Quad Cities Casino and Hotel provides visitors with an exciting gaming experience featuring slot machines, table games, and poker in a lively atmosphere. The full-service resort includes comfortable accommodations, multiple dining options, and regular entertainment events to complete the experience. Located within driving distance of Princeville, this destination offers a vibrant change of pace for those looking to add some excitement to their visit.
9. Caterpillar Visitors Center
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Caterpillar Visitors Center in nearby Peoria showcases the history, present, and future of the iconic heavy equipment manufacturer through interactive exhibits and impressive machinery displays. Visitors can climb aboard massive machines, experience a wide-screen theater presentation inside a mining truck bed, and learn about the company's global impact. The center provides an educational experience that highlights the engineering innovation and manufacturing heritage of the region.
10. Peoria Riverfront Museum
ART, SCIENCE AND HISTORY
The Peoria Riverfront Museum combines art, science, history, and achievement in a modern facility featuring diverse exhibits, a planetarium, and the Giant Screen Theater. Visitors can explore interactive science displays, view fine art collections, and learn about the rich history of the Illinois River Valley. The museum's rotating special exhibitions ensure there's always something new to discover, making it worth multiple visits when exploring the area around Princeville.
11. Luthy Botanical Garden
URBAN FLORAL OASIS
Luthy Botanical Garden offers a peaceful retreat with over five acres of beautiful floral displays, tropical plants, and themed gardens in the heart of Peoria's Glen Oak Park. Visitors can wander through the Tropical Conservatory, the Rose Garden, and the Herb Garden while enjoying the changing seasonal displays throughout the year. The garden hosts educational programs, plant sales, and special events that celebrate horticulture and provide inspiration for plant enthusiasts.
12. Forest Park Nature Center
PRISTINE WOODLAND PRESERVE
Forest Park Nature Center preserves 540 acres of native Illinois woodland with over seven miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. The interpretive center features natural history exhibits, a wildlife viewing area, and a nature store where visitors can learn about the local ecosystem. Nature lovers can observe diverse plant and animal life while enjoying panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley from the park's ridgetop trails.
13. Grandview Drive
SCENIC RIVER OVERLOOK
Grandview Drive, once described by Theodore Roosevelt as the 'World's Most Beautiful Drive,' offers spectacular panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley from its 2.5-mile scenic route. Visitors can enjoy multiple overlooks, picnic areas, and walking paths while taking in the natural beauty that changes with the seasons. The drive is particularly stunning during autumn when the forested bluffs display brilliant fall foliage, making it a perfect excursion from nearby Princeville.
14. Peoria Zoo
GLOBAL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Peoria Zoo houses over 100 species of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats organized into geographic regions including Africa, Australia, and Asia. Visitors can observe lions, giraffes, rhinos, and many other exotic and endangered species while learning about conservation efforts. The zoo offers special experiences like giraffe feeding opportunities and behind-the-scenes tours that provide memorable encounters for animal lovers of all ages.
15. Spirit of Peoria Riverboat
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI PADDLEWHEELER
The Spirit of Peoria offers authentic paddlewheel riverboat cruises on the Illinois River, providing a nostalgic journey reminiscent of Mark Twain's era. Passengers can enjoy sightseeing cruises with live entertainment, historical narration, and meal options while taking in the scenic river views. The majestic four-deck replica of a 19th-century riverboat creates an immersive experience that connects visitors to the important role waterways played in the development of communities like Princeville.