Grand-scale, family-friendly accommodations like Harpole’s Heartland Lodge feature ample acreage and plenty of onsite recreation, including hunting and fishing outfitters. In Quincy, historic homes turned bed and breakfasts feature all-inclusive extras like full breakfast each morning and easy access to nearby historic districts. And in Peoria, stay-and-play offerings like the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino pair the best in Western Illinois attractions with luxurious accommodations.

There are plenty of ways to play in Western Illinois. Peoria’s Riverfront District is a shopper’s paradise. Quincy’s historic neighborhoods showcase homes dating back to the 1950s, and travelers of all ages will delight at handcrafted, glass-blown designs at Toraason studio. Wetlands attract a unique blend of birds and wildlife for nature lovers, while guided hunting tours lead straight to some of the country’s finest whitetail deer territory.

Here in the Heartland, the fertile soil and waterways of Western Illinois have long been home to the region’s ample agriculture and farming industries. Savor succulent seafood at world-class restaurants along the Mississippi River banks. And head to Pittsfield’s Red Dome for signatures like pork tenderloin and aged prime rib. Specialty crops are inspiration for seasonal events like the Morton Pumpkin Festival, where pumpkin donuts, ice cream – even chili – are sampled each year.

How to Get Here

The General Wayne A. Downing International Airport is a convenient way to access Peoria and surrounding areas. Long-term parking is free and Peoria maps and travel tips are available at the gift shop. The Quincy Regional Airport is another option, with rental car companies also on site, and many attractions and lodging options nearby. Peoria and surrounding areas are easily accessible via I-74, running east and west, and I-55, which runs north and south.

Getting Around

Travel by car is the easiest – and often most scenic – way to explore Western Illinois. The 550-mile route of the Great River Road tours Western Illinois’s river banks and bluffs and connects many attractions and sights along the way. Vineyards and antique stores surrounding Nauvoo and historic districts in Quincy are all accessible by car.