Peoria Riverfront Museum Tours

Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring signage
Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing interior views as well as children
Peoria Riverfront Museum featuring interior views
Peoria Riverfront Museum showing interior views and theater scenes as well as a large group of people


Explore art, science, history and technology exhibits, plus an expansive planetarium and a riverfront sculpture garden, at Peoria’s premier museum.  

Bring the whole family for a day of fun and learning at the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Overlooking the Illinois River in downtown Peoria, the museum building includes dozens of exhibits, a massive movie theater and an expansive planetarium dome.

Explore the museum’s many exhibits. Check out the current lineup of temporary exhibits, which have covered everything from President Lincoln to mythical creatures. Spend time in the permanent exhibits. These include a section dedicated to fine and folk art, with works on display by world-famous artists. Examine geological specimens in the area dedicated to natural sciences.

Go outside to the Sculpture Garden where there is over a dozen pieces of art overlooking the river. Many of the sculptures are made by Illinois artists.

Travel to outer space from your seat in the Dome Planetarium. See the skies unfold above your head as you learn about astronomy, the solar system, galaxies and more. Check with the museum’s front desk to see what educational programs are currently on the docket.

Watch a supersized film in the Giant Screen Theater. See everything from educational films to classic movies on the massive screen, which stretches seven stories high.

Stop by the museum store. Browse through a range of one-of-a-kind and locally made items, including books, T-shirts and souvenirs related to the exhibits.

Visit Peoria Riverfront Museum throughout the year. During the summer, it is open every day of the week, while it is closed on Mondays during the rest of the year. It is closed on certain holidays, including Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Purchase your admission ticket at the entry desk. A general admission ticket gives you access to all the museum’s exhibits and the planetarium. Buy a separate ticket to see a film in the giant screen theater. Enjoy complimentary parking in the museum’s covered garage.

Plan a trip to see Peoria Riverfront Museum

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
AmericInn by Wyndham Peoria
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Peoria Riverfront Museum

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

Four Points By Sheraton Peoria

3 out of 5
500 Hamilton Blvd, Peoria, IL
Four Points By Sheraton Peoria
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria

2.5 out of 5
101 Mariners Way, East Peoria, IL
Stoney Creek Hotel Peoria
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette

3.5 out of 5
501 Main Street, Peoria, IL
Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center

Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center

3.5 out of 5
100 Conference Center Drive, East Peoria, IL
Embassy Suites by Hilton E Peoria Riverfront Conf Center
Best Western Plus Peoria

Best Western Plus Peoria

2.5 out of 5
300 Eastlight Ct, East Peoria, IL
Best Western Plus Peoria
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino

3 out of 5
21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL
Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino
Courtyard Peoria Downtown

Courtyard Peoria Downtown

3.5 out of 5
533 Main St, Peoria, IL
Courtyard Peoria Downtown
Americas Best Value Inn East Peoria

Americas Best Value Inn East Peoria

2 out of 5
104 W Camp St, East Peoria, IL
Americas Best Value Inn East Peoria
Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG

2.5 out of 5
1100 Bass Pro Dr, East Peoria, IL
Holiday Inn Express & Suites East Peoria - Riverfront by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Peoria Riverfront Museum

At the Peoria Riverfront Museum, visitors can enjoy various activities, including boating and baseball, while taking in stunning sunsets. Nearby attractions like the Peoria Zoo offer additional family-friendly experiences. The museum's location enhances the overall adventure, making it a perfect spot to explore art, science, and local history, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the riverfront.

Food and drinks

Enjoy exquisite wines at Kickapoo Creek Winery, located 10 miles from the Peoria Riverfront Museum, perfect for a romantic outing. Alternatively, visit Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, 19 miles away, for a delightful blend of entertainment and charming ambiance in a scenic setting.

Shopping

Northwoods Mall, located 4 miles from Peoria Riverfront Museum, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly vibes. The Shoppes at Grand Prairie, 8 miles away, also features a lively atmosphere for entertainment and dining. If you're up for a drive, Lakeview Shopping Center is 17 miles away, blending family and city vibes.

Recreation

At O'Brien Field, immerse yourself in the vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying local games. Weaverridge Golf Course offers a serene outdoor experience with beautiful greens for a round of golf. The Louisville Slugger Sports Complex provides exciting recreational activities, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to stay active.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at Kartville, located 3 miles from Peoria Riverfront Museum, where you can enjoy high-speed karting fun. For a more relaxed adventure, Camp Wokanda, situated 10 miles away, offers a serene campground perfect for outdoor family activities and connecting with nature.

Nightlife

Experience the excitement at Par-A-Dice Casino, located 2 miles from the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Enjoy a romantic evening with city vibes while trying your luck at the gaming tables or savoring a delightful meal at one of their restaurants.

Find the best attractions near Peoria Riverfront Museum

While visiting the Peoria Riverfront Museum, you can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, entertainment arenas, and nature reserves. Discover the heart of Peoria through its historic sites, enjoy family-friendly activities, and take in the scenic views along the river. Don't miss the Peoria Civic Center and the vibrant riverfront area, which offer a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and city experiences for all travelers.

  • Peoria Civic Center: Just 0.3 miles from the Peoria Riverfront Museum, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, concerts, and sporting activities. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for entertainment enthusiasts.
  • Bradley University: Located 1 mile away, this historic university is known for its beautiful campus and rich cultural heritage. Explore its architecture and engage in campus events that showcase local arts and traditions.
  • Illinois Central College: Situated a mere 0.1 miles from the museum, this modern college offers a bustling city vibe. Enjoy its contemporary facilities and community events that reflect the dynamic spirit of Peoria.

Best time to go to Peoria Riverfront Museum

The best time to visit Peoria Riverfront Museum can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Peoria Riverfront Museum falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Peoria Riverfront Museum falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February28.2°F (-2.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July74.7°F (23.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September67.3°F (19.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
November41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
December32.5°F (0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Peoria Riverfront Museum

To save money on your trip to Peoria Riverfront Museum, consider visiting during the cheaper months of August or November to December. Utilize public transport and explore free attractions nearby, such as Northwoods Mall and St. Mary's Cathedral. Use Expedia to find the best hotel deals by filtering for budget options and eco-certified properties. Combine your travel bookings for potential savings and join Expedia's One Key program for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash on future stays. Don’t forget to check for price guarantees and hotel deals to maximize your savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Peoria Riverfront Museum are August and November to December, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at the Peoria Riverfront Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.