Peoria Area Scenic Voyage - Central-Southern Byway

This two-day tour in the Peoria area is sure to bring a sense of joy and adventure to all nature-lovers. State parks, native Illinois animals and vegetation, a cruise, a winery…what more could you want?

Day One
· Begin your adventure at Wildlife Prairie State Park in Peoria, a unique 2,000 acre state park. View the native Illinois animals, such as bison, Black Bears, River Otters, butterflies, and many others.

· Next stop…Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences. This Peoria affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute features temporary and permanent art displays and science exhibits, along with a gift shop and planetarium.

· A short distance away is the Forest Park Nature Center, a designated state nature preserve. With 7+ miles of hiking trails, sightings of bottlebrush grass, White-tailed deer and chipmunks are not uncommon. Or stay indoors to view the bird feeding/watering station always busy with chickadees, titmice, and Downy Woodpeckers.

· Detweiller Park, a destination for the outdoor lover, can keep one busy for hours. This 740-acre park is popular for golfing, hiking, birding, and fall foliage viewing.

· A visit to Glen Oak Park includes a trip through the Glen Oak Zoo and Luthy Botanical Gardens. Housing over 250 animals, the zoo is a major attraction in the Peoria area. Right next door, the Luthy Botanical Garden contains numerous theme gardens, a gift shop and a conservatory.

· Finish out the day with a cruise on the Illinois River aboard the Spirit of Peoria. The paddle-wheeler offers various scenic trips up and down the river for those interested in the beautiful views of the area.

Day Two
· McNaughton Park in Pekin is a great starting point for the day. This savanna-like area is a great spot for glimpses of White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey, along with other interesting birds. Interested in seeing the park on horse-back? Visit Rockin’ P Public Riding Ranch, located in the center of McNaughton Park for guided trail rides, riding lessons and other horse boarding services.

· Want a quiet and secluded natural area? Visit Tante Park to view many old growth specimens of sugar maple, white ash, black cherry and hawthorn along the park’s Woodland Wildflower Trail, ending with the grandest white oak in Tazewell County.

· Let your nose lead the way to the next site. Lavender Creek Farms in Mackinaw is home to a 10-acre all-organic farm specializing in lavender. Pick your own bouquets of this multi-purpose flower, or visit the gift shop to browse their selections of vegetables or gift ideas.

· A short drive down the road leads to Mackinaw Valley Vineyard, a family-owned and operated winery open for tastings, tours and relaxation.

Photography by Cindy Patterson, Jim Miller and Wildlife Prairie State Park