Discover Tazewell County off the beaten track and you will experience a whole new world of culinary, historic, cultural, and scenic delights. There’s a well-worn path to Peoria but venture a little further east and you’ll discover another side of the Greater Peoria Area.
Explore the Illinois River communities rich in agricultural, glittering river banks, green forests, and rocky foothill landscapes. Uncover the rich tapestry of Tazewell’s regional history and sample local dishes—these hidden gems will ensure your trip to the Greater Peoria Area is memorable.
Burger Barge {East Peoria} // Easily one of the best places in Tazewell County for a juicy burger, the Burger Barge is home to the best burger this side of paradise. This is where you’ll find famous, award-winning burgers in a laid-back, no frills, relaxing atmosphere. The patties here are massive, so know that before ordering the Big Kahuna—it’s a beast!
Dixon’s Wholesale Fisheries {East Peoria} // For over a century seafood lovers in the Midwest have relied on Dixon’s. They have a vast knowledge of the seafood industry and the highest quality seafood available anywhere from Key West to the North Sea to Alaska. Trust us, you will taste the quality difference and that’s exactly why Dixon’s Fisheries makes the list.
Double D’s Ice Creme {Pekin} // This seasonal gem list for its homemade waffle cones and made-from-scratch ice cream. This retro ice cream stand has been a staple in Pekin since 1985, making Double D’s a generational family classic. Needless to say, you’ll never get sick of Double D’s frozen treat selections.
DragonLand Water Park {Pekin} // Whether you’re looking to take the family out for an amazing day of fun, brushing up on your tan, or looking to beat the heat DragonLand is the answer. From water slides to a sand beach play area, this summertime staple has something for everyone. Arrive early to grab your favorite lounge chair—this water park is a popular oasis.
East Peoria Festival of Lights {East Peoria} // Be Dazzled by an Award-winning Holiday Light Display. Sure, your hometown may have a holiday light display. But, did your hometown win a national contest? The East Peoria Festival of Lights kicks off after Thanksgiving with fireworks and a Parade of Lights, culminating in a month-long Winter Wonderland display attracting an astounding 25,000 drive-through visitors. Not to be missed, it won the 2020 Heavyweights Division championship on ABC TV’s The Great Christmas Light Fight.
Fon du Lac Farm Park {East Peoria} // Fon du Lac Farm Park in East Peoria offers children a unique glimpse of what 1920s farm life was like on a Central Illinois farm. Enclosed within six acres of Neumann Park, this facility offers a variety of activities that let visitors experience a day on the farm. Kids will love feeding the farm animals, exploring the red barn, and sliding down a silo slide. ‘Kids’ of all ages will like the country kitchen museum, gift shop, and concession stand.
Haynes on Main {Mackinaw} // What started as a great place to gather with family and friends for quality drinks and fresh foods, quickly became a staple in Tazewell. Offering cold beer, hot pizza, smash burgers, classic sandwiches, and impressive cocktail specials—check out this Mackinaw gem. ((Local tip: Thursday evenings in the beautiful outdoor beer garden is THE SPOT for ladies night.))
Little Ade’s Bicycles {Pekin} // Biking is a major recreational and competitive activity in Greater Peoria and it’s definitely in thanks to Little Ade’s bicycle knowledge, products, and services. They have a massive showroom floor with the ability to take bikes out for test rides. Ade’s will get you on the right bike, repair your ride, so you’ll be up and running, and answer any questions you have along the way. This shop is an amazing asset to Tazewell!
Little Blue’s Farm {Morton} // Little Blue’s Farm is a family-owned farm with animals raised naturally—hormone and steroid free, cage free, crate free, and no daily antibiotics. All the animals are taken care of on a personal level, ensuring high-quality products are delivered. Little Blue’s Farm is an excellent farm-to-table operation and a true Tazewell treasure.
Louisa Jane {Tremont} // With years of experience and an extensive portfolio, Louisa Jane offers decor and furnishings unique to your creativity and lifestyle. This furniture, staging, and interior decor shop is a true jewel in Tazewell. The quality and aesthetic supplies big-city, internationally-inspired, decor trends to Greater Peoria at affordable prices.
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard {Mackinaw} // ILLINOIS MADE MAKER ALERT: Mackinaw Valley Winery is an award-winning vineyard, offering 30 miles of gorgeous uninterrupted views of Tazewell valleys and farmland. Witness a sunset on the vineyard from a rocking chair on the deck, the gazebo on the pond, or along the acres of walking paths—all with a beverage in hand. While you’re in the area, don’t miss experiencing one of Illinois’s most picturesque venues.
Maquet’s Rail House {Pekin} // Just down the tracks and on the edge of the Illinois River is a bar with one of the best craft beer selections in town. Maquet’s Rail House boasts 170 craft and domestic beers, including 20 on draft. Taste the latest in beer trends and bar classics at this Tazewell jewel. Make sure to try the hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich, the amazing wood-fired pizza, or any of the signature burgers!
Mineral Springs Park {Pekin} // Mineral Springs Park is home to the annual Marigold Festival and many other great events. There is a lagoon, playground, skate park, dog park, mini golf, and so much more! Make sure to ride one of the dragon paddle boats in the lagoon when you visit.
Northwood Park Disc Golf {Morton} // For you disc golfers, be sure to test your skillset at Northwood Park in Tazewell County. This renown 18-hole course has a wide variety of holes including woods golf, orchard style holes, open shots, and plenty of elevation changes. Play at your own risk—Northwood Park was created to be the hardest disc golf course in the world and was debuted at the 2021 Ledgestone Open Championships!
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino {East Peoria} // Docked on the Illinois River, the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino is a floating mecca of Las Vegas excitement and the finest midwestern hospitality. Try your luck on any of the four cruise ship decks at more than 900 slot machines or at the live poker tables.
Pekin Gun + Sporting Goods {Pekin} // Pekin Gun + Sporting Goods is the largest gun dealer in Central Illinois. This 3-generation, family-owned shop carries more than 2,500 stock firearms and ammunition, thousands of knives, boots, clothing, sporting goods, and reloading supplies. As a firearm specialty shop, it stands out for being the best in its class and a notable gem in Greater Peoria.
Quail Meadows Golf Course {Washington} // Quail Meadows Golf Course is Greater Peoria area’s only full-year golf facility. Featuring a par 72 championship golf course suitint players of all abilities, this course is a great spot in Tazewell year round. The indoor golf center, equipped with golf simulators, allows your game to stay sharp when Midwestern temperatures don’t cooperate.
Roc Mini Golf + Ice Cream {East Peoria} // Most Peoria golfers save their putting for the area’s best bentgrass and bermuda greens, but your odds of a hole-in-one are much higher on a putt-putt course! This seasonal Tazwell gem is an 18-hole miniature golf course complete with new turf greens, bright blue water features, and world famous Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream!
Roth Pumpkin Patch {Morton} // You wouldn’t be getting the true Morton experience without visiting a pumpkin patch in the Pumpkin Capital of the World! Roth Pumpkin Patch is run by a family of farmers—5 generations to be exact. The farm is beautifully manicured with more than just pumpkins. The 100+ acre farm is dedicated to a variety of fresh vegetable crops and fruits. Do not miss this quintessential midwestern farm experience!
Sentimental Journey {Washington} // For more than 40 years, Sentimental Journey has been a staple for all-occasion gifts, home decor, jewelry and more. This Tazewell County gem is the perfect place to shop for baby, birthday, wedding, bereavement, spiritual/inspirational, and “just because” gifts. Stop by this great shop on Washington’s Historic Square.
Tadoughs {Pekin} // Home to the regionally-famous Spudnut Donut, Tadoughs is the place to be in the mornings! Perfected over the past 40 years, the Spudnut Donut is a potato-based pastry that will change the way you view breakfast treats. We recommend arriving early to snag a box—notoriously, their popularity causes hundreds-of-dozens of Spudnut Donuts to sell out before 8am.
Tres Rojas Winery {Washington} // You will find this Tazewell County gem at the end of a winding country road, on top of a breezy hill. Tres Rojas Winery sits amongst 51-acres of vineyard on the edge of Washington. Although the winery is on the edge of town, its rural beauty and stunning tasting room feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of life. Tres Rojas is a stunning spot to hide away with a glass (or bottle) of award-winning wine and enjoy music on the patio amongst the grape vines.
Tremont Turkey Festival {Tremont} // This annual community festival is a classic midwestern event with a unique theme: turkey! Obviously, turkey plays a quintessential role in the festival, but there is so much more to see, do, and eat—from strawberry shortcakes and smoothies, to pancakes and Saturday morning sausage. But don’t forget the classic fair foods or the famous grilled turkey legs or fresh hot wings. This festival has an abundance of foodie treats—be prepared to gobble ’til you wobble!
Yordy Turkey Farm {Morton} // Yordy Turkey Farm prides themselves in providing a product the old fashioned way—with quality. The 10,000 turkeys on this family-owned farm are hatched, raised and cared for each season, ensuring 100% natural farm-raised birds. Yordy Turkey Farm prides itself in knowing their customers receive nothing but guaranteed fresh, natural products.
Zeek’s Comics + Games {Washington} // If you’re looking to geek out over some amazing collectibles, Zeek’s Comics and Games is a spot you must visit. With a variety of assorted card games, comic books, table games, miniatures, collectibles, trading cards, toys, manga, and more, this shop is a Tazewell County gem! This is the best place to find DC, Marvel, DnD, Pathfinder, Magic, Yu Gi Oh, and Pokemon in the region.
