Things to Do in Peoria in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Peoria
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Shoulder season pricing means you'll find accommodation rates 20-30% lower than summer peak months, with more availability at popular hotels near the riverfront and warehouse district
- Spring weather brings Peoria alive after winter - parks along the Illinois River are green, outdoor patios reopen, and locals are genuinely excited to be outside again, creating an energetic atmosphere
- Bradley University is in session until late April, which means the restaurant and coffee shop scene is fully active, though campus empties out for finals week (typically last week of April) when some student-focused businesses have reduced hours
- Baseball season starts at Dozer Park - catching a Peoria Chiefs minor league game is affordable entertainment (tickets typically $8-15) and gives you a genuine slice of Midwest sports culture without the crowds or prices of major league venues
Considerations
- April weather in central Illinois is genuinely unpredictable - you might see 50°F (10°C) and rain one day, then 80°F (27°C) and sunny the next, making it tough to plan outdoor activities more than 2-3 days ahead
- Spring storms can be intense when they hit - central Illinois sits in tornado alley, and while actual tornadoes are rare, severe thunderstorm warnings happen a few times per month in April, occasionally disrupting outdoor plans
- Some seasonal attractions haven't fully opened yet - river boat tours and certain outdoor venues typically start Memorial Day weekend (late May), so your options are more limited than summer months
Best Activities in April
Illinois River Trail Cycling
April is actually ideal for the 9-mile (14.5 km) paved trail along the Illinois River before summer heat and humidity make midday rides uncomfortable. Mornings tend to be crisp (50-60°F or 10-16°C), and the riverside parks are blooming. You'll spot locals training for summer races and families out for weekend rides. The trail connects several parks and has good sight lines, so you can see weather rolling in and make it back if needed.
Distillery and Brewery Tours
Peoria has serious distilling history - it was once the whiskey capital of the world. April weather makes this perfect timing since you'll want indoor activities as backup plans anyway. The craft beverage scene has grown significantly, with tasting rooms concentrated in the warehouse district within walking distance of each other. Tours typically run 45-90 minutes and include 3-5 tastings.
Peoria Riverfront Museum Visits
The riverfront museum complex is your best bad-weather backup, and you'll likely need it in April. Beyond the main galleries, there's a planetarium with daily shows and an IMAX theater. The museum focuses on regional history, art, and science - worth 2-3 hours. The building itself has excellent river views from the upper floors, and the cafe is decent for lunch.
Wildlife Prairie Park Hiking
This 1,800-acre (728-hectare) park about 20 minutes west of downtown is best visited in April before summer heat and before the prairie grasses get too tall for wildlife spotting. You'll see bison, elk, wolves, and black bears in large natural habitats. Trails range from easy 0.5-mile (0.8 km) loops to 3-mile (4.8 km) ridge walks. Mornings are typically clearer for viewing animals before they seek shade.
Grandview Drive Scenic Tours
Theodore Roosevelt supposedly called this 2.5-mile (4 km) road overlooking the Illinois River valley one of the most beautiful drives in America. April brings spring blooms to the bluffs, and the views are clearest before summer haze sets in. You can drive it in 15 minutes, but most people stop at multiple overlooks. Adjacent neighborhoods have impressive historic homes worth a slow cruise.
Minor League Baseball at Dozer Park
The Peoria Chiefs (St. Louis Cardinals affiliate) start their season in early April, and games are legitimately fun even if you're not a huge baseball fan. The stadium opened in 2002 and sits right downtown with river views. Crowds are small (2,000-4,000 on typical nights), tickets are cheap, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Games run about 2.5-3 hours. April evenings can be chilly, so bring layers.
April Events & Festivals
Peoria Chiefs Opening Day
Minor league baseball's opening day typically happens in early April and draws the biggest crowd of the season - locals treat it like a genuine event with tailgating in nearby lots. The atmosphere is more festive than regular season games, with pre-game ceremonies and often fireworks after. If you want the full experience, this is the game to catch, but expect tickets to be tighter and parking more challenging.
Bradley University Spring Events
Bradley's campus hosts various spring activities through mid-April before finals week - occasionally including public concerts, art shows at the Heuser Art Center, or sporting events. The campus itself is worth walking through in April when everything is blooming. Check their public events calendar, as most activities are free or low-cost and give you a window into local college life.