Things to Do in Peoria in March

March water levels are spot-on for the Spirit of Peoria's 2-hour glide past the historic warehouses on Water Street. The 10 AM departure finds the river slick as glass, and bald eagles perch in cottonwoods along the east bank. The paddle-wheel's steady thump against the current feels like stepping back to when riverboats were the only way to haul grain.

The Chiefs' preseason schedule at Dozer Park runs through mid-March, when you can plant yourself behind home plate for peanuts and still hear the crack of wood on leather. Grilled sausage smoke drifts from the concessions, mingling with cut grass and sun-warmed leather gloves. Locals unfurl blankets for 7 PM games when the mercury slips to 60°F (16°C).

This 2.5-mile (4 km) bluff-top drive above the Illinois River hits its stride in early March when redbuds flare against limestone cliffs. From 200 feet (61 m) up you get eagle views of the river curling like a silver ribbon through the valley. Dawn light paints the water copper-gold, and you'll grasp why Teddy Roosevelt dubbed it 'the world's most beautiful drive.'

When March winds howl across the prairie, the dome theater becomes the coziest refuge in town. Friday 8 PM laser shows sync Pink Floyd with constellations you can spy from the museum's rooftop observatory afterward. The building's cantilevered design throws shadows that crawl like sundials across the courtyard, architectural sorcery that plays even under cloud cover.

March menus spotlight the first asparagus and morel mushrooms from farms within 50 miles (80 km) of downtown. Tuesday's RiverFront farmers market turns into a chef's playground, you'll spy Augustino's and Thyme Kitchen owners haggling over ramps and baby greens. Fresh-baked bread scent from the Blue Duck Bakery booth drifts across the river for a good quarter-mile.