When you think of Princeville, you're sure to think small town charm, strong roots, and hometown pride. Sprinkle in some peonies + pumpkins and you've got yourself a whole lotta fun in central Illinois. We've curated the perfect itinerary for you!
Let's Explore!
Where to Stay: Princeville is an easy drive from plenty of Peoria-area hotels, so you can choose to make the short trip or find a local Airbnb.
Where to Eat: For lunch or dinner, we recommend you head downtown for a hometown toast at High Voltage Taphouse, often hosting live music and daily specials. If you're looking for a sweet treat + a delicious coffee, try The Vine Coffeehouse & Bakery.
What to do: Spend time at the Princeville Heritage Museum + Akron Townhouse School for local agricultural history and the story behind the Peony blooms. Stroll through Stevens Square Park, stop by the signature gazebo, modeled after an earlier 1910 bandstand and take in the small town community vibes. Visit Ada Laine Boutique for darling designs and trendy pieces. Hop onto the Rock Island Trail, Princeville access is a go-to.
Visit in the Spring
If you're planning to visit Princeville in the spring, you'll be sure to see some peonies blooming. Princeville doesn’t just grow peonies, it grew a whole identity around them. Local hybridizer Edward Auten Jr. introduced 300+ named peony varieties from 1925–1963, some still gorgeously growing today.
Visit in the Summer
Princeville Heritage Days is a ready-made weekend centerpiece with a parade, carnival and family-friendly activities in Steven's Square. No visit is complete without a sweet treat from Stomping Ground Ice Cream.
Visit in the Fall
For pumpkins, the local legend is The Pumpkin Place, where grower Joe House expanded from “extra pumpkins on the porch” into a destination farm with hundreds of varieties (often cited around 280+), plus all the fall fixings. And yes, Princeville has had some serious giant-pumpkin energy in recent years.
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