Warmer weather calls for time spent outdoors, soaking up sunshine and breathing fresh air. For those looking for day trips, active weekend getaways, or a change of scenery, biking or hiking the Rock Island Trail may be just the thing. Here’s a guide to stops and stays at the tail end of the twenty-six mile trail branching into the Greater Peoria Area.
Princeville
Ada Laine Boutique {Princeville} // Launched in May 2023, Ada Laine Boutique is dripping in rural charm with a curated selection that perfectly blends the midwest and coastal cowgirl, catering to both country and city girls. With new arrivals every week and an online store with shipping, it’s a great place to cool off and browse.
Cutter’s Grove Park {Princeville} // The largest park in Princeville, Cutter’s Grove Park is a must-stop for those trekking with kids bursting with energy. Enjoy a picnic lunch under one of the covered areas and then soak up some sun while the kids play on the large playground equipment.
High Voltage Taphouse {Princeville} // While it may be the only bar in Princeville, it’s a good bar with an electric vibe and signature interior design. It’s a bit of a local secret, but they’ve got stellar food and drinks, and if you catch them on the right day, they may be hosting bingo, trivia, or a themed party.
Lillie M. Evans Library District {Princeville} // Looking for a quick pit-stop? The town libraries at the end of the trail welcome Rock Island Trail bikers and hikers with free wi-fi, public restrooms, and a bike repair station with manual air pump, bike jack, and basic bike tools.
Princeville Heritage Museum {Princeville} // Tour this local museum on a Wednesday or Friday afternoon or by appointment for free or with donation. Visit the one-room Akron Schoolhouse or view antique farm equipment and historic clothing.
Stevens Square Park {Princeville} // Located in the downtown of Princeville, this is a scenic park perfect for a short rest. Enjoy a treat from one of the nearby shops in the gazebo and watch the world go by.
Stomping Ground Ice Cream {Princeville} // Open for the spring and summer season, their stompers, old-fashioned root beer floats, and non-dairy doles will cool off any hot hiker or biker passing through town. Need something savory or salty? They’ve got jumbo pretzels with cheese, chicago dogs, and other daily specials.
The Vine Coffeehouse & Bakery {Princeville} // This cute coffeehouse offers an array of in-house fresh-baked goods daily and serves classic cafe lunches with a variety of paninis and other made-to-order sandwiches.
Yellow Dog Spa and Pet Boutique {Princeville} // While many love their dog grooming and spa options, those passing through with furry four-legged friends will love their dog treat and chew options. Grab your beloved fur-baby and let them enjoy it at one of the nearby parks.
Wyoming
Curry’s Pizza {Wyoming} // Need to carb-load to replenish all those calories burned on the trail? Try Curry’s delicious thin-crust pizzas or keep it light with their salad bar and soup of the day.
Spoon River Bowl {Wyoming} // Stop by Spoon River Bowl to cater to the entire family, especially for those staying overnight before taking the trail back home. Bond over bowling, grab a bite to eat, and for those 21+ take a seat at the bar and chat with the locals or play a round of darts.
Hunt’s Brothers Pizzas and Subs {Wyoming} // Fresh subs, hot pizza, and nostalgia foods like chili crispitos and bosco cheese sticks make Hunt’s Brothers a family favorite. From time to time the owner’s hold special Indian cuisine nights where they cook and serve their authentic family recipes. It’s a special occasion locals look for on their social media.
1-11 Tacos {Wyoming} // Delicious, fresh, and flavorful Mexican food. Stark County locals rave about their menu. Beloved menu items include mouth-watering birria tacos, fresh guacamole, and the delectable piña loca.
Sunflower Boutique {Wyoming} // This trendy and chic boutique offers plants, adorable stickers, tees, and home decor, along with self-care goodies like fresh shower eucalyptus ideal for a spa night after an active adventure on the trail.
Rough & Tumbled {Wyoming} // Stop by to browse their beautiful collection of rock and crystal specimens and stay for their unique sluicing experience great for making memories with the kiddos.
Perfectly Polished Salon {Wyoming} // Need some pampering after the long hike or bike ride? Visit Perfectly Polished Salon for a manicure or pedicure to feel refreshed. The salon also offers brow and lash services.
Duryea Park {Wyoming} // This local park is located near the historic red depot station right off the trail. While the Wyoming kiddos know it as the pirate ship park, older folk know it for paying homage to Frank and Charles Duryea, inventors of the first successful gasoline-powered automobile, who grew up in Wyoming, Illinois.
Thomas Park {Wyoming} // This dog-friendly park is named after General Samuel Thomas, who founded Wyoming in 1836. This peaceful rural park has a picnic area, basketball courts, and playground equipment, and hosts the annual Stark County Fall Festival.
A Few of My Favorite Things Flower & Gift Shop {Wyoming} // This charming gift and flower shop has been a Wyoming staple for decades. They have a wonderful selection of popular gift items like Isabel Bloom and Willow Tree.
Paramount Theater {Wyoming} // While this is no longer an operating movie theater, it’s a must-see retro photo spot with beautiful hand-painted murals. Pass through town on the right day and you may catch one of the community events hosted here from time to time.
The Lounge {Wyoming} // Located downtown, this bar and pub holds karaoke nights and themed parties from time to time. Cocktails and pub food are available for order at the bar.
The Whip {Wyoming} // Known to the rural folk as Pat’s Whips, locals have flocked to the seasonal ice cream shack for this grandma’s secret soft serve recipe for decades. Try the whipper of the month, get a crunch cone, or opt for something more savory with one of their food options. This is a must-stop according to Stark County residents.
Wyoming Public Library {Wyoming} // Another participating library along the trail. Visit for free wi-fi, public restrooms, and a bike repair station. While you’re there, check out the Little Free Library or ask about the free Seed Library for vegetable, flower, and herb seeds.
Toulon
Pony Truss Bridge {Toulon} // Between Wyoming and Toulon lies the famous historic pony truss bridge. This local icon was built in 1899 as part of a railroad line change before it was converted to a public nature trail in 1990. It sits above a picturesque portion of Spoon River, making it ideal for a water break to sit and watch the sunset or listen to the chirping birds on one of the wooden benches lining the bridge.
Stark County Historical Society {Toulon} // Purely community-led, this historical museum includes a large agricultural artifact building, the Doctor Thomas Hall building, which is believed to be the first doctor's office in Illinois, and the well-preserved Victorian house with special displays, including the 1858 U.S. senate campaign tour stop of Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln. As this is a volunteer organization, be sure to double-check opening days or call ahead to schedule a private tour.
Toulon Public Library {Toulon} // The last library at the end of the trail, stop by to check the weather on the free wi-fi, use their public bathrooms, and air up the bike tires at the repair station. The Toulon library is on the main highway through town with parking in the back on a quiet residential street.
Toulon Public Park {Toulon} // Located in the heart of town, this park has playground equipment, a covered picnic area, and basketball courts. It’s the perfect place to grab a sweet treat from one of the local small businesses and enjoy it in the sunshine.
Lucy Dots Bakery Shoppe {Toulon} // Right by the Toulon Park, this cute little bakery shoppe has a rotating menu of creative cupcake flavors, baked goods like muffins and cookies, a fun selection of unique craft sodas, and an ice cream window operating in the late spring and summer season. If you’re passing through on a Saturday, check their social media for the lunch special of the day.
Connie’s Country Kitchen {Toulon} // Serving a classic diner-style breakfast for the early-bird farmers from 6AM - 8AM and re-opening again for lunch from 11AM - 1PM, Connie’s is still going strong as the seventy-eight year-old-owner and cook still loves serving her community and those who pass-through.
Catalpa Grove {Toulon} // A Peoria-area favorite, Catalpa Grove has a delicious menu of burgers, like the Hot for Teacher paired with a side of green bean fries, spaghetti and fried chicken Wednesday night dinners, delicious wings, and brunch available on the weekends. It’s located right on the trail and has amazing outdoor seating shaded by the catalpa trees in the warmer months.
RBar {Toulon} // This is the bar and grill the locals flock to for sporting events, affordable drinks and food, and friendly-chatter.
Toulon Tap {Toulon} // Toulon Tap is a classic small-town, neighborhood bar perfect for a beer at the counter.
Happy Tails Pet Shop and Grooming {Toulon} // While most of the locals schedule their furry friends for grooming services here, the neighborhood kids love to browse their aquarium pet shop before or after playing in the park.
West Main Coffee Company {Toulon} // Lovingly called, West Main Coffee, amongst the locals, this newer addition to the neighborhood serves a seasonal menu of lattes, energy drinks, lemonades, frappes, and milk teas with a selection of sweet pastries in a vintage-thrifted, 90s coffeehouse atmosphere.
TopThat Food Truck {Toulon} // While they’re usually out of town serving lunch and dinner in surrounding areas or at private events, Toulon is home to TopThat Food Truck. It normally can be found on.
