THE ROCK ISLAND ALE TRAIL

By

Mark Monge, Guest Writer

on

March 27, 2025

The Rock Island Ale Trail is a self-guided brewery tour in Peoria, featuring nearly 30 local breweries, taprooms, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Cycle through a flavorful selection of craft beers, including IPAs, stouts, ciders, and non-alcoholic options.

With five microbreweries, one distillery, and numerous bars stretching from Downtown Peoria to Toulon, all of these spots are situated along the Rock Island Trail/Peoria Greenway. For those eager to explore further, the trail extends north to Toulon or south to pick up on the east side of the river and connect with the River Trail in East Peoria to Morton (more on the east side to be added soon!).

FEATURED STOPS (NORTH TO SOUTH)

Industry Brewing — Located just off the trail at 8012 N Hale Ave in Peoria, Industry Brewing offers a true brewery experience with a spacious beer garden.
Olympia Sports Bar + Grill — One of your first stops on the North side!
The Fox Pub — Situated at 7800 N Sommer Street, Peoria, The Fox Pub boasts a vast selection of craft beers, making it a perfect stop along the trail.
Cyd’s in the Park — Nestled in Donovan Park along the trail, Cyd’s provides a beautiful outdoor setting complete with fire pits and a cozy ambiance.
The Missing Zither — A libations lounge with CxT Roasting Company coffee.
Tavern on Prospect — Found in Junction City Shopping Center at 5901 Prospect, Peoria, this tavern offers a stylish speakeasy vibe with a welcoming patio.
Oliver’s in the Heights — Just a few blocks off the trail at 1231 E Samuel, Peoria Heights, Oliver’s features a large outdoor patio and live music events.
Publik House — Located at 4614 Prospect Rd in Peoria Heights, Publik House offers an authentic Irish pub atmosphere with traditional food and drinks.
W.E. Sullivan’s — Situated at 4538 Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, W.E. Sullivan’s is the place to satisfy your Guinness cravings.
Casa Agava — Opening in 2025!
12 Bar Lounge — This rooftop bar is unique to the area and offers stunning views.
The 33 Room — Located at The Old Pabst Brewery in the Heights.
Pour Brothers — Found at 4450 Prospect Road in Peoria Heights, Pour Brothers features a self-serve tap wall, a full bar, and one of the largest patios around.
Bust’d Brewing — The newest official microbrewery on the trail, located at 4408 Prospect Road in Peoria Heights.
Obed and Isaac’s Restaurant and Microbrewery — Located at 321 NE Madison, just a few blocks north of the trail.
Blue Duck BBQ Tavern — Blue Duck is closest to the Illinois River, located in the historic Riverstation at 212 SW Water Street.
Rhodell Brewery — The longest-running microbrewery in town is situated at 100 Walnut Street.
Kelleher’s Irish Pub + Eatery — The closest you’ll get to Ireland is at 619 SW Water Street in the historic Warehouse District.
8 Bit Beer Arcade — Right next door to Kellehers!
Matilda’s Cocktail Lounge — A new addition to the trail—take a step back to this 70s cocktail lounge.
Nightjar — Another new addition, located at 112 State Street.
Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer — The largest whiskey wall on the trail, just a hop over from Kelleher’s and 8 Bit.
Black Band Distillery — No beer here, but some of the best-made spirits in a beautiful, award-winning location.
Evergreen Farm Brewery — Although not on the Rock Island Trail, but it’s a “MUST SEE” stop just over the bridge in Metamora.

WHAT? DONE ALREADY? KEEP RIDING NORTH!

The Last Chance Bar and Grill — Located in Alta, you can’t miss this one.
High Voltage Taphouse — Make this stop while you’re cycling through Princeville
The Lounge — The Lounge is located in Wyoming at 103 N 7th Street.
Catalpa Grove Tavern — Situated between Wyoming and Toulon.
Toulon Tap — The farthest bar on the Rock Island Trail. You made it.

RULES OF THE TRAIL

It's like a drinking club, with a biking problem.

BE POLITE AND ALERT // There are lots of families, joggers, other bikers, and walkers that use this trail. Be courteous and attentive while biking so everyone can enjoy this great resource! Give a friendly "Biker on your left!" alert when passing.

CALL AHEAD // If we do end up making an official paper passport, which is the goal, it will have the locations, phone numbers and details of each bar or brewery. Hours may vary as well as opening days and times, so be sure to call ahead to make sure they are open if you have a goal in mind for the day.

YOUR FEEDBACK // This is a trial run (ride) and I'd love to hear your feedback and comments on what you liked and what could be improved upon. This isn't a money-making venture (although it would be great to have it be a fundraiser for different local charities at some point), so let's ride, have fun, and take it from an idea to reality. Email mark@mongehometeam.com with your feedback!

DISCLAIMER // Drink and ride responsibly. Think of this as a life goal–not something to be accomplished in a single afternoon. Keep it safe, be responsible, be courteous, tip courteously, and have fun. Also, you need to be 21 or older to drink in Illinois.

FAQs

WHAT DOES IT COST? // Participation is free! Simply grab your bike and some friends, and set out for a memorable ride.

WHAT IS AN ALE TRAIL PASSPORT AND WHERE DO I GET ONE? // Currently, the passport is available in T-shirt form, listing 26 stops along the trail. Plans are underway to introduce a physical passport in 2025. You can purchase the shirt here.

ARE THERE ANY AWARDS FOR FINISHING? // At this time, completing the trail earns you bragging rights.

BUT WAIT…THERE’S MORE! LOOKING FOR A SHORTER OR A MORE PERSONALIZED TRAIL?

MINI COCKTAIL TOUR

TRUE MICROBREWERY ONLY TOUR