Cabin Getaway in Peoria

Calling all nature lovers! Explore our recommendations for the ultimate cabin getaway in Peoria. From scenic hikes to campfires and s'mores, get ready to be swept away by the magic of Central Illinois. Here’s our ‘36 hours in Peoria Cabin Getaway’ itinerary:

DAY ONE

EVENING | Pull into Wildlife Prairie Park and feel the weight of the work week melt away. Check-in at the gate between 4-6:30pm and make your way to Megan’s Lodge to get settled in. Overlooking Deep Lake with its very own dock, this private cabin is the perfect place to unwind for the weekend. 

Hop back in the car and head back to town for a bite to eat. If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean, Jerusalem Restaurant can’t be beat for lamb chops, falafel, shawarma, and the best hummus. If this doesn't fancy you, head down the road to Gil's Supper Club for a beloved taste of their fried chicken or catfish. Gil's has been in the business for over 50 years--and there sure is a reason why it's a local favorite!

Get your baklava or peanut butter pie to go and enjoy it on your private back patio while sitting under the stars. 

DAY TWO

MORNING | Whether you’re a coffee and a pastry kind of person or need a hearty breakfast to start your day, there are plenty of options to choose from to kick off your morning. Bake + Brew Panaderia offers a variety of conchas and sweet cream empanadas to satisfy your sweet tooth. For classic bacon + eggs and every other savory breakfast dish you can imagine, Childers Eatery is a local favorite.  

Fill up your water bottles and head back to the park. Check out the map and choose a trail. The 4-mile hike is fairly easy and gives you tons of opportunities to see the natural beauty of the park and the wildlife that lives there.

AFTERNOON | Hopefully, you worked up an appetite on your hike because there are tons of great options for lunch in Peoria. Cyd’s in the Park is best known for its killer patio, but its food is top-notch, too. Or, head to Catrina’s Express to pick up tacos for lunch and walk over to the Riverfront Park, snag a bench and enjoy your tacos by the river.

Ready for adventure? Rent a kayak or stand-up paddle board from the self-serve vending machine at Wildlife Prairie Park and explore any of the seven fishing lakes in the park.

EVENING | Head back to the cabin for a quick shower and relax for a bit. Read a book, take a cat nap, or grab a pair of binoculars and check out some of the birds who call the park home. 

On a Saturday night, Industry Brewing is a great place to go for a delicious meal and entertainment all in one spot. Enjoy live music or try your hand at axe throwing out on the patio while you sip on a flight of local brews.

Make your way back to the cabin to light a fire, toast up some s’mores and relax for the rest of the evening.

DAY THREE

MORNING | Pack your bags and close the door at the lodge for the last time (this trip). Stop for breakfast at Eggcellent Cafe or Ardor Breads & Provisions and take a final stroll along the waterfront. Explore the shops and pick up a souvenir to remember your time in Peoria until you're back to visit again!

Looking for more breakfast options? Rise and shine with these Peoria County breakfast spots.

Discover More Things to Do and Events During Your Stay

Explore our Discover Peoria Calendar of Events for all the exciting happenings in Downtown Peoria and beyond.