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Day Trips from Peoria

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Day Trips from Peoria: Art Galleries & Cultural Attractions

The best art galleries, cultural attractions, and creative destinations within driving distance of Peoria, IL. World-class museums, local galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist communities worth the trip. Ratings, drive times, and booking info included.

12 art & culture near Peoria

Muscatine Art Center, Muscatine, IA 52761

Muscatine Art Center

Muscatine, IA 52761

Just 1 hr 57 min from Peoria, rated 5.0 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 57 min5.0 (40)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Augustana College Art Museum

Rock Island, IL 61201

Just 1 hr 29 min from Peoria, rated 5.0 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 29 min5.0 (1)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

NIU Art Museum, College Ave, DeKalb

NIU Art Museum

College Ave, DeKalb

Just 2 hrs 4 min from Peoria, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 4 min4.8 (34)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60603

The Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL 60603

Just 2 hrs 35 min from Peoria, rated 4.8 stars by 37,621 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 35 min4.8 (37,621)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

National Building Arts Center, Sauget, IL 62206

National Building Arts Center

Sauget, IL 62206

Just 2 hrs 29 min from Peoria, rated 4.8 stars, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 29 min4.8 (30)History$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Galena Center for the Arts, Galena, IL 61036

Galena Center for the Arts

Galena, IL 61036

Just 2 hrs 48 min from Peoria, rated 4.8 stars, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 48 min4.8 (63)Arts & CultureAdventure$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture, Chicago, IL 60622

National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture

Chicago, IL 60622

Just 2 hrs 41 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 478 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 41 min4.7 (478)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

The Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago, IL 60609

The Bridgeport Art Center

Chicago, IL 60609

Just 2 hrs 31 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 268 visitors, a cultural standout with galleries and local arts.

2 hrs 31 min4.7 (268)Arts & CultureFood & Wine$10 - $30

Best time to visit: Year-round. Check local event calendars for festivals and seasonal exhibits.

Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis, MO 63108

Pulitzer Arts Foundation

St. Louis, MO 63108

Just 2 hrs 32 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 295 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 32 min4.7 (295)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Krannert Art Museum, Champaign, IL 61820

Krannert Art Museum

Champaign, IL 61820

Just 1 hr 29 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 321 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

1 hr 29 min4.7 (321)HistoryAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Citygarden Sculpture Park, St. Louis, MO 63101

Citygarden Sculpture Park

St. Louis, MO 63101

Just 2 hrs 28 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 3,086 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 28 min4.7 (3,086)HistoryNatureAdventure$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Laumeier Sculpture Park, Sappington, MO 63127

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Sappington, MO 63127

Just 2 hrs 43 min from Peoria, rated 4.7 stars by 3,318 visitors, rich in history and well worth exploring.

2 hrs 43 min4.7 (3,318)HistoryNature$10 - $25

Best time to visit: Year-round. Indoor museums and historic sites are great rainy-day options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Art & Culture Day Trips from Peoria

What are the best art galleries near Peoria, IL?

The best art destinations near Peoria include regional art museums, contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens, and artist colony towns. Check the cards above for top-rated cultural spots with drive times.

Are there free art galleries near Peoria?

Yes. Many galleries near Peoria are free to visit, and several museums offer free admission days or pay-what-you-wish hours. Check individual listings for current admission policies.

What cultural events happen near Peoria?

Art walks, gallery openings, sculpture exhibitions, and cultural festivals run throughout the year in communities near Peoria. Summer and fall tend to have the most events. Check local calendars before planning your trip.

When is the best time to visit art destinations near Peoria?

Art galleries and museums are great year-round. For outdoor sculpture gardens, spring through fall is ideal. Many communities host art festivals and open studio events in summer and early fall.

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