When planning a trip, Illinois probably isn’t first on your list. The Midwest gets a bad rep when it comes to road trips. Not many travelers have a bucket list that includes visiting Iowa or Missouri. But today, we sharing about a small city right outside Peoria.
Chillicothe, Illinois, might not offer the attractions and famous landmarks of other places, but we think it’s worth a weekend visit for its rich history, outdoor recreation, and charm. Let’s dive in and learn more!
Chillicothe, Illinois, is in Peoria County in central Illinois. It’s about 15 miles north of Peoria, 150 miles southwest of Chicago, and 172 miles north of St. Louis. Chillicothe is easily accessible via Illinois Route 29, which connects the city to I-74.
The city also sits on the banks of Goose Lake and the Illinois River. With the beautiful scenery of the Illinois River Valley, Chillicothe is an ideal location to explore the outdoors. Birders will spot bald eagles and white pelicans year-round, and the annual “Eagle Days” brings enthusiasts from all around to enjoy this paradise.
Pro Tip: Take a lake break while in the Midwest and choose from one of the best cities on the Great Lakes!
Chillicothe, Illinois is known as the city “Where the Rails Cross the River” because two railroads cross here. A bridge across the Illinois River provides transport for one of the lines. Because of its ideal location along the river, Chillicothe grew quickly and became a stop for barge traffic. Between the railroad lines traveling to and from Chicago and St. Louis and this river traffic, Chillicothe became a key location for the transportation of goods and people. Today, the city still remains a key point on the Southern Transcon route.
While Chillicothe, Illinois is home to only about 6,100 residents, it’s a beautiful area along the Illinois River with a rich history. It’s also home to a fantastic music festival and decadent cheesecakes. Here are some things we recommend when visiting the small city.
Chillicothe, Illinois is well known for its Summer Camp Music Festival held every year. This multi-day music festival created by Jay Goldberg Events and Entertainment occurs over Memorial Day weekend at Three Sisters Park. It’s one of the most popular music festivals in the U.S., attracting approximately 20,000 attendees annually.
The first festival was held in 2001, and when the 20th-anniversary event happened in 2021, over 25,000 visitors made history as the highest-attended Summer Camp Music Festival to date. The 2023 season welcomed over 150 artists. But it’s more than music performances as the city also sets up other outdoor activities like tug-of-war, giant Twister, eating contests, and more.
As we mentioned, Chillicothe became a key stop for transportation routes and still remains critical for railroad services. The Chillicothe Rail Bridge crosses the Illinois River and provides easy access for about 70 trains per day to get from one side of the river to another. In the late 1800s, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway built the first bridge in Chillicothe, and in 1922, this new structure replaced the old one.
If you’re looking for the home of the Sweet Tater Cheesecake, head over to Tripple Dipple’s Cheesecake in Chillicothe, Illinois. Every cheesecake is made from scratch, and the staff serves ten standard flavors, including chocolate chip, strawberry, cherry, and more. They also serve over 80 featured flavors that range from bourbon to tiramisu to Mexican hot chocolate. These delicious treats and delicacies will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.
Finally, Chillicothe, Illinois is known for its small-town charm. Main Street is lined with small businesses that look like Andy Griffith’s Mayberry. This historic downtown features antique stores, quaint restaurants, and two museums. The Rock Island Railroad Museum proudly displays a caboose, and visitors can learn more about Chillicothe’s railroad history with the museum’s artifacts and memorabilia. Shore Acres Park is an ideal place to spot bald eagles and enjoy outdoor recreation.
If you want to visit Chillicothe, Illinois for a few days, there’s no shortage of accommodations. You’ll find plenty of options from hotels to Airbnbs to campgrounds. For a budget-friendly hotel, an Econo Lodge sits along the Illinois River right off Route 29.
The Chillicothe RV and Recreation Area provides hookups for RVs, three stocked lakes, and a beach area. Across the river, you’ll also find a couple of Fish and Wildlife Areas that permit dry camping.
Farther south in Peoria, there are lots of other hotel choices like a Holiday Inn, Marriott, and Embassy Suites. A quick search on Airbnb will also reveal a dozen vacation rentals. So whatever type of accommodation you’re looking for, you’ll find it within 30 minutes of Chillicothe, Illinois.
Its rich railroad history and small-town charm make Chillicothe, Illinois a fun place to visit for a few days. You likely won’t spend a week here unless you explore the surrounding area, but it’s worth a weekend trip. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love the natural scenery and recreation. If you’re a history buff, you’ll appreciate the museums. If you’re a music lover, make plans to visit in May for the annual Summer Camp Music Festival. Whatever your passion, there’s something for everyone in Chillicothe, Illinois!
Have you ever visited this area of the Prairie State?
