Bicentennial Riverfront Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Bicentennial Riverfront Park is a popular destination located in East Peoria, Illinois.


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Summary

The park is situated along the Illinois River and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. There are many good reasons to visit the park, including its natural beauty, abundance of recreational activities, and historical significance.

One of the main points of interest at Bicentennial Riverfront Park is the RiverFront Trail, which stretches for miles along the river and offers a variety of hiking, biking, and jogging options. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and other water sports on the river.

Another popular attraction is the Festival Park Amphitheater, which hosts a variety of concerts, festivals, and other events throughout the year. The park also features a playground, picnic areas, and a pavilion for large gatherings.

Interesting facts about the area include its rich history, dating back to the Native American tribes who once inhabited the region. The park is also home to several historic sites, including the Murray Baker Bridge and the Peoria Lock and Dam.

The best time of year to visit Bicentennial Riverfront Park is during the summer months, when the weather is typically warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of seasonal activities, including ice skating in the winter.

Overall, Bicentennial Riverfront Park is a beautiful and historic destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, cultural events, or just a peaceful spot to enjoy the view, this park is definitely worth a visit.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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