Press "Enter" to skip to content

Fall into fall

1. Tanners Orchard
The orchard has been around since 1947 and is famous for its apple cider doughnuts and hot apple cider drinks. From a petting zoo to apple picking, Tanners offers families a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy autumn.
• Everyday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 740 State Route 40, Speer
• Free admission

2. Haunted Peoria Trolley Tour
This tour is unlike any other, focusing specifically on Peoria’s dark history. Participants can expect to hear stories about the Legend of Nee-Nee-Wah, the Curse of Old Lady Gray and the Lady in White. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. For tickets, call (309) 673-6000.
• Sept. 20 and 27: 1 p.m. Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25: 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• 619 SW Water St., Peoria (Meet at Kelleher’s Pub)
• Tickets: $15, plus $1 fee to trolley driver

3. Peoria Fine Arts Fair
With 150 artists from 30 states and four countries, the fair features a children’s corner with take home arts and crafts, as well as sculptures, paintings and everything in between.
• Sept. 27 and 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• 200 NE Water St., Peoria
• Tickets: $5 per day, $7 for the entire weekend

4. Riverfront Market
Farm fresh produce, organic meats and music can all be found in one convenient location this fall. The Riverfront market offers visitors a variety of homegrown food and plenty of free samples.
• Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• 200 block of SW Water St., directly in front of the Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Free admission

5. Laser Light Nights
The Peoria Riverfront Museum invites you to rock out with its laser light show. The show is set to songs written by the Beatles, U2, Pink Floyd, classic rock vinyl and Metallica throughout the year. Shows run between 30 and 50 minutes.
• Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15: at 6 and 7 p.m.
• 222 SW Washington St., Peoria
• Tickets: $10

6. Columbus Ships: Pinta and Niña
Replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Pinta and Niña, are docked next to the Spirit of Peoria and are open for self-guided tours. The Niña was built by hand according to the traditional construction style of the 15th century.
• Everyday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Peoria riverfront, down river from the Spirit of Peoria
• Tickets: $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for students ages 5-16

7. Wildlife Scary Park
Wildlife Prairie Park will have its annual Halloween celebrations complete with hayrack rides, haunted train rides and trick-or-treating. Patrons can also see some of the animals and go through the parks newly added Curator’s Cabin Ride.
• Oct. 17-26: 4-8 p.m.
• 3826 N. Taylor Road, Hanna City
• Tickets: Non-members $10, Members $8

8. Moonlight Cruise
If you are looking for something romantic to do this fall, the Spirit of Peoria offers two-hour night cruises. The boat includes a cash bar and live music, and you can rent private sections to make the evening extra romantic.
• Sept. 19 and Oct. 3: Boarding starts at 7:30 p.m. and cruises run 8-10 p.m.
• 100 Water St., Peoria
• Tickets: $20

9. “Spring Awakening”
Bradley Theatre Department’s fall musical this year is “Spring Awakening,” a work set in 1800s Germany covering topics ranging from abortion to homosexuality to rape and abuse. Tickets can be purchased by calling (309) 677-2650 or at the Box Office in Hartmann Center.
• Sept. 25 – Oct. 5: shows start at 8 p.m.
• Hartmann Center
• Tickets: $5 for freshmen, $9 for sophomores-seniors, $17 for senior citizens and $19 for general admission

10. Morton German Fest
If you’re craving alcohol, fair food or lederhosen, then German Fest is the place for you. Featuring all things German, the fest offers a variety of wine and beer tasting, as well as music and contests.
• Oct. 6: 1-9 p.m.
• Behind Main Street Deli south of Main Street and west of Adams Street
• Free admission

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.