Glen Oak Park | Peoria

Glen Oak Park – Detailed Overview

Location:
2218 North Prospect Road, Peoria, Illinois, covering approximately 117 acres of urban parkland.

1. General Description

Glen Oak Park is one of Peoria’s largest and most diverse parks, offering an extensive range of recreational, cultural, and educational amenities in a natural setting. It serves as a major community hub, ideal for family outings, fitness activities, cultural enrichment, and relaxation.

The park beautifully combines landscaped gardens, water features, playgrounds, trails, and special attractions like the Peoria Zoo and the Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum, making it a year-round destination for visitors of all ages.

2. Key Attractions & Facilities

Peoria Zoo

Size: Approximately 14 acres within the park.

Animals: Over 100 species from around the world, including giraffes, lions, Siberian tigers, wallabies, and sloths.

Exhibits: Themed areas such as Africa!, Australia Walk-About, Asian Trail, Tropics Building, and Conservation Center.

Visitor Experience: Daily keeper talks, animal feedings, interactive presentations, and seasonal events like the Glow Wild Lantern Festival.

Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, last admission at 4:30 PM.

Peoria PlayHouse Children’s Museum

Focus: Interactive and educational exhibits designed to encourage creativity, learning, and play in children.

Exhibits: Various hands-on zones such as art studios, science discovery areas, and imaginative play spaces.

Visitor Info: Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Admission is $10 per person for ages 1 and above.

Accessibility: Strollers not allowed inside but wheelchair access available.

Luthy Botanical Garden

Size: 5 acres of cultivated gardens within Glen Oak Park.

Features: Tropical conservatory, seasonal outdoor flower displays, themed gardens like rose and herb gardens.

Admission: Free entry with donations appreciated.

Programs: Guided tours by appointment, horticulture workshops, and seasonal events.

Rotary Adventure Grove

Type: Inclusive, nature-themed playground designed for children of all abilities.

Features: Accessible play structures, sensory-friendly equipment, and natural elements encouraging exploration and creativity.

Opened: September 2024, replacing the former tricentennial wooden playground.

Glen Oak Amphitheatre

Function: Outdoor performance space for concerts, festivals, community events, and private rentals.

Seating: Open lawn and some fixed seating areas.

Events: Hosts regular cultural and music events, adding vibrancy to the park.

Glen Oak Lagoon

Size: 3-acre fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and bullhead catfish.

Amenities: Accessible shoreline fishing spots, benches, and pathways.

Events: Annual Clyde West Fishing Derby and urban fishing clinics held here.

Accessibility: The entire shoreline is wheelchair accessible.

3. Recreational Amenities

Pickleball Courts: Eight dedicated courts for both casual and competitive play. Open sunrise to 11 PM, with rules limiting play time during busy periods.

Tennis Courts: Six hard courts, four lighted for nighttime use, with similar usage guidelines as pickleball courts.

Walking & Biking Trails: Paved trails throughout the park including segments of the Rock Island Greenway. Trails connect to nearby natural and urban areas, providing options for both leisurely walks and more active exercise.

Soccer Fields: No permanent fields, but open green spaces allow seasonal use with temporary goals.

Picnic Areas: Numerous tables and shelters available for family gatherings and group events.

Playgrounds: Aside from Rotary Adventure Grove, the park has multiple smaller playgrounds spread across its grounds.

Restrooms: Multiple clean and well-maintained restroom facilities throughout the park.

4. Accessibility & Visitor Information

Accessibility:
The park and its facilities are wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps where needed. Service animals are permitted.

Pet Policy:
Pets are welcome but must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Food & Beverages:
Visitors may bring their own food and enjoy it at designated picnic areas. Several nearby concessions or cafes serve snacks and drinks.

Parking:
Ample parking available near the main attractions including the zoo, museum, and garden.

Safety:
The park is patrolled by Peoria Park District security and local police to ensure visitor safety.

5. Events & Programs

Annual Events:

Glow Wild Lantern Festival at the zoo.

Clyde West Fishing Derby at Glen Oak Lagoon.

Seasonal community festivals, fitness classes, and educational workshops.

Educational Programs:
Regular programming focused on nature, conservation, arts, and fitness is offered by the park district and partner organizations.

Private Rentals:
Picnic shelters, amphitheater, and other spaces can be reserved for birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and weddings.

Summary

Glen Oak Park is a cornerstone of Peoria’s outdoor and cultural life. With its blend of natural beauty, family-friendly attractions, and recreational facilities, it offers a well-rounded destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you want to explore exotic animals, enjoy interactive children’s exhibits, stroll through botanical gardens, fish, or simply relax outdoors, Glen Oak Park provides an accessible and inviting environment all year round.