Autumn comes to grand view drive in Peoria

One such place is the Forest Park Nature Center. It is the gateway to more than five hundred acres of the Illinois State Nature Preserve. Hiking is the favorite activitiy with more than seven miles of trails. I can't resist the urge to do a little bird watching in my travels of the usa. I'm not disappointed with the Forest Park Nature Center which has a room dedicated just for such a task.

For a different kind of travel through USA'S natural offerings here in Peoria, you might give The Spirit Of Peoria a spin. Travelling down the Illinois River aboard this authentic paddleboat will give you grand view of the shorelines of Peoria. I, myself, have enjoyed many romantic overnight cruises while hearing the world pass by.

Not so much about nature but about the creatures of nature, you must go to the Glen Oak Park and Zoo. Families have been coming here in their travels of the USA since the 1930's. There are more than 175 different animals to see from all over the world.  My personal favorite species to visit and observe are the Madagascar hissing cockroach.  Don't worry, the have the obligatory lions, tigers and bears! If seven acres filled with great animals, the rest of the park offers playgrounds, a fishing pond and tennis courts. If it's in the winter months, they have ice skating available.

Roses are red, violets are blue in the George L. Luthy Memorial Botanical Garden. It boasts 4.5 acres of lush and colorful plants and flowers. I love coming here to wax poetic and sometimes daydream. Who can help it with the award winning roses surrounding your every move. Don't forget to visit the conservatory there that houses exotic tropical flora and plants. You'll think you've travelled out of the USA and into the rainforests of South America.

When you travel the USA, don't pass up the natural beauty that can be found in Peoria, Illinois.