5 Fun Day Trips from Princeton, Illinois
Princeton, Illinois is full of charm, history, and small-town hospitality—but part of the beauty of staying here is how easy it is to explore other areas nearby. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, museums, or big-city excitement, Princeton is the perfect hub for day trips by car or train.
Here are five of our favorite day trip ideas to make your stay at the Historic Knox Hotel even more memorable.
1. Starved Rock State Park (Utica, IL)
📍 30 miles east of Princeton
Consistently ranked as Illinois’ #1 attraction, Starved Rock State Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. With 13 miles of hiking trails, visitors can discover waterfalls, sandstone canyons, and sweeping views of the Illinois River.
Highlights include:
- Wildlife spotting and guided hikes
- Dining and live music at the Starved Rock Lodge
- Seasonal trolley tours and river cruises
2. Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home (Dixon, IL)
📍 45 minutes north of Princeton
Step back in time and visit the boyhood home of President Ronald Reagan. Tour the restored house, view the four-room Presidential Timeline exhibit, and watch a biographical video about Reagan’s early years. The Visitor Center and Gift Shop feature books and keepsakes celebrating his legacy.
While in Dixon, don’t miss:
- Local shops and restaurants
- A performance or classic film at The Dixon Historic Theatre (built in 1922)
- Scenic walks through this history-rich town
3. Ride the Amtrak to Chicago
📍 Train station located right across from the Knox Hotel
One of Princeton’s hidden perks? Our Amtrak station is just steps away. You can catch a morning train to downtown Chicago and return in the evening—no traffic, no parking, just pure adventure.
Top Chicago day trip ideas:
- Museum Campus: Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium
- Art Institute of Chicago + Millennium Park
- Architectural Boat Tour + Chicago Riverwalk
Untouchable Tours Gangster Bus - Lincoln Park Zoo (free and beautiful!)
And of course—don’t leave without trying some authentic Chicago deep dish pizza.
4. Peoria & the Riverfront Museum (Peoria, IL)
📍 1 hour south of Princeton
Peoria blends history, shopping, and culture, but the highlight for many visitors is the Peoria Riverfront Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated gem offers traveling exhibits, a planetarium, and a giant screen theater.
Other Peoria favorites:
- Shopping at The Shoppes at Grand Prairie
- Family fun at the Peoria Zoo
- A scenic drive along Grand View Drive (“the world’s most beautiful drive”)
If you’re into historic architecture like we are, then you also need to check out Peoria Architectural Salvage!
5. Tanner’s Orchard (Speer, IL)
📍 About 45 minutes south of Princeton
Since 1947, Tanner’s Orchard has been a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors alike. In the fall, the orchard bursts with activity—apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and an incredible farm play area for kids.
Don’t miss taking home goodies like:
- Fresh cider, apples, and donuts
- Homemade pies
- Jams, salsas, and other farm-fresh treats
It’s easy to combine Tanner’s Orchard with a trip to nearby Peoria for a full day of fun.
Plan Your Princeton Stay
When you stay at the Historic Knox Hotel, you’ll not only experience the history and comfort of our small town, but also enjoy the perfect home base for exploring Illinois. Whether you’re venturing into the wilderness at Starved Rock, hopping a train to Chicago, or enjoying farm-fresh fun at Tanner’s Orchard, your next adventure is closer than you think.
✨ Need personalized recommendations during your stay? Our team is happy to help you plan the perfect day trips based on the season and your interests.