Detweiller Park
(including Detweiller Woods Nature Preserve) 

Peoria County, Illinois

Latitude/Longitude
40.7923, -89.5793

8327 N Galena Rd
Peoria, IL 61615

Official Website:
https://peoriaparks.org/places/detweiller-park/
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area4peoriadetweillerwoods.html

Activities: 
Trails (hiking)
Snow (snowshoe, cross-country ski, sled)
Other (playgrounds, view wildlife, picnic)
 
Season/Hours:  5 AM – 11 PM
 
Dog Friendly:  yes (leashed) in certain areas; The 246-acre Detweiller Woods Nature Preserve is contained in Detweiller Park.  This area is an Illinois Nature Preserve and dogs are not allowed.
 
Map(s) On Site and/or Online:
Online:  http://www.peoriaparks-planning.org/maps/Detweiller%20Park2016.pdf
On Site:  none found
 
Parking:  parking lots
 
Amenities:  benches, shelters, picnic tables, concessions on occasion 
 
Restrooms: seasonal
 
Trail Info Websites/Apps:  All Trails
 
Cost:  free admission
 
Historical and/or Scientific Significance:  historic; Birding Hotspot
 
Terrain/Views/Access:  forest, hills, prairie, open grass space & trees
 
General Description:  587-acre city multi-use park on edge of town with two access points, one from Route 29 and one from Detweiller Drive; across Route 29 from Detweiller Riverside (former Galena Marina) 
 
OPAL’s Observations & Opinions:  Detweiller is split into two parts.  Detweiller Park is on the west side of Route 29 and Detweiller Riverside (also known as Galena Marina) is on the east side of Route 29 and provides access to the Illinois River.  A sledding hill at Detweiller Park is a winter favorite.  Detweiller Park also serves as a trail access point to the Illinois River Bluff Trail.  

Trail/Park Maps & Brochures (downloadable):
Detweiller Park map (PDF)
​Illinois River Bluff Trail (south section, south Robinson Park thru Detweiller Park, PDF)

More Information
https://dnr.illinois.gov/inpc/area.area4peoriadetweillerwoods.html

http://thecommunityword.com/online/blog/2021/05/26/nature-rambles-why-nature-preserves/

https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1668056

https://peoriahiker.com/dry-run-oak-route-in-detweiller/
​
http://www.peoriapubliclibrary.org/a-gift-from-the-detweillers

https://www.peoriamagazine.com/archive/ibi_article/2013/immigrants-build-peoria/

https://historyonthefox.wordpress.com/2013/05/19/944/

https://www.illinoisriverroad.org/places/united-states/illinois/peoria/nature-outdoor-recreation/detweiller-park/

https://www.pjstar.com/story/lifestyle/things-to-do/2021/10/04/best-places-to-see-fall-colors-in-illinois/8282005002/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1AEu5qpgGQ_3f3YKRrNRnW4mWQCIwEGzL&ll=40.79114313820993%2C-89.56428264101908&z=15

http://101.pjstar.com/55-big-tree-at-detweiller-park/

https://www.pjstar.com/story/entertainment/2021/01/05/where-best-sledding-hills-peoria-area/4131527001/

Managed by:
Peoria Park District (309) 682-1200
1125 W Lake Ave Peoria, IL 61614
(309) 686-3360 OR   (309) 682-6684