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About The Byway
Trip Resources
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- Attractions
- Activities
Events
- Find
  - Ongoing Events
  - Special Events
- Share
  - Submit an Event

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Join environmental educator, Melissa Schaefer, for a winter adventure at beautiful Coal Hollow on Thursday at 3:30 pm. You will learn all about the different species of animals that inhabit our woodlands. Get hands on experience identifying pelts, learning how to track predator and prey, and explore traces of other items they leave behind. Please wear warm hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will be hiking for a portion of this class. Registration is required, call (309) 274-2719.

As snowfall accumulates, cross-country skiers are getting excited! From Illini State Park in Marseilles and Marshall State Fish & Wildlife in Lacon, to Buffalo Rock State Park in Ottawa, or Detweiller Park in Peoria, the Byway has so many beautiful locations for cross-country skiing. Where’s your favorite go-to spot? https://j.mp/3rL7WaF

National Save the Eagles Day on January 10 is a day to raise awareness about eagles and to give thanks for the conservation efforts to prevent their extinction. Did you know that there are more than 60 different species of eagles in the world? The bald eagle and the golden eagle are the only two species of eagles found in the U.S. If you enjoy birdwatching and seasonal eagle events traveling the Illinois River Road is for you! There are a bounty of spots to catch a glimpse of your favorite species. Photo by Jami Haffner, IRR Scenic Snaps Photo Contest Winner

If you haven't had a chance to check out Peoria Riverfront Museum's T. rex: The Ultimate Predator, time is running out! It is a jaw-dropping exhibition about the world's most iconic dinosaur. Exhibit closes on 1/16/22.
https://j.mp/348BTtE

Join us for a month-long celebration of jazz featuring Peoria's best musicians at the Betty Jayne Brimmer Center for the Performing Arts! The Betty Jayne offers a full-service bar. Feel free to grab your favorite local takeout and "Bring it to the Betty"! (No outside beverage is permitted.) Saturday, Jan 8 at 7PM: Mark DeZwaan
Sunday, Jan 9 at 2PM: Jive Bag
Thursday, Jan 20 at 7PM: Glenn Wilson
Friday, Jan 21 at 7PM: Water Street Stompers
Saturday, Jan 22 at 7PM: Crystal Rebone's Taco Belles
Sunday, Jan 23 at 2PM: Judy Page
Saturday, Jan 29 at 7PM: Disorganizer
Sunday, Jan 30 at 2PM: The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project $7 advance; $10 day of show
https://www.thebettyjayne.com/calendar/2022/1/8-january-jazz

Discover the winter beauty on a Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center guided hike. There's a chance of spotting bald eagles soaring high in the sky or experiencing majestic, frozen waterfalls. Hike runs 10 am - 1 pm; $15 registration fee. https://j.mp/3rkkrsE

The State of Illinois curated a list of eagle watching events throughout the Midwest. You can regularly see eagles along the Illinois River Road! https://j.mp/3zkTaLG

Enjoy the cozy OA Lodge as you learn how to make your own maple syrup, plus take home some of the needed equipment. Registration required (ages 10 and up only). $10 per person. To register, call the camp office (309) 579-2157 https://j.mp/3ESn8YT

First Day Hikes are held in many parks throughout the country in effort help people “start the year off on the right foot.” Take a walk at your favorite Byway spot today, like Dayton Bluffs Preserve near Ottawa, which is hosting from 8 am-noon today. Individuals will direct their own hike and social distancing will be encouraged. A bonfire will be maintained, and the first 60 participants will be treated to a cup of hot chocolate!

Civilizations around the world have been celebrating the start of each new year for at least four millennia. Today, most New Year’s festivities begin on December 31 (New Year’s Eve), the last day of the Gregorian calendar, and continue into the early hours of January 1 (New Year’s Day). Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year’s foods, making resolutions for the new year and watching fireworks displays.

Make or continue a holiday tradition by visiting the 37th annual East Peoria Festival of Lights in East Peoria! It's open every night through Monday, January 2, 2022. https://j.mp/35RUzLz

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