Laura Bradley Park

A Park with History

Found in Peoria, Illinois, Laura Bradley Park spans a generous 100 acres of green space that feels like a breath of fresh air in the city. Sometimes simply called Bradley Park, this special place came to be through the generosity of Lydia Moss Bradley, who donated the land in memory of her daughter Laura, who passed away in 1864.

Sitting right next to Bradley University, this park has become one of Peoria's most treasured outdoor havens. It combines natural beauty, fun activities, and a touch of history. For many locals, these grounds hold countless memories - from childhood adventures to peaceful weekend strolls.

Nature's Canvas

The landscape here is anything but boring, with high bluff woodlands, wide-open grassy spaces, and the meandering Dry Run Creek floodplain creating a diverse natural setting. One spot you shouldn't miss is the Japanese bridge and pagoda - recently restored to its former glory, it's become something of an Instagram hotspot and a moment of zen in your day.

Paved paths wind throughout the park, making it easy to enjoy a morning jog or an evening walk without trudging through mud. If you're into wildlife watching, keep your eyes peeled for deer, foxes, groundhogs, and a variety of birds including woodpeckers and bright red cardinals that add splashes of color to the trees.

The changing elevation across the park creates some truly stunning views, especially as seasons shift. And those magnificent old twisted trees? They're not just providing shade - they're living sculptures that give the park its unique character and charm.

Play Your Way

The recreational side of Laura Bradley Park has something for just about everyone. Sports enthusiasts will find baseball diamonds and sand volleyball courts ready for action, plus tennis courts for those looking to work on their serve.

Disc golf fans, you're in luck - the park's 18-hole course offers multiple pin locations that make it fun whether you're just learning or have been playing for years. For those who prefer more traditional games, there are shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits waiting for you too.

Dog parents, rejoice! The park features two separate dog park areas - one up top and one down below - with sections divided for small and large dogs. These thoughtfully designed spaces come complete with picnic tables, tennis balls for your four-legged friends, and even kiddie pools during the warmer months so your pups can cool off.

Culture buffs will appreciate the Corn Stock Theatre tucked away within the park grounds. During performance season, you can catch live shows and even grab a bite from food vendors that set up on show days.

Kid-Friendly Zones

Three distinct playgrounds are scattered around the park, each with its own personality. Up near Bradley University, you can find artistic sculpture-type climbing structures that spark imagination. Near the Corn Stock Theatre, there's a more traditional playground setup that never fails to entertain.

The star of the show might be the largest playground in the lower park area, featuring newer equipment with dedicated zones for the little ones (ages 2-5) and the bigger kids (ages 5-12). It's conveniently located near the picnic pavilion, courts, and restrooms - because we all know how suddenly kids need bathrooms when they're playing.

All these play areas are well-maintained and spacious enough that your kids won't be fighting for swing time with too many others.

Everything You Need

For family gatherings or friend meetups, Laura Bradley Park offers multiple picnic sites with tables and shelters. The lower park area boasts a massive pavilion that can host over 200 people - well-suited for community events or large family reunions.

You'll discover picnic tables dotted within the grounds, many accompanied by grills for those who take their outdoor cooking seriously. There's also a large covered shelter you can reserve for private events, or just claim it for the day if no one has booked it.

Restrooms are available seasonally (mid-April through October) in brick buildings located at convenient spots around the park. Open daily from 6AM to 8PM, there's plenty of time to enjoy everything the park has to offer.

Perhaps one of the most underrated features is simply the peaceful environment created by the park's urban forest of oak and hickory trees. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from city life for a while, all while staying close to home.