Peoria (Illinois)



Peoria is a city in Illinois and the county seat of Peoria County. It serves as a regional hub for the primarily rural and agricultural center of the state. Peoria is a small but diverse city of approximately 115,000 people that anchors a three-county metropolitan area of nearly 400,000.

Understand
Situated on a river bluff with excellent natural resources and easy river access, the area has been settled since prehistory, with artifacts and burial mounds showing settlement as far back as 10,000 BC. Peoria was first settled by French explorers in 1680 and is one of the oldest continuously-occupied European settlements in what is now Illinois. Thanks to its position on the Illinois River, Peoria enjoyed comfortable growth from shipping business in the 1800s and early 1900s. Like Muncie in Indiana, it became known as an Average American Town, leading to the famous phrase used by Jack Benny as a radio punchline (and the Nixon administration for political spin) "Will it play in Peoria?" Peoria is also a place of history as the scene of historical debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas on the subject of slavery.

Residents may rankle at the implied lack of sophistication in the phrase; right or wrong, they take fierce pride in what their city has to offer, and they see the only differences between their city and Chicago as being size and cost-of-living. Today, most of Peoria's economy revolves around Caterpillar, manufacturer of the iconic yellow construction equipment used worldwide, as well as business conventions and the large medical center. Illinois high school sports tournaments are also a major draw for visitors. Famous natives include Richard Pryor, for whom a street leading from town to the airport is named, and Betty Friedan, author of The Feminine Mystique.

The Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau can help groups and individuals plan an itinerary in Peoria.

Climate
Peoria weather varies considerably throughout the seasons. Like much of the Midwest it has a humid continental climate, and consequently four distinct seasons. The cool and pleasant springs are followed by humid summer days, beautiful autumn vistas full of color along the bluffs, and cold winter days. Even on the nicest days it is usually wise to have a jacket available in case a storm or front suddenly comes through, and the weather suddenly changes. Though rare, tornadoes are a possibility outside of the winter months in Peoria. The occasional snow storm may cause traffic to bottleneck for several hours until the streets have been plowed.

By plane
Many visitors fly into Chicago or St. Louis and drive to Peoria. Each city is approximately 150 miles (250 km) from Peoria and the drive takes 2½-3 hours, depending on traffic. Indianapolis is 200 miles (320 km) away and takes 3½-4 hours to reach by car.

By car
I-74 is the main interstate that runs through the city. Peoria can also be approached from Interstate 55 (which connects Chicago and St. Louis) by taking a state highway such as IL 116 from Interstate 55 into Peoria, about 50 miles (80 km). This provides a somewhat more scenic trip through farming country and small towns.

By bus
is the city's mass-transit system, serving 23 routes in and around the city. Single ride fares are only $1, and an unlimited ride all-day pass, which can be purchased on a bus, is just $3. The main downtown bus station is at 407 SW Adams Street near the Civic Center and Dozer Park.

By car
Taxi service is available throughout the city; however, it is recommended you call for a taxi, as it is rare to find a taxi to hail outside the downtown or during odd hours. You can locate taxi companies online, in the phone book, or through your hotel's front desk.

While Peoria's downtown is very walkable and parts of the city are amid a New Urbanist revival, to get around outside the downtown most visitors will want a car. All major car rental companies have outlets in Peoria; most have outlets at the airport, in the downtown, and in various outlying commercial areas.

See










Do






Learn






Buy
Peoria's Riverfront has undergone massive revitalization and features a variety of local and independent retailers in a pleasant, walkable riverfront setting. Free parking is available along the riverfront. The outdoor Riverfront Market, every Saturday from June to September, is a combination farmers' market and local art market.

Peoria has an unusual number of working local artists (including sculptor Preston Jackson, many of whom are showcased at the Peoria Art Guild's gallery and store. Peoria hosts a large art fair every year, the Fine Art Fair, a national juried fair held in late September.


 * For local shopping flavor, Peoria Heights, a small village enclosed by Peoria but politically distinct, has a quaint main street with a large variety of locally-owned shops, including art galleries, gift stores, bakeries, restaurants, coffee shops, and various services.
 * Sheridan Village, in the center of town, houses a Bergner's department store and several other minor retailers. Sheridan Village was the nation's first "mall-style" shopping center featuring a variety of stores situated around a parking lot to provide a less formal, less time-intensive shopping experience than venturing downtown to the major department stores. The test was successful and the model spread across the United States.

There are two main malls in the Peoria regional area. These are frequently referred to as the "old mall" and "new mall" by locals.



Drink
The highest concentration of drinking establishments is in downtown Peoria, in the few blocks surrounding Main and Jefferson. If you're looking for more of a young club scene, the scene is constantly changing. Taking a stroll down Main Street (downtown) will get you to most popular Peoria bars. Outside of the downtown area, there are a few other worthy establishments.

Sleep




Go next

 * Ackerman Family Farms is open in the late summer and fall. Make your way through the corn maze, take a hay ride, see the farm animals and all of the pumpkins and fall foliage. It's about 10 miles from downtown Peoria at 27158 US Highway 150 Morton. Phone: +1 309-266-7459
 * Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway is located on both sides of the Illinois River between Ottawa, Illinois and Havana, Illinois. There are 80 different points of interest along the route which runs through Peoria, and there are many activities to be enjoyed including geocaching, bird watching, hiking, fishing, and more. The headquarters is at 613 W. Marquette Street, Ottawa, and it is a National Scenic Byway.
 * Jubilee College State Park has walking, hiking, and equestrian trails, camping, picnicking, and more for outdoor enthusiasts. It's about 20 miles northwest of downtown Peoria at 13921 W. Route 150 Brimfield.
 * Snowman's Reindeer Farm Pet, feed, learn about, and photograph Santa's reindeer. It's about 30 miles southwest of Peoria at 25599 E. Middle Lake Road, Canton.
 * The Cookery is the place to hone your cooking skills in one of their culinary classes or just to enjoy a catered dinner. It's about 10 miles east of Peoria at 2029 S Main St, Morton.
 * Woodford State Fish and Wildlife Area is hunting, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping are available at this 2900-acre park. It's about 25 miles northeast of downtown along the Illinois River on State Route 26, Low Point.