| Page Views: 3,576 Last Visit to Peoria: March, 2005 | Three-Time All American City: Peoria by deecat - last update: Mar 3, 2005 |
"If it Plays in Peoria": More Than a Catch Phrase | Hotel Pere Marquette, Sacred Heart Catholic Church |
The minute you enter Peoria, you know that it is a very old city; it's the oldest settlement in the state. Louis Jolliet & Pere Marquette, along with a French party, discovered it in 1673. La Salle established Fort Creve Coeur on the eastern shore of Peoria Lake (really the Illinois River) in 1680. The British flag flew over Peoria for about 15 years, & the Spanish flag flew here for less than a year. The name "Peoria" comes from the Native Americans who occupied the area when the French first arrived.
This East-Central Illinois city is a real industrial city that grew where the Illinois River widens to form two large lakes. Peoria is the international headquarters of Caterpillar, Inc., makers of earthmoving equipment that is used worldwide. Steel is another product that the city is known for as well as agricultural-based companies, information/high-tech firms, & a commodity market.
This mid-sized city is home to Bradley University (1897) & the University of Illinois-Peoria College of Medicine.
But, what I enjoyed most about this lovely place was its diverse architecture.
I was able to see beautiful Italianate/Second Empire mansions, American Federalist style homes, as well as a Frank Lloyd Wright home. This city of about 113,000 people has numerous charming churches, historic theaters, & several new, architectually- interesting buildings. Peoria is an easy city to navigate by foot & by car. Its setting on the Illinois River is a real plus. The somewhat new Riverfront Area with its promenade, Visitors' Center, restaurants, shops, & Riverboat Cruises is especially wonderful during the spring, summer, & fall.
If you visit, also take advantage of the unique, diverse shopping; tee up on one of the 18-hole golf courses; walk the nature trails; and enjoy some of the best entertainment at the Civic Center. Remember, "If it plays in Peoria...", it'll be a success elsewhere! |
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| Pros: | "Historic, Scenic, Diverse, Friendly" | | In A Nutshell: | "Historic Riverfront Town With Many Architectual Gems" |
deecat's Peoria Travel Tips
 Comments for deecat about Peoria | | | | |
Pawtuxet Sun Nov 8, 2009 21:16 UTC
Recently had guests from Peoria, but you've represented it better. Congrats on a very informative page. Of course I knew you guys would have a wonderful dinner there w/ scrumptious desert! | misterrabbit Fri May 29, 2009 22:14 UTC
What a delight to read such positive information about Peoria. It's such a neat town, especially with the new river walk. Love the architecture, scuptures, monuments, and that great tree. | Kuznetsov_Sergey Thu Oct 16, 2008 18:03 UTC
Comprehensive page on another great city in Illinois! Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Peoria Insurance Building are very impressive. Though I know the name of Caterpillar better than the name of Peoria, haha! Thanks Dee for the virtual tour! | jillzi Tue Dec 4, 2007 17:56 UTC
Great architecture; loved the war memorial. As always, excellent hotel and restaurant tips. Your postive take on out-of-the-way places in the mid-west is refreshing. |
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