Sign in with Facebook"Three-Time All American City: Peoria" Top 5 Page for this destination Peoria by deecat
Peoria Travel Guide: 99 reviews and 192 photos
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!
- Pros:Historic, Scenic, Diverse, Friendly
- In a nutshell:Historic Riverfront Town With Many Architectual Gems
Reviews (23)
Route I74 Murray Baker Bridge to Peoria
Transportation
(3)
Murray Baker Bridge is scheduled to be closed from April 2,2005 until October 1, 2005! Murray Morrison Baker, a... more travel advice
Historic Homes in Peoria
Off The Beaten Path
(3)
I just read some VT member comments about Peoria, & I just can't believe that they lived in or visited the same town... more travel advice
Look What's Under One Roof in Peoria
Things to Do
(8)
I was really impressed when I went to a Josh Groban Concert in Civic Center Arena in early March, 2005. Built in 1982,... more travel advice
Philanthopy Responsible for Bradley...
Things to Do
(8)
As a high school teacher who wrote recommendations for students, I was aware of Bradley University in Peoria. However, I... more travel advice
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Peoria Travel Guide
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deecat
“Yesterday is a cancelled check; tomorrow, a promissory note; today is the only cash you have; spend it wisely. Kay Lyons”
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Historical TravelLatest Peoria hotel reviews
- Comfort Inn Morton
- 58 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 9, 2013 - Jameson Inn & Suites Peoria
- 117 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 17, 2013 - Four Points by Sheraton Peoria Downtown
- 116 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 17, 2013 - Hotel Pere Marquette
- 5 Reviews & Opinions
- Jumer's Castle Lodge
- 1 Review & Opinion
- Residence Inn Peoria
- 42 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 9, 2013 - AmericInn Lodge & Suites of Peoria
- 81 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 21, 2013 - Red Roof Inn Peoria
- 42 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 10, 2013 - Super 8 Peoria East
- 53 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 12, 2013 - Mark Twain Hotel
- 118 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jun 11, 2013
Comments (40)
I really enjoyed all the historic homes Dee! You always put such wonderful thought and your pages are always a delight to read. Excellent page! I'm still trying to figure out this new format:)
Hi, Dee! Thanks for your interesting and detailed story! ><><><
Terrific photographs. 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.
The river front area sounds great and I would love to tour the historic houses and especially the Francis W. Little House :-) It's great that you found so much to appreciate when others have failed to do so it seems
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!
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.
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!
I found all of your tips interesting, Dee, but especially enjoyed reading about the restored Riverfront...a very wise decision on Peoria's behalf!
I heartily agree. I've taken the Spirit of Peoria many times, each time taking a new group of adventurers with me. The price is a real bargain and the staff are just...well..."real."
And to answer an earlier question: the "trolley" isn't like a SanFran trolley.. it's free-running.. basically an open-air bus. It stops outside my office building (on the riverfront) every day..feel like I'm in Mr. Roger's Neigborhood. :)