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Peoria is the oldest community in Illinois and has a population of about 113,000. Peoria is a three-time All American City and has completely captivated the heart of the Midwest. The quality of life in Peoria is evident to visitors through the friendly people, exuberant atmosphere, and unique charm of the city. Here you will find quality shopping, the symphony, ballet, Broadway Theater League, museums, art guilds, and the nation’s oldest Santa Claus parade.

Peoria is proud to be the home of the world headquarters for Caterpillar, Inc. Many businesses and companies located in Peoria have allowed the city to diversify and expand its economy. Although Peoria is growing everyday in entertainment and business venues, nothing can replace the small hometown feeling that emulates from the city’s atmosphere.

It used to be said in the Vaudeville circuit that if an act could successfully “play in Peoria” then it would work anywhere. The term “Will it play in Peoria?” has since become a popular metaphor for whether something will appeal to the mainstream American public. Thus, Peoria is often used as a test market for new products, services, and public policy polling.

Peoria History

Peoria is the oldest settlement in Illinois. It was first settled in 1680 by French explorers Sieur de La Salle and Henri de Tonti. Fort Clark was built in 1813 after their establishment, Fort Crevecoeur, had burned down. The County of Peoria was organized in 1825 and Fort Clark was officially renamed Peoria.

Peoria suffered a housing shortage in the 1940’s and many homes were converted into apartments. Today, a tremendous amount of restoration has been done to reconvert these homes into gracious and elegant mansions.

The Randolph-Roanoke Historic District was the first district in Peoria. Randolph Street represents one of Peoria’s finest collections of Victorians structures. The homes remain mostly unchanged from the time when they were originally built. The Randolph-Roanoke Historic District is one of the best symbols of Peoria’s glorious past.

Peoria Parks and Recreation

Peoria is home to many fun and educational places to play and relax! Come by the Aquaplex and enjoy the indoor aquatic park or spend an afternoon at the Peoria Zoo or Wildlife Prairie State Park. Participate at one of the many recreation centers and meet all the friendly people living in Peoria enjoying the same things you are!

Aquaplex/ Riverplex
The RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center is a joint project between the Peoria Park District and OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. The facility covers 118,000 square feet and is complete with a state of the art fitness center, indoor aquatic park, multipurpose arena, pro shop serving freezes and smoothies, activity room, classrooms and more.

Peoria Zoo
The Peoria Zoo is home to nearly 100 species of animals from around the globe. The Peoria Zoo offers daily sea lion feedings, critter chats, free parking and a gift shop stocked with unusual and exciting merchandise.

Franciscan Recreation Complex
The Franciscan Recreation Complex is a multi-purpose recreation center located in West Peoria. The Franciscan Recreation Complex features a full-size gym, multi-purpose room with kitchenette, community room, dance studio, soccer field, two baseball fields, an outdoor playground and a new ceramics studio that allows you to glaze, paint, and fire pottery.

Logan Recreation Center
Logan Park and Recreation Center features three outdoor lighted basketball courts, water playground, a soccer field, two picnic pavilions, playground equipment, indoor lounge with cable TV and VCR, computer availability with internet access, and a multi-purpose indoor recreation area.

Wildlife Prairie State Park
The Wildlife Prairie State Park was established in the late 1960s and consists mostly of wildlife animals native to Illinois. Located on the grounds you will also find a motel, restaurant, and other attractions.

Peoria Attractions

Come visit one of Peoria’s historical and exiting attractions. You won’t want to miss the Apple Blossom Farm in the fall. Bring your family and friends and enjoy looking for pumpkins or getting lost in the corn maze. For a little bit of the past, take the CityLink tour and learn about Peoria’s fascinating history and see some of the city’s most historical locations.

Apple Blossom Farm
Apple Blossom Farm is open to the public from July through November 6. Customers choose from many varieties of apples and acres upon acres of pumpkins. Family members of all ages enjoy our petting zoo, playground area, Blossom Bakery, Harvest Barn, hayrack rides, and the now bigger than ever corn maze over 13 acres large!

CityLink
Enjoy a trip back in time down Peoria streets that will provide you a better understanding of Peoria's illustrious past. With narration provided by trained guides of the Peoria Historical Society, GP Transit's historic Peoria Trolley will take you to a number of fascinating locations throughout the community.