Peoria Travel Information
Peoria, population 112,936, sits along the banks of the Illinois
River in a metropolitan area of more than 370,000. The city is often
considered to represent the average American city. It has an growing
economy based on agricultural products, manufacturing and information
technology. An entertainment district, RiverFront, along the
Illinois River includes restaurants, hotels and attractions. The
Peoria Civic Center hosts the area symphony and sports teams, here.
Visitors can take horse drawn carriage rides, walk and hike along the
river trail or take a sightseeing or dinner cruise on board a
paddlewheeler. Nightclubs mix with art galleries, like the
Contemporary Art Center of Peoria and the Peoria Art Guild, and
antique shops. Marinas provide river access and during the summer, a
market showcases local produce and wares. Festivals throughout the
year include: Steamboat Festival, in June; Fourth of July fireworks;
the Riverstock musical festival in August; and a popular Fine Arts
Fair in September. The Illinois River Country Nature Trail
provides access to outdoor activities along the river. Two loops of
the trail, the East Peoria Loop and the Peoria Loop, travel through
the area’s river bluffs, wetlands, forests, savannas and tall grass
prairies connecting some of the area’s best nature spots. Peoria
is located 168 miles southwest of Chicago and 40 miles northwest of
Bloomington. It is accessible via Interstate Highway 74, U.S. Highway
24, and State Highway 29. There are many lodging options including
national hotel/motel chains, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and
retreats.
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