PeoriaOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From French Outpost to Industrial Hub

Peoria's history begins in 1673 when French explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet explored the area, encountering the Illiniwek (Illini) Native Americans. The region, particularly the widening of the Illinois River, was known as Pimiteoui, meaning "fat lake" due to its resources. The first European settlement was established in 1680 by French explorers René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle and Henri de Tonti, who built Fort Crevecoeur on the east bank of the Illinois River. This fort later burned down. In 1691, Henri de Tonti established a more permanent French fur trading outpost, making Peoria the oldest permanent European settlement in Illinois.

American settlers began arriving in April 1819 at the site of the old Fort Clark, which had been built in 1813 after the War of 1812. Peoria County was organized on January 13, 1825, and the town was incorporated in 1835. By 1845, Peoria was incorporated as a city. The Industrial Revolution brought growth, with coal mining, steamboat, and railroad businesses. By the early 1880s, Peoria was a major railroad hub, becoming the nation's fourth-largest.

The Whiskey Capital and Beyond

Until Prohibition took effect in 1920, Peoria was known as the "Whiskey Capital of the World." Between 1837 and 1919, the city had over 24 breweries and 73 distilleries, producing 18 million gallons of alcohol annually. This was due to the supply of grains, clean spring water, and transportation via the Illinois River and railroads. The wealth generated by these "whiskey barons" contributed to the city's infrastructure, funding the construction of mansions, parks, churches, and schools that stand today. Since 1925, Peoria has been the headquarters of Caterpillar, a global manufacturer of construction and mining equipment.

• —Peoria Riverfront Museum — This museum, opened in 2012, combines art, science, history, and achievement. It features five major galleries and over 30 smaller display spaces with rotating exhibitions, a 40-foot dome planetarium, and a 70-foot Giant Screen Theater. The museum also houses the world's third-largest scale model of the Solar System, with the museum itself representing the Sun.
• —Caterpillar Visitors Center Plaza — Learn about the history and innovations of Caterpillar, which has been headquartered in Peoria since 1925. The center offers interactive exhibits, including virtual rides in mining trucks and equipment simulators.
• —Pettengill-Morron House Museum — This Second Empire architectural style house, built in 1868 for businessman Moses Pettengill, offers a look into 19th-century life. It contains a collection of furniture, artwork, and textiles from the Pettengill and Morron families.
• —Peoria City Hall — Constructed between 1895 and 1898, this Flemish Renaissance building is made of red sandstone. Its interior features a marble staircase, ironwork railings, and stained-glass windows.
• —Grandview Drive — This 2.5-mile road offers views of the Illinois River Valley and historic mansions. It was constructed in 1903 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• —J.C. Schaffer Park (Grandview Drive) — This park is part of the Grandview Drive experience, offering viewpoints and green spaces along the route.

The period from mid-June to mid-September is suitable for outdoor activities, when average daily high temperatures are above 75°F (24°C). July is the hottest month, with highs around 85-86°F (29-30°C) and average lows of 67°F (19°C).

For cultural exploration and fewer crowds, consider visiting in April, May, September, or October. Temperatures are milder, ranging from the mid-teens to low twenties Celsius (60s-70s Fahrenheit). The fall colors along Grandview Drive are visible in mid-to-late October. Winter, from December to March, is cold, snowy, and windy, with January being the coldest month with average lows of 17-20°F (-8 to -7°C). Avoid this period if planning outdoor activities.

Peoria is served by the Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), located about 6 miles from the city center. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Air New Zealand offer flights to Peoria from various U.S. cities.

Within Peoria, travel by car is common, and parking is generally available, especially in downtown areas and at attractions. Grandview Drive is best explored by car, though it also has paved sidewalks. Public transportation is available through CityLink buses.

Many attractions, particularly in the downtown area, are within walking distance of each other. A stay of at least 3 days is recommended to experience Peoria's offerings.