Riverfront Visitors Center

HOURS

Monday - Friday    9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday                 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday                   11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. 
                                                                                                    

The Peoria RiverFront Visitors Center is a one-stop shop for information on the Peoria Area. No matter what brings you to the area, whether you are a leisure traveler, convention attendee, sporting event participant or even a Peoria resident, the visitors center is here to assist you! The RVC offers friendly help from local volunteers and a large selection of local maps, Peoria merchandise, brochures on attractions, accommodations and restaurants, as well as information on area events. Looking for hiking trails? Theater performances? Riverfront festivals? A great restaurant? The RVC is here to help you make the most out of your stay!  Visit the Peoria RiverFront Visitors Center today to find out what "Plays in Peoria!"


History   

The RVC was originally built in 1852 and is the only pre-Civil War commercial structure still standing in Peoria. The 157 year-old building was first built as the John Schwab Grocery and Beer Saloon. In 1852, John would sell ice cream for 15 cents a dish, and beer for a nickel! Now, those were the days! The Beer Saloon became Phillips Best Brewing Company, where beer was not only served but brewed and bottled. Beginning in 1917, the building would turn hands every few years from a toy factory in 1979, to a soda parlor, church, tire store and in 1948, the Powell Press. The Powell Press operated until1979. Caterpillar Inc. bought the building in the 1980's and donated it to the city of Peoria in 1997 to be used as part of the riverfront revitalization project. The building was physically moved 2 blocks down the road, from the 200 block of N. Washington, to 110 N.E. Water, in Riverfront Park  where Main Street meets the riverfront. The move took 16 hydraulic jacks and a prayer - only losing one brick, the move was a success! Today, the building stands as the Peoria RiverFront Visitors Center.