Upcoming Attractions

Peoria Downtown Hotel Project

Marriott, one of the world's top hotel companies, will be taking over the landmark Hotel Pere Marquette in downtown Peoria after extensive renovation has been completed and build next door to it a new, 10-story Marriott Courtyard. The overall $92.8 million project will attract new and larger conventions and sporting events to the area, while enhancing value to the Peoria Civic Center and increasing local tourism business.

Since opening in 1927, the Hotel Pere Marquette has been the venue for many prestigious cultural and social gatherings, and hosted several presidents, celebrities, dignitaries and statesmen. In 1981, the hotel underwent massive renovation and restoration. As a result, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The hotel's character and charm will not be compromised during construction - the building's historic integrity will be maintained, according to developer EM Properties, Ltd.

Renovations include replacing all mechanical systems and plumbing aa well as overhauling each room and public area of the building. The refurbished 284 rooms at the Hotel Pere Marquette will nicely compliment the 116 rooms at the attached Courtyard by Marriott.

Other enhancements of the project include a connected skywalk between the hotels, Peoria Civic Center and a new parking deck.

For more information or if you have any questions, please call the PACVB today at 800-747-0302 or email us here.

Levee District in East Peoria - NOW OPEN!

Less than 1/2 mile from downtown Peoria and the Peoria Civic Center is the brand new East Peoria commercial district, The Levee District. The Levee District encompasses over 86 acres which include 500,000 sq. ft. of shopping, restaurant, hotel and civic space. 

The Levee District in East Peoria is and will be home to retail and restaurant establishments such as Costco, Target, Gordman's, Ulta Beauty, Red Robin, Pot Belly's, Tequila's Mexican Bar and Grill, and many more. At the center of what will become "the city's new downtown" will be a plaza and Fondulac District Library which will draw visitors to the area.  

Also, joining the district will be a Hometown Community Bank. 

Another addition to The Levee District in East Peoria will be the new, full-service Holiday Inn and Suites which will add 137 more rooms to the already 4,000+ hotel rooms in the Peoria, IL area. 

Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center

The Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center is a six-story facility, located on the downtown Peoria, IL campus of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. The Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center will train residents and medical students in simulated settings that look and feel like a real hospital.

The Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center is a simulated care delivery setting. This replicates all areas of patient care. Actual medical equipment is jointed together with the latest in sumulation equipment to attract the finest minds in clinical education and provide the highest level of medical research, training and innovation.

The main elements of  the Jump Trading Simulation and Education Center are professional education for preparing clinicians, service training for a variety of systems throughout the healthcare world.

A seven-acre riverfront block of Peoria's downtown has become one of the most important cultural and economic developments in our region's history! 

This eco-friendly, one-of-a-kind destination combines the Peoria Riverfront Museum with the Caterpillar Visitors Center, a planetarium and a giant digital screen theatre offering education, arts, entertainment and recreation for people of all ages. 

The Peoria Riverfront Museum is 86,000 sq. ft. and is estimated to draw 360,000 visitors each year. The museum is an expansion of the Lakeview Museum and Planetarium. 

The IHSA Peak Performance Center is a hands-on exhibit highlighting the talents and achievements of thousands of Illinois high school students from the past and the present. A tribute to the African Americans from our region who have paved the way for progress and have had a positive impact on our society is showcased on the Wall of Fame.

The state-of-the-art Zeiss PowerDome Digital Planetarium offers shows featuring thousands of heavenly bodies and programs that investigate the cosmos.

Walk along a virtual timeline from the Ice Age to today, along the ever-changing Illinois River Valley. 

Experience a state-of-the-art Giant Digital Screen Theater, a 5 x 7 story screen that will immerse you into the on-screen action!

The Street is a fun exhibit allowing the whole family to enjoy a walk through the past. This flexible, changing gallery will allow you to interact with the region's colorful history and evolution, from Lincoln to vaudeville and more! 

Visit www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org for more information.

Caterpillar Visitors Center - NOW OPEN!

The Caterpillar Visitors Center consista of a 50,000 sq. ft. facility that housea a variety of interactive exhibits, and is located next door to the Peoria Riverfront Museum.

As a Caterpillar Visitors Center guest, you'll get an insider's perspective on Caterpillar's employees, customers, products and progress. Visitors are able to explore the past by taking a journey back in time via historic photos, vintage equipment, a 24-foot tall 797 mining truck, and videos to explore the company's heritage and the progression of its world-famous product line.

Visitors are also able to explore the present, getting a sense of Cat's global impact with hands-on activities for all ages. Preview the future at Caterpillar with a sneak peek at the company's latest technological marvels, like clean-burning diesel engines and more.

The Caterpillar Visitors Center welcomea area residents as well as the more than 25,000 visitors the company brings to our region each and every year. 

Visit www.caterpillar.com/visitors-center for more information.