Traveling Through Peoria's Past

    DAY ONE

Begin your adventure at the Riverfront Visitor’s Center where you will receive a warm welcome and any visitor information you’d like.

Experience a trip back in time down Peoria streets that will provide you with a better understanding of the city’s illustrious past. With narration provided by trained guides of the Peoria Historical Society, look at the homes of Peoria’s elite and take in Grandview Drive, the “World’s Most Beautiful Drive”, as declared by President Teddy Roosevelt when he visited in 1910. Then take a walk through the Flanagan House, the oldest standing home in Peoria. This home is full of the actual furnishings of the Flanagan family.

Enjoy lunch at any one of the riverfront dining options. Check out the “Where to Eat” section of our website!

Lakeview Museum of Arts and Sciences is sure to spark your historical interests. With art and science exhibitions, a Children’s Discovery Center, a Planetarium, the Illinois Folk Art Gallery, the Illinois River Decoy and Illinois Jacquard Coverlet exhibitions, people of all ages will be overcome with curiosity and excitement.

Travel to Wheels O’ Time and see transportation, industry, farm and home life, as well as entertainment from times past. A multitude of exhibits showing life from 50 to 100 years ago are displayed, some of them being visitor-activated!

Take a trip over the Illinois River to East Peoria where you will check into Stoney Creek Inn for the evening. This property is located within walking distance to wonderful restaurants, or you can take a quick drive to a wider variety. Check out the “Where to Stay” section on our website for more choices.

DAY TWO

Arise to explore more of Peoria’s past by visiting the city of Eureka. First, visit The Ronald Reagan Museum where you will see over 2,000 items from President Reagan’s student days at Eureka College, his movie and television career, his eight years as Governor of California, his campaign for presidency, and his two terms in office.

While on the Eureka College campus, visit The Ronald Reagan Peace Garden. This garden commemorates President Reagan’s commitment to world peace and his important 1982 speech at the college.

Want to travel through Peoria’s past? Contact Ashley Chitwood with the Peoria Area Convention & Visitors Bureau with any questions!