To get more information on our region, click on a county.
Tazewell County
From riverboat gambling to golfing and shopping, Tazewell County offers visitors several places to play while in the Peoria Area. Whether its family entertainment or unique outdoor events you're looking for, take some time to relax in the communities that make this area truly entertaining. Located in the county seat of Pekin, visitors will want to spend the afternoon in Mineral Springs Park, which offers paddleboat rides, a water park, miniature golf and more. Plus, East Peoria, Morton, Mackinaw, Tremont and Washington all offer great outdoor fun and indoor activities such as theaters, sports complexes, unique shopping, great events and more!
Visit www.tazewell.com for more information on Tazewell County.
Mason County
Mason County, and its seat, Havana, have a longstanding history due to locations right along the Illinois River. In the 1600s, French explorers Joliet and Marquette set up camp near present-day Havana during their early explorations. The areas past is highly connected to Native American Indian communities; Havana is the home of the Rockwell Mounds, the second largest Native American burial grounds dating back to about 200 A.D. Rockwell Mounds cover about two acres and stand 14 feet high. Later, in the days of Chicago gangster Al Capone, Havana was referred to as "Little Reno" because of the floating casinos that were established on the Illinois River. Today, Mason County is known for wildlife and recreational sporting, including fishing and waterfowl hunting. The area is home to a number of wetlands and the Chautauqua National Wildlife Refuge, a 4,500-acre habitat for migrating waterfowl.
Visit www.masoncountyil.org for more information on Mason Country.
Fulton County
The land of Fulton County was granted to the veterans of the War of 1812, beginning the countys ties to American history. Communities such as Canton and Farmington were part of the Civil Wars Underground Railroad, and WWIIs Camp Ellis was situated near Ipava. Major attractions include the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, luring over 100,000 visitors to its antiques, crafts and shopping each fall, and Lewistowns Dickson Mounds Museum, one of the major on-site archeological museums in the nation. Fulton County is increasingly known for wildlife viewing and other outdoor recreation, offering beautiful parks and great grounds for hunting and fishing.
Visit us at www.fultoncountytourism.org or www.outfitters.com/illinois/fulton.
Woodford County
Named after Brigadier General William Woodford, who died as a prisoner of the British in the American Revolution, Woodford County has been at the center of American history from its beginnings. Two former United States presidents spent time in this county--Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law in Metamora, and Ronald Reagan, who studied at Eureka College. Today, visitors can still walk in these past presidents footsteps at the Metamora Courthouse State Historic Site and on the Eureka College Campus in the Ronald Reagan Museum.
Peoria County
Located on the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria County is at the heart of the area and offers a wealth of attractions, events, historical sites, shopping and artistic venues throughout the countys communities. Over 300 years ago, the Native Americans and French Traders who called our river valley home referred to the area as Pimiteoui, or "fat lake," because of the richness of the river. Today that tradition continues through riverfront development, a bustling downtown Peoria and much more.
Visit www.co.peoria.il.us for more information on Peoria County.
Stark County
It may be the second smallest county in Illinois, but Stark County offers plenty of things to do for a true taste of country hospitality. More than 90 percent of the countys land is farmed and this makes for many hometown experiences as visitors take a driving tour of Stark. In Toulon, the county seat, Abraham Lincoln made visits to their courthouse and is rumored to have had a tooth pulled at a dentists office that is still located next to the library. The town of Bradford is host to antique and craft stores and the Shallowbrook Farm executive retreat that was once a thoroughbred horse farm. The 26-mile Rock Island Trail runs throughout Stark County with stops in Toulon and Wyoming and offers hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers beautiful country scenery in every season. While in Wyoming, visitors can take a stop from the trail and visit the towns historic depot.
Visit http://starkco.illinois.gov for more information on Stark County.
Marshall County
For outdoor lovers, Marshall County is the place to visit. It is home to the famous duck decoy carver Charles Perdew and to one of the states largest fish and wildlife areas. Conveniently located off of Rte. 26, the Marshall County State Fish and Wildlife Area is located on 6,000 acres of scenic Illinois River backwaters, bottom lands, bluffs and byways--with the added benefit of being in the flyway of ducks and bald eagles, many of whom make the Illinois River Valley their home during the winter--and offering visitors the chance to view them up close.
As for heritage, the Marshall County Historical Society Museum in Lacon offers visitors a glimpse of the past. The Charles Perdew home in the town of Henry is currently being remodeled as a museum for this famous carvers decoys.
Visit www.co.marshall.il.us for more information on Marshall County.
Bureau County
Whether touring an Underground Railroad site or strolling through antique shops, Bureau County and its seat, Princeton, has many unique sites and experiences you wont want to miss.
Between the towns of Princeton, Sheffield, Wyanet and La Moille, antique lovers will make several great finds at the malls and shops throughout the area. Princetons Main Street is lined with unique shops offering everything from handcrafted gifts and custom-scented soaps to Victorian gifts and inviting tearooms filled with treasures. Bureau Countys Red Covered Bridge is located north of Princeton on Rte. 26. Built in 1863, it is one of three remaining covered bridges in Illinois and is still open to traffic.
Visit www.bureaucounty-il.com for more information on Bureau County.
