Peoria County

Known as the Heart of Illinois, Peoria County lies on the west side of the Illinois River in halfway between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO. Known for having big city amenities in a small-town feel Peoria Country has 15 cities and villages for you to discover. 

Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River and in Peoria County is the hometown to Caterpillar Inc., and tooday, innovators like AutonomouStuff are leading central Illinois into the future of automation.  While the circumstances may change, the fierce spirit of Peoria endures. 

Located only fifteen miles north of Peoria is historic Chillicothe, where the rails cross the river. This town grew from its river traffic and ideal location for railroad transportation. The flourishing downtown business district is classic Main Street USA playing home to boutiques, restaurants, barbershops and the Town Theater. 

Nestled on the west bluffs of the Illinois River is the picturesque village of Peoria Heights. President Theodore Roosevelt described his visit to the neighborhood of Grandview Drive as “the world’s most beautiful drive”. Offering scenic views of the mesmerizing Illinois River, this phrase still holds true to that statement over a century later.