City of Peoria

Welcome to Peoria, the largest city on the Illinois River. Formerly the Whiskey Capital of the World, Peoria found its new identity after Prohibition decimated the distilleries. Hometown to Caterpillar Inc., Peoria made a new name for itself in the manufacturing industry. Today, innovators like AutonomouStuff are leading central Illinois into the future of automation.  While the circumstances may change, the fierce spirit of Peoria endures. 

Don’t miss the Peoria Riverfront Museum, the only multidisciplinary museum of its kind in the U.S. This museum offers major exhibitions, a dome planetarium, a giant screen theater and interactive displays for all ages. Or visit the Caterpillar Visitors Center and learn the story of how this manufacturing giant came to be. Take a virtual ride in the bed of a massive two-and-a-half-story Cat 797F Mining Truck. Enjoy interactive exhibits like designing your own Cat machine and see what it’s like to operate heavy machinery as the pros do! Visitors can enjoy a cruise along the Illinois River on the Spirit of Peoria, one of the nation’s only overnight paddle wheelers. Peoria’s strong history in sports is evident with over 10 golf courses to choose from, hockey with the Peoria Rivermen or baseball with the Peoria Chiefs, a Class A St. Louis Cardinals affiliate.  Hungry? The dining options in Peoria are endless. Enjoy delicious pub food and craft beer at Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery located in a renovated church constructed in 1889. Or try Thyme Kitchen + Craft Beer, a gastropub with unique food options and an extensive drink menu. 

Whiskey. Manufacturing. Sports. Automation. Past, present and future, this is Peoria.

Looking for information about this year's Red, White and BOOM? Check out our annual events page for up-to-date information about this year's event.