Peoria, Illinois is a city situated on the Illinois River. It is named for the Peoria Indians and was founded in 1691 by the French explorer Henri de Tonti. This lovely riverfront city boasts 9,000 acres of parkland, and it serves as the headquarters for the American machinery giant, Caterpillar, Inc., which employs 93,000 people.

Visitors to the city often head directly to the Caterpillar Visitor’s Center, which shows examples of its giant earth-moving equipment and has excellent hands-on simulators. Other visitors are drawn to the Peoria Zoo, which has a remarkable African Savannah section or to the annual art fair that takes place along the waterfront.

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.