Discover What You Weren’t Expecting.
Located in the urban heart of the Prairie State, the Peoria Area is only two-and-a-half hours from both Chicago and St. Louis. If flying is your preferred mode of transportation, General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport has more direct flights than any other Illinois airport outside of Chicago, including destinations such as Atlanta, Minneapolis, Tampa/St. Pete, Nashville, Dallas and more. Whether you are looking for an opulent and iconic grand hotel, a quirky and cool-minded boutique, a picturesque inn right out of a storybook, or a unique Airbnb experience–we have accommodations for all types of travelers, no matter the taste or budget.
Boasting more than 24 breweries and 73 distilleries in its pre-Prohibition heyday, the “Whiskey Capital of the World” was an apt name for Peoria–chosen because of its proximity to the river and easy access to grains. The Great Western Distillery, built in Peoria in the early 1880s, would eventually become the largest distillery in the world. At its peak, Peoria produced 18 million gallons of alcohol annually. Although Peoria’s alcohol industry has yet to return to its pre-Prohibition glory days, that doesn’t mean our whiskey scene is absent. The Peoria Area has two award winning distilleries, BLACK BAND Distillery and JK Williams Distilling, and the Peoria Historical Society hosts an incredible “Roll Out the Barrel” tour. Our whiskey history is clearly evident, especially in the revitalized warehouse district, which has been transformed into a must-see destination for visitors looking for unique experiences and entertainment.
While you are in Peoria, you are in the midst of the richest farmland in the nation. Our region does not take farm-to-table lightly. Whether it’s fine dining or casual, Peoria is known for unique twists on Midwestern classics made with locally-sourced ingredients. If you’re new in town, try a horseshoe or a tenderloin sandwich (but maybe find one to three people to split it with…) Our downtown scene includes wood-fired, authentic international, soul food, downhome barbecue, craft brews, and upscale bar food from artisanal masters. Many of our downtown and warehouse district restaurants and lounges accommodate groups.
Our Destination
WEBSITE:
peoria.org
CONTACT:
JD Dalfonso
President + CEO
- jdalfonso@peoria.org
- 309-676-0303
- 456 Fulton St Suite 300, Peoria, IL 61602
DESTINATION SERVICE AREA:
Fulton County, Marshall County, Mason County, Peoria County, Stark County, Tazewell County, and Woodford County
Top Attractions
- Louisville Slugger Sports Complex
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Peoria Riverfront Museum
- Grand View Drive
- Peoria Civic Center
- Peoria Zoo
- Wildlife Prairie Park
- Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
- BLACK BAND Distillery
- disc golf courses
- Tanners Orchard
- Dozer Park (Peoria Chiefs)
- Bradley University
- Luthy Botanical Garden
- Par-A-Dice Hotel + Casino
- Peoria Marriott Pere Marquette
- Rock Island Trail
Accomplishments
- Most recipients of the Illinois Office of Tourism’s Illinois Made Makers award in all of Illinois in 2022 and 2023.
- Hosts the US Synchronized Skating Championships, PDGA Ledgestone Insurance Open, Illinois Music Education Association, Midwest Truckers Association, Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, IL Fire Chiefs Assn/IL Assn of Fire Protection Districts, Skills USA, Illinois Great Rivers Association, USSSA Great Lakes National Championships, IHSA Cross Country State Championships, Connect Midwest
News Articles
Info & Stats
IL House Legislative District
73, 87, 91, 92, 93, 94, 105
IL Senate Legislative Districts
37, 44, 46, 47, 53
Largest Meeting Facility
Peoria Civic Center
Number of Hotel Rooms
4,019
Primary Source of Local Funding
City of Peoria
Total Tourism Jobs Supported
About 6,600
Regional Tourism Expenditures
$780,000,000 in which the City of Peoria has taken $25,000,000 in tax revenue
Lodging Taxes
8%
Local Sales Taxes
2.75%