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Peoria is home to the world’s largest model of the solar system which is located in the Lakeview Museum of Arts & Sciences. The museum showcases more than 15,000 items in its art and science exhibits. Other attractions include the planetarium, the Illinois folk art gallery, and the hands-on children’s discovery center. The museum is located on 1125 West Lake Drive. Call (309) 686-7000 for additional information.
The Contemporary Art Center
of Peoria is located in a renovated 19th century warehouse on 305 Water
Street. The art center offers two exhibition galleries and is home to
more than 20 in-house working artists. Workshops and classes are offered
to art center visitors. Call the art center at (309) 674-6822 for more
details.
Located eight miles north of Peoria, Wheels
O’ Time Museum
offers an abundance of interesting displays and artifacts. Vintage
and classic cars, airplanes, tractors, and fire engines are among the
exhibits. The museum also offers a variety of hands-on displays from musical
instruments to a clock room. Phone (309) 243-9020 for more details.
Peoria’s oldest church, St Martin de Porres Catholic Church, was founded in 1852. As a registered historical landmark, St Martin de Porres Catholic Church offers historic architecture as well as art. It also contains a 3000-pipe organ that has been recently restored. The church is located on 103 South Sheridan Road.
The African American Museum Hall of Fame was founded in 1987. This museum details Black history and accomplishments of African Americans. Visitors to the Hall of Fame will see collections and exhibitions of African American life and culture. The African American Museum Hall of Fame is located on 309 DuSable Street. Call (309) 673-2206 for additional information.
The Pettengill Morron House was built in 1868 by Moses Pettengill, Peoria’s first hardware merchant. The house is a second-empire style Victorian house and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its eleven rooms contain a collection of antiques and artifacts from the home’s last occupant, Jean Morron. Morron willed the home to the Peoria Historical Society in 1966. Pettengill Morron House is located at 1212 West Moss Avenue in a historic preservation district. For additional information call (309) 674-4745.
Peoria’s Glen Oak Zoo has been in existence since the 1930's. This 7-acre zoo is home to over 150 animals from around the world including three African lions. The zoo offers hands-on programs, shows, and educational opportunities. Glen Oak Zoo is located within Glen Oak Park on 2218 North Prospect Road. For more details call (309) 686-3365.
Jubilee College was founded in 1840 as a seminary and
remained open until 1862. Because Jubilee was Illinois’ first college,
Jubilee College State Historical Site was founded to commemorate the site.
The site covers 90 acres and includes an original building that has been
restored. For more information call (309) 243-9489.
The Illinois American Historical Water Museum is located
at 123 West Washington in a unique, historically preserved building on
the banks of the Illinois River. This pumping station was built in 1890
and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum
displays photos and historical equipment that was once used to treat and
purify drinking water. Call (309) 671-3701 for more information.
The John C. Flanagan House is Peoria’s oldest standing residence. This American Federalist-style home was constructed in 1837 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Flanagan House is home to the Peoria Historical Society. The house is filled with authentic furnishings such as china, antiques, and a costume collection. The John C. Flanagan House is located at 942 Glen Oak Avenue. Phone (309) 674-1921 for additional details.
Fort Crevecouer was the first permanent structure built by Europeans in the Mississippi River Valley. Robert LaSalle and his men constructed the fort on a bluff across the river from Peoria. The fort was abandoned less than a year after it was built and nothing remains of the original structure. The Peoria Historical Society has erected a monument to commemorate the fort. The monument is located at 508 Scenic Park Drive. Call (309) 694-3193 for more information.