Location: Pekin
Top Things to do in Pekin
Countries
Top 10 Things to do in Pekin, United States
Pekin (Pee-kin) is a city in and the county seat of Tazewell County in the U.S. state of Illinois. Located on the Illinois River, Pekin is the largest city of Tazewell County and the second most populous municipality of the Peoria metropolitan area, after Peoria itself. As of the 2010 census, its population is 34,094. A small portion of the city limits extend into Peoria County. Pekin is the 13th-most populous city in Illinois outside the Chicago Metropolitan Area. It is the most populous municipality in the United States with the name Pekin.
Restaurants in Pekin
1. Peoria Asylum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By blackcat1973
An amazing, beautiful building filled with history and ghost stories as well as pain and suffering. I recommend taking a tour and reading Bittersweet Memories to truly understand the importance of this hospital. It is in need of funds and renovation to be bought back to its glory. I feel sadness when I see it because I believe that it should be on the National Historical Registry. Much advancement in the treatment of the mentally ill was started here. I highly recommend checking it out.
2. Grand View Drive
Overall Ratings
5 based on 186 reviews
Reviewed By SFCRambo - Peoria, Illinois
We drove around the whole area to look at the nave's and see the people with their mad look like I am an invader and not be there but the drive along the overlook areas were breath taking. Also taking in the different colors the trees were changing to.
3. Pekin Park District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By J5447DGcarold - Pekin, Illinois
The Pekin Pavillion is a major spot for band concerts and the Pekin Marigold Festival. The park has been the center of the city for many years. It was previously called "Mineral Springs Park" because of the number of people coming to the park to drink the mineral springs for health. Presently it is a place people wile away a Sunday afternoon with boating in the lagoon or just sitting and watching the ducks in geese who love to be fed. Across from the lagoon, on the north-west side is the statue honoring Everett McKinley Dierkson, a republican from Pekin who served many years as a leader in the US House of Representatives. The walk around the lagoon is a favorite place to walk and the lagoon is stocked with fish for fishing. East of this area is a dog park which is fenced in for the safety of our animal friends
4. Dozer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Reviewed By Dan R - Peoria
Dozer Park is a great place to watch a baseball game. The Chiefs are affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals, so there are usually lots of Cards fans. Lots of stuff going on all the time, inter-inning games and contests are always fun. Depending on the seats you select, kids can get very close to the players and players will often give kids a ball as they warm up. Concessions are fairly moderate in price and the selection is also quite good. It's not unusual to see a Major League player doing a rehab stint with the team, as we're only 175 miles from St. Louis. Outfield seating on your own blankets is great for kids, as they can get up and run around without bothering anyone. My only real concern is that the area down the baselines are not protected by netting, and there can be some pretty sharply hit foul balls come whistling right at you... it's important to pay attention. But, all in all, it's a fun place to see a game; good baseball and much more reasonably priced than the major league parks.
5. Maurie's of Pekin Candy Coffee and Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Maurie's of Pekin has been offering fine candy, homemade fudge, caramel and cheese corn for over 75 years. They now offer a gourmet coffee and ice cream chop with an amazing sandwich menu. Sop in today and enjoy some amazing good food and ambience.
Reviewed By Joe S - Pekin, Illinois
This was my go to spot when I was a young teenager to get my comic book fix. Now it's half the store it used to be. The homemade candy area still looks good but I haven't bought any of that yet. I remember coming here for the freshly made Caramel apples. I just wish the comic book in paperback book section was what it used to be, but people just aren't into that stuff anymore.
6. Caterpillar Visitors Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 359 reviews
The Caterpillar Visitors Center is a fascinating look at the company, the iron and the people making sustainable progress possible around the world. From the humble beginnings of the first tractor to the company's present-day leadership in building infrastructure and powering the planet — it's all right here on Peoria's beautiful riverfront. We invite you to experience Caterpillar like never before and plan your visit today.
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois
PROS:clean, close to downtown and the river, tractors.
CONS: $7 fee for an hour's entertainment may be steep, could be boring for some people, only 3 tractors you can sit in, the 10 min movie you see in the beginning is basically an advertisement - would have been better if it started with the history of Best tractors and how it became Caterpillar, instead it promotes their current line up only.
Save your money, if you're into tractors , visit the John Deere museum which is free, its bigger, you can sit on more tractors, it;s better in every way. You may better off checking out Peoria's historic churches. They are all pretty impressive.
7. Speakeasy Art Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By Jami E - Tremont, Illinois
The Speakeasy is a gorgeous building with a lot of history and character. As an art center they host a lot of events. I have been to many of these events and they are fun. However, as someone who has had 1st hand experience with actually renting this place for an event I DO NOT suggest anyone else doing so unless you would like extra stress, broken promises, extreme lack of communication and being treated with very little respect and unprofessionalism.
Your wedding day should be a joyful day, full of memories and love. This place made my best friend’s wedding day an extremely stressful and frustrating day. We were told that we would have the building all day to prepare for the special day. The day before we found out that not to be true. We were told it would be occupied until “around noon”. “Around Noon” ended up being after 3pm, with the wedding at 5, this was extremely hectic. We were originally told that the horrible, outdated carpeting that was on the stage would absolutely be replaced before the wedding, it was not. The manager of this place was not only extremely unorganized, but very rude and unprofessional. We were all treated with an extreme untrusting way the entire time we were there. Always hovering and questioning most everything we did.
Planning any event is stressful and the last thing anyone wants is more unnecessary stress added to the mix. I would not suggest anyone ever planning any even here. It will be a complete waste of your money.
8. Murray Baker Bridge
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By irina g - Illinois
Besides its obvious economic and social importance in connecting Peoria and East Peoria, this impressive bridge adds a lot to the beautiful scenic looks of the riverfront areas in both cities. The bridge is going to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, and it is still looking so good!
Driving across the bridge, high above the powerful and unstoppable Illinois River we seldom think about the historical prominence of the bridge. In the age of utter consumption, it just seems to be so routine, so convenient, so indispensable.
But I found that Murray Baker Bridge also takes some really good pictures. From any angle, really.
9. Peoria Civic Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 219 reviews
The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG-managed facility in Peoria, IL. We are home to Bradley Braves Men's Basketball, concerts, comedians, conventions, Broadway productions, family shows and more! The Peoria Civic Center is an SMG managed facility in Peoria, IL. The PCC houses an Arena, Theater, Ballroom, Exhibit Hall, Ballroom and flexible meeting space and is home to Bradley University Braves men's basketball, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and Peoria Ballet. The PCC is your place to be for live entertainment! The PCC hosts concerts, Broadway shows, comedians, family shows, sporting events, conventions, trade shows, meetings, banquets, private parties and more!
Reviewed By Big_bro_1_usa - Chicago, Illinois
PROS:was here for the ILMEA performances and Scholastic Bowl competitions, huge building, cheaper all day parking ($7), close to most everything downtown, walking distance to the river. seats in the arena are all good
CONS: bathrooms can be dirty at the end of the day, fewer stalls means more waiting .
10. Peoria Riverfront Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Peoria Riverfront Museum features international exhibitions, the Dome Planetarium, RealD Giant Screen Theater, art & natural history collections, and interactive galleries - including IHSA Peak Performance, Illinois River Experience, Discovery Worlds & The Street local history. We offer unique classes, programs and community outreach efforts that provide fun, hands-on educational experiences for all ages. The Museum is the perfect, riverfront location for one-of-a-kind event rentals - unique weddings in the sculpture garden, corporate team building activities, relaxing meeting spots, special celebrations, giant screen video game competitions and even dinners under the stars. Peoria Riverfront Museum is a privately funded AAM-accredited nonprofit museum. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all - connecting art, history, science and achievement through collections, exhibitions, and programs.
Reviewed By monicacN2080AI - South Bend, Indiana
I have been multiple times and every time, I have had a wonderful experience. The exhibits are well done. Movies of the giant screen are unbelievable. The staff is so very helpful.
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