Peoria IL

Peoria, IL – Nestled along the banks of the Illinois River, Peoria blends Midwestern charm with rich history and scenic beauty. From its vibrant riverfront to its love for the arts, this city offers small-town warmth with big city perks. Whether you're exploring the lush parks, diving into local museums, or catching a show at the civic center, Peoria is a hidden gem in the heartland.

• Population: ~110,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; warm summers (70-90°F), cold winters (20-40°F), beautiful springs and falls.
• Places To Visit: Peoria Riverfront Museum, Luthy Botanical Garden, Wildlife Prairie Park, Peoria Zoo, Caterpillar Visitors Center.
• Top Activities: Biking along Riverfront Trail, enjoying seasonal festivals, discovering local craft breweries, boating on the Illinois River, visiting the farmers market.
• Famous Food: Deep-fried horseshoes, cozy Midwestern diners, craft beer and burger joints, pulled pork BBQ, and fresh local veggies in summer.

Peoria, IL is a vital city in Central Illinois with a strong economic base rooted in manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and education. Known as the former headquarters of Caterpillar Inc., Peoria continues to offer wide-ranging career opportunities. Below are the top five jobs in the Peoria area.

Top 5 Jobs in Peoria, IL

Peoria, Illinois, is packed with awesome spots where students can relax, unwind, and have fun after busy school days. Whether you're into nature, cozy cafes, or lively hangouts, Peoria has something fun for everyone.

Grand View Drive – Known as one of the state's most picturesque roads, Grand View Drive offers stunning views of the Illinois River Valley. Bring friends for a scenic walk, picnic, or selfie moments with amazing sunset backdrops.

Campus Town & Bradley University Area – Perfect for grabbing coffee, pizza or hanging at local eateries mixed among bookstores and boutiques. This lively neighborhood is ideal for meeting up between classes or on weekends.

Forest Park Nature Center – With peaceful trails winding through lush woods, this is the ultimate spot to unwind, hike, or simply chill out surrounded by nature and birdsong.

Northwoods Mall – A great hangout for shopping, catching movies at the nearby cinema, or grabbing snacks with friends. It's a convenient and fun spot, especially during colder months.

Tanners Orchard – Just outside the city, this popular orchard offers seasonal fun like corn mazes, apple picking, pumpkin patches, and delicious homemade treats. Great for a day trip with classmates.

The Riverfront District – On the banks of the Illinois River, this lively area has trendy cafes, ice cream shops, live music venues, and events. It's perfect for hanging with friends, especially in the warmer months.

Peoria Civic Center – Catch fun events, concerts, shows, or sports games here. It's an easy spot to gather with a group for an exciting day or night out.

Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. – A cozy atmosphere, great study vibes, and locally roasted coffee make it a favorite among students for both relaxing and catching up on schoolwork.

Peoria, Illinois, is a vibrant city with a strong focus on higher education. The city and surrounding area offer a range of public and private colleges and universities that provide high-quality academic programs and hands-on learning experiences for students pursuing their educational goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Peoria

Bradley University (Note: Though private, often publicly supported through grants for community initiatives) – While technically a private institution, Bradley plays a central role in Peoria’s public education ecosystem. It's known for its strong programs in engineering, business, education, and health sciences.

Illinois Central College (ICC) – A top community college located in nearby East Peoria, ICC offers over 150 programs and is widely respected for its nursing, business, and technical career pathways.

University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria (UICOMP) – As part of the University of Illinois system, UICOMP is a leading institution for medical education, offering clinical training and research opportunities in collaboration with area hospitals.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine – Peoria Campus – Located within UICOMP’s Peoria footprint, SIU focuses on specialty training and residencies that address rural and underserved care in central Illinois.

Peoria Adult Education & Literacy Services – Part of the regional education cooperative, this program supports adult learners in foundational subjects, GED preparation, and workforce training under state-funded initiatives.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Peoria

Bradley University – As one of the region's most prominent private universities, Bradley is highly regarded for its business, engineering, communication, and health sciences programs. It combines personalized learning with state-of-the-art research facilities.

Midstate College (Closed in 2019) – Though no longer operating, Midstate was a respected private institution that served students in business, medical assisting, and legal studies for over 130 years.

Methodist College – A private healthcare-focused institution affiliated with Carle Health, Methodist College offers nursing, social work, and health sciences programs geared toward career-ready professionals.

Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing – Affiliated with OSF HealthCare, this private college specializes in undergraduate and graduate nursing education with strong clinical emphasis and Catholic-based values.

Robert Morris University Illinois – Peoria Campus (Now part of Roosevelt University) – Previously offering business and technology degrees, the Peoria campus played a role in expanding career opportunities before the university’s integration into Roosevelt University in 2020.

Peoria, IL offers a range of high schools that provide strong academic foundations, extracurricular opportunities, and pathways to college and career success. From public schools with award-winning programs to private schools with tailored learning environments, students in Peoria have access to excellent educational choices.

Top Public High Schools in Peoria, IL

• Richwoods High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Richwoods prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school also excels in academics, sports, and fine arts.
• Washington Community High School – Located just outside Peoria, Washington High is recognized for its strong academics, supportive faculty, and a wide range of extracurricular clubs and sports.
• Dunlap High School – Consistently ranked among the top in the region, Dunlap offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, career and technical education, and a well-rounded student experience.
• Limestone Community High School – This school serves the southern part of the Peoria area and offers a variety of college prep and vocational programs, as well as impressive music and athletic departments.
• Peoria High School – With a long history in the community, Peoria High provides diverse academic offerings and strong student support systems. The school also emphasizes leadership and civic engagement.

Top Private High Schools in Peoria, IL

• Peoria Notre Dame High School – A college preparatory Catholic school, Peoria Notre Dame combines faith-based education with strong academics, competitive sports, and service-learning programs.
• The Christian Center Academy – A small private school that focuses on personalized instruction, Christian values, and character development. It’s ideal for families seeking a faith-based and nurturing environment.
• Faith Christian Academy – Serving grades K-12, this school offers a Bible-based education with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, moral development, and community service.
• Morning Star Christian Academy – A private Christian school committed to excellence in education and spiritual growth. Small class sizes allow for individualized learning and close teacher-student relationships.
• Northwoods Community Church Academy – This church-affiliated program provides Christ-centered education and is known for its focus on leadership, service, and academic excellence.

Peoria, Illinois may not have major league professional sports teams like larger cities, but it still boasts a strong sports culture and is home to competitive minor league teams that bring joy and pride to local fans.

⚾ Baseball – Peoria Chiefs (MiLB)

• Peoria Chiefs – The Peoria Chiefs are a Minor League Baseball team that plays in the Midwest League as an affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Over the years, the Chiefs have helped develop MLB stars such as Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina. They play at Dozer Park in downtown Peoria, which provides a family-friendly atmosphere and affordable entertainment during the spring and summer seasons.

🏀 Basketball – Peoria Area Pro-Am & Bradley Braves

• Peoria Area Pro-Am – While not a pro team in a traditional league, the Peoria Area Pro-Am basketball tournament draws former and current professional players back to the city during the off-season. Fans get to see top-tier talent play up close in a community-focused event.
• Bradley Braves – Although part of NCAA Division I, the Bradley University men’s basketball team holds a special place in Peoria’s sports scene. The Braves have a rich history, including two Final Four appearances (1950 and 1954). Their games at Carver Arena bring intense local support and collegiate spirit.

🏒 Hockey – Peoria Rivermen (SPHL)

• Peoria Rivermen – The Rivermen play in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) and have deep roots in the city. The team previously competed at the AHL and ECHL levels before joining the SPHL. They won the SPHL President’s Cup Championship in 2022. The Rivermen skate at the Pekin Insurance Arena, drawing loyal, passionate fans every season.

🏈 Football – Peoria Mustangs (Junior/Amateur)

• Peoria Mustangs – Representing junior level American football, the Mustangs participate in semi-professional and developmental leagues. Although not widely known nationwide, they give local athletes opportunities to grow and compete at a higher level in a team environment.

⚽ Soccer – Peoria City (USL League Two)

• Peoria City – Founded in 2020, Peoria City competes in USL League Two, a development league for budding soccer talent. They play their home games at Bradley University's Shea Stadium. Peoria City supports the growth of soccer in central Illinois and regularly attracts fans eager to see future stars in action.

Peoria, Illinois is a vibrant city with deep historical roots, Midwestern charm, and more than a few surprises up its sleeve. From its contributions to innovation to its quirky claims to fame, here are some fun facts about Peoria:

1. The Birthplace of Caterpillar – Heavy machinery giant Caterpillar Inc. was founded in Peoria and was headquartered there for nearly a century.
2. “Will it Play in Peoria?” – This famous saying started here! Peoria was once seen as the ultimate test market for new products because of its representative cross-section of American life.
3. The Whiskey Capital – In the late 1800s, Peoria had the largest concentration of distilleries in the United States, earning it the title "Whiskey Capital of the World."
4. A Zoo with a View – The Peoria Zoo features not just exotic animals but a Africa-themed exhibit that includes giraffes, rhinos, and zebras.
5. Comedy Roots – Comedian and TV legend Richard Pryor was born in Peoria, and the city now honors him with a statue and namesake street.
6. Home to Bradley University – Founded in 1897, Peoria's Bradley University is one of the nation's top private universities and central to the city's youth culture.
7. Central Illinois Symphony – Peoria has a vibrant arts scene and is home to the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest symphonies in Illinois.
8. Luthy Botanical Garden – Nature lovers can enjoy this beautiful 5-acre garden with a conservatory, themed gardens, and a peaceful atmosphere right within the city.
9. Peoria Riverfront Museum – This hands-on interactive museum offers art, science, and history exhibits, plus a planetarium and a giant-screen theater.
10. Launchpad for Invention – Peoria was once home to the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, where scientists developed penicillin production methods during World War II.