Peoria Illinois is the largest city on the Illinois River. The City of Peoria has been the three-time recipient of the All- American City award. The National civic league hands out this award. It recognizes cities whose citizens work together to identify and tackle community-wide challenges and achieve impressive results. Sperling and Sanders Best Places to Live Rankings among 400 metropolitan areas placed Peoria, Illinois at number 5151, and praised its "low cost of living, low cost of housing, and attractive residential areas."
Grandview Drive, which Teddy Roosevelt referred to as "the world's most beautiful drive," runs through Peoria, Illinois. The City of Peoria also boasts a nine thousand acre extensive parks system, which includes the Glen Oak Zoo Sperling and Sanders Best Places to Live Rankings among 400 metropolitan areas placed Peoria #51 citing "low cost of living, low cost of housing, and attractive residential areas." The City of Peoria also boasts a nine thousand acre parks system, which includes the Glen Oak Zoo, as well as a variety of Illinois golf courses. When the zoo is renovated, it will have an African safari exhibit. It will be re-named Peoria Zoo and Gardens.
Tower Park in Peoria Illinois is known for a unique structure that offers excellent views of the Illinois River. Visitors to Tower Park can ride a glass-enclosed elevator and take in the landscape from several different angles. In addition to the tower, Tower Park features a fountain, play area, and pavilion that plays host to a number of special events each year.
Peoria, Illinois is also home to the 10th oldest symphony orchestra in America. It also hosts Opera Illinois, two ballet companies, the Peoria Municipal Band, Peoria Area Civic Chorale, several community and professional theatres. The Contemporary Art Center of Peoria, The Peoria Art Guild and Galleries are hosts of the Annual Art Fair in Peoria Illinois. It is rated as one of the best professional art fairs in the nation. The City of Peoria also has a variety of comedy clubs and other entertainment venues.
Taking a ride on the Sprit of Peoria is a fun and exciting way to explore Peoria City. It is docked at Downtown Peoria's Riverfront Park. The Sprit of Peoria embarks on regularly scheduled cruises to various Illinois River destinations, which include Starved Rock State Park and Pere Marquette State Park.
Peoria Illinois can be reached by Peoria Illinois Airport. Allegiant Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Connection and United Express fly into Peoria Illinois Airport. Just like the Bloomington Illinois Airport, the Peoria Illinois Airport has the unique distinction of featuring free parking. You can grab a bite to eat at the Hanger Too Restaurant, or do some last minute shopping at the Up, Up & Away Gift Shop. Wireless Internet Service is free throughout the entire airport. If you are a business traveler, a membership to the Skyway Business Lounge entitles you to free cappuccino, the opportunity to watch the news on a wide screen television and other exciting amenities.
