Waypoints In and Around East Peoria
The Illinois River channel widens out considerably here at the latitude of Peoria County, prompting local Indians to dub it, Pimiteoui ("fat lake"). Beyond the river itself, perhaps the most captivating scenery involves the high bluffs lining both sides of the 5-7 mile wide river valley here. Between mid-October and early November these densely forested, sugar maple-dominated bluff slopes are an astonishing fall color mosaic of yellows, oranges, salmons and ruby-reds. Up-close views of these majestic bluff forests can be seen at area parks such as Detweiller, Robinson and Camp Wokanda.
A tiny by brilliant gem is Bennett's Terraqueous Gardens, a small bluff-side seep just off of State Route 116 in East Peoria, which contains a small marsh, woodland trail and charming learning station.
Bennett's Terraqueous Garden Map # 9: 2600 N. Main, Access Road #6, East Peoria, IL 61611
Bennett's Terraqueous Gardens is a high-quality seep that lies at the base of deeply dissected bluffs and hills bordering the...Read Details
GPS: n 40.69594; w 89.540055
Phone: (309) 699-3923 Area: EAST PEORIA
East Peoria Riverfront Greenway Map # 2: Mariner's Way Road, East Peoria, IL 61611
East Peoria's Riverfront Greenway project is a 1.8-mile walking/hiking trail along the east bank of the Illinois River. Begin...Read Details
GPS: n 40.69542; w 89.54347 Site Access: free; fee
Phone: 309-699-3923 Area: East Peoria
East Peoria Riverfront Park Map # 10: 1204 Riverside Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
This eight-acre park located along the Illinois River in downtown East Peoria features a hiking/biking trail and decorative l...Read Details
GPS: n 40.685390; w 89.582709
Phone: (309) 698-4717 Area: EAST PEORIA
Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area Map # 7: 236 State Rt 26, Lacon, IL 61540
Initiated in 1925, the Marshall State Fish & Wildlife Area presently includes about 6,000 acres spread over 3 different units...Read Details
GPS: n 40.95450; w 89.42854 Site Access: free; fee for camping
Phone: 309-246-8351 Area: EAST PEORIA
River Trail of Illinois Map # 1: 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria, IL 61611
Planned to run from East Peoria to Morton, phase I of this 10-foot wide hard-surfaced hiking/biking trail was completed in 19...Read Details
GPS: n 40.66422; w 89.56439 Site Access: free
Phone: 309-699-3923 Area: East Peoria
Toluca Coal Mine Park Map # 8: Bennington Street, Toluca, IL 61369
In 1893, the Santa Fe Railroad purchased 11,000 acres here, and authorized the Devlin Coal Company to mine the site. Peak pro...Read Details
itself, perhaps the most captivating scenery involves the high bluffs lining both sides of the 5-7 mile wide river valley here. Between mid-October and early November these densely forested, sugar maple-dominated bluff slopes are an astonishing fall color mosaic of yellows, oranges, salmons and ruby-reds. Up-close views of these majestic bluff forests can be seen at area parks such as Detweiller, Robinson and Camp Wokanda.
