All Communities in Illinois

Nestled on the west bluffs of the Illinois River, the Village of Peoria Heights merges city convenience with village charm. Peoria Heights is famous for Tower Park, home to the one-of-a-kind 200 ft. observation tower that provides gorgeous panoramic views of the Illinois River Valley and surrounding areas. Its thriving downtown business district hosts over seventy-five eclectic and independently owned Read more...

Founded in 1836, the small village of Spring Bay is a welcoming community offering Midwestern charm and a beautiful retreat to a simpler way of life. One of its newest and largest attractions is Sankoty Lakes, a 200-acre outdoor resort. The property boasts three clear-blue, 60-to-75-feet-deep lakes; a mile-long, man-made trout stream; kayaking, canoeing and swimming; plus cabins, camping and Read more...

The Utica Business Association welcomes you to Utica! Nestled on the north shore of the Illinois River, the village offers unique shopping, comfortable lodging, delicious dining, cultural festivals, and numerous recreational opportunities. The Village of Utica is rich in history and tradition. Built along the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) Canal, the community flourished with diversity. Today, that diversity is reflected Read more...

Located just south of the Ottawa Gateway, you’re invited to come explore this “Quiet Surprise on the Prairie,” that promises to show you the charm of small town America.  Whether you take in the natural sandstone waterfall at Spring Lake Park or launch your canoe into the Vermilion River from the Hopalong Cassidy Trail, you’ll get a taste of the Read more...

Spring Valley is located on the banks of the Illinois River. It features Barto Landing, a deep lagoon for launching from the ramps and is the only calm-water public access to the Illinois River for forty miles. For more than 30 years it has been the first stop on the Cabela’s MWC Tournament Schedule, the biggest Walleye competition in the Read more...

Come say hello to Princeton sometime. Whether you’re visiting for a day, a week or a lifetime, Princeton welcomes you. But, we’re much more than just friendly; we’ve got a flare for the arts. Every summer, Princeton plays host to Illinois’ largest summer festival, Festival 56. Each season brings a new array of exceptional comedies, musicals and theater classics, plus Read more...

Peoria is a community as unique as its name. The area is blessed with a location that shows off Mother Nature’s finest and allows us to be easily reached from anywhere in the world. It is the ideal home that blends the coziness of a smaller community with all the amenities of the largest metropolis. Peoria set the stage for Read more...

The time of year doesn’t matter – you’ll find it’s a great time to visit the City of Pekin. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or you’re just passing through, there are endless opportunities to enjoy. The Pekin area is close enough to the big cities to be convenient, but far enough away to provide you with a real value for Read more...

Welcome to Ottawa! From the historic buildings to the specialty shops, Ottawa is as charming as they come! Ottawa overlooks the spot where the Fox River meets the Illinois, and we have a pleasant river walk that brings you right to the river’s edge! Or relax on a shady bench in Washington Park, a pleasant town square featuring historic monuments, Read more...

Just east of the Ottawa Gateway lies the town of Marseilles.  Located across the river bank from Illini State Park, and a stop along the I&M Canal, Marseilles is also home to the only memorial dedicated to those service people who have lost their lives fighting in Middle East wars.  Accented with night lighting and beautiful fountains, the Middle East Read more...

A progressive, agricultural community located south of Pekin, Manito still has its original “Main Street” (called Market Street), where you’ll find all sorts of local businesses that make the town a worthwhile stop. Be sure and visit Willett’s Winery and Cellar to sample locally produced wines, and enjoy Manito’s many eateries, shops and annual festivals. Read more...

This quaint, small town situated between the Canton and Havana Gateways is home to Dickson Mounds Museum and the TNC Emiquon Preserve. Lewistown was once also home to author Edgar Lee Masters, and was the inspiration for his Spoon River Anthology. The town continues to be a major stop along the Spoon River Valley Scenic Drive, occurring each fall in Read more...

Originally called Columbia, Lacon was given its current name in 1836 after a philosophical writing by C.C. Colton. With a bridge connecting the east and west river byway routes, you’ll be welcomed with friendly, small town charm and plenty to see and do in this community. Dine in one of Lacon’s many unique restaurants and visit Lacon’s numerous shops. Lacon Read more...

Situated along the river between the, Henry is home to many events attracting visitors throughout the year. The riverfront remains a popular tourist attraction today drawing boating, water skiing, fishing and hunting enthusiasts from throughout the Midwest.  In addition to being the site of Illinois’ first lock and dam, built in 1872 on the Illinois River, this river town is Read more...

Known for its rich history, red brick streets and beautiful Riverfront Park, Havana has much to offer.  Once a town known for its cigar manufacturing businesses and notorious gambling nightlife, where Al Capone would visit to hunt, fish and gamble, Havana has grown into a charming, classic All-American small town with direct access to a playground of natural resources, boutique Read more...

Beautiful scenery, an award-winning athletic complex, amazing nighttime holiday festival, fine hotels and dining, healthy business climate – the City of East Peoria offers a wealth of opportunities! Scenic bluffs on our western boundary overlook the Illinois River, providing a marvelous view of the Central Illinois skyline, particularly at sunset and in the evening. EastPort Marina and several riverfront parks Read more...

Follow the scenic Illinois River Road into the small town of Depue. Home to Lake DePue, the site for the annual Lake DePue Pro National Championship Boat Races, and nearby Donnelly-DePue State Fish & Wildlife Area. DePue lies in the heart of some of the Byway’s best wildlife watching, boating, hunting and fishing. Read more...

This bustling Illinois River town, located just north of Peoria, has a historic downtown with a nice selection of antique stores, quaint restaurants and two museums. Visitors can enjoy the Historical Society Museum and the Rock Island Railroad Museum, with its caboose and historic artifacts and railroad memorabilia. Shore Acres Park is home to a variety of recreational activities, in Read more...

Come enjoy Canton! Vibrant, rich in history, and home to citizens of great character and ambition, including Charles Duryea, inventor of the first practical automobile, Elizabeth Magie, one of several credited with helping to develop the game of Monopoly, and William Parlin and William Orendorff, agricultural equipment innovators during the late 1800’s. Canton has lovely lakes, an exceptional park system Read more...