Visiting Pekin 

      The time of year doesn't matter - you'll find it's a great time to visit 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 your dollar.
     Pekin is a full-service community with hotels, motels, shopping, antiques, collectibles, and an excellent selection of food and drink at a variety of local establishments.  If you need a place to stay, a place to shop, or a place to eat, check out the Chamber's online membership directory.  There is a link in the "chamber resources" column on the left side of this page.
     The Pekin area's best value might be golf.  Lick Creek Golf Course (operated by the Pekin Park District) has been nationally recognized as one of the best public courses in America.  But you'll also find great golf and a great value at the other Park District Course, Parkview Golf Course.  
     Depending upon the time of the year, you'll find many other attractions, including the World's Greatest Sundial, Pekin's Winter Wonderland, the annual Marigold Festival, the Dragon's Dome, and the July 4th Honor America Celebration.
     Look for more information in the "community resources" links to the left, or follow the links below.  If you can't find what you're looking for, contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce and we'll be happy to help.  We hope you'll visit us soon - and often!

Pekin Visitors Bureau
Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
State of Illinois' Tourism

     Pekin is also a 'gateway' community on the Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway.  The Illinois River Road unites 100+ nature-based destinations in the Illinois River Valley beginning in Ottawa and ending 140 miles south in Havana.  The Road showcases great places where visitors and residents alike can go to discover and experience the nature of the region.  From hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, canoeing, wetlands, gardens, birding, and watching wildlife, the possibilities for adventure are endless.  As it follows the Illinois River south, the Road travels through a mixture of backwater lakes, bottomland forests, floodplain wetlands, upland forest, savanna and some of the country's last remaining tallgrass prairies. The river and these adjacent habitats provide an ideal environment for diverse birds, butterflies and other wildlife as well as numerous plant communities native to the valley.  The Illinois River Road will guide you to some of Illinois' most treasured natural gems.

Illinois River Road National Scenic Byway
Download the Pekin Loop Nature Trail PDF Brochure