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Pekin is a river city of about 32,000 people on the east bank of the Illinois River, about 10 miles south of Peoria, and the seat of Tazewell County. Settled in the 1820s and named after the Chinese capital, it grew as a river port, a distilling center and a farm town, and it is the hometown of Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, the longtime Senate Republican leader.
The Dirksen Congressional Center in Pekin tells the story of Congress and of Dirksen's career. Pekin calls itself the Marigold Capital, a nod to Dirksen's campaign to make the marigold the national flower, and the Marigold Festival fills Mineral Springs Park every September. That historic park, with its lagoon, pavilion and Dragonland Water Park, is the city's favorite gathering place.
Trails wind through the wooded ravines of McNaughton Park, and the neoclassical Tazewell County Courthouse anchors downtown. Peoria's riverfront, museums and restaurants are a short drive north.
Pekin's signature park, with a lagoon, shady lawns, a historic pavilion, playgrounds and walking paths, plus the Dragonland Water Park and Pekin's Marigold Festival grounds. It has been the city's main gathering place for over a century. Visit on a summer evening or during one of the park district's events.
A Pekin Park District water park inside Mineral Springs Park with slides, pools and splash areas for younger children. It is open in summer only, roughly from late May to mid-August. Arrive near opening on hot weekends, bring sunscreen, and check the park district website for hours and prices.
A nonprofit research and education center in Pekin honoring Senator Everett McKinley Dirksen, the city's most famous son. Its exhibits explain how Congress works and trace Dirksen's long career, including his role in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Check exhibit hours before visiting.
A long-running festival held each September in Mineral Springs Park, celebrating Pekin's title as Marigold Capital. Expect a parade, carnival rides, live music, craft and food vendors, and plenty of marigolds. It is the biggest weekend of the year in Pekin, so plan for crowds and limited parking.
A large park on the east side of Pekin with wooded ravines, creek crossings and miles of dirt trails used by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. It hosts well-known trail running races. Trails can be muddy after rain, so wear proper shoes and stay on marked paths.
The domed neoclassical courthouse of Tazewell County, built in the early 20th century, stands at the heart of downtown Pekin. Its columned facade and dome make it the city's most recognizable building. It is a working courthouse, but the exterior and surrounding square are worth a short look on a downtown walk.
Pekin's compact downtown runs along Court Street toward the Illinois River, with historic brick buildings, local shops, taverns and restaurants. From the riverfront you can watch barges move along the river. Combine a stroll here with the courthouse and the library's Dirksen exhibits.
A state fish and wildlife area of backwater lakes and bottomland woods along the Illinois River near Pekin. It is used for fishing, birdwatching and seasonal hunting, and herons, egrets and waterfowl are common. Facilities are basic, so bring water and bug spray, and check hunting season dates.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Ammodramus, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: NatFee, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
