Discover Pekin: Immerse yourself in the “Marigold Capitol of the World”, a great place to start exploring the heart of Illinois. You’ll find family fun attractions, sporting venues, beautiful parks and delicious food from local restaurants.
Food + Beverage
8th Street Sweet Spot {211 N 8th St.} // Known for its rich ice cream flavors and popular menu items like chili cheese fries and burgers, it's a favorite spot for both dessert enthusiasts and casual diners. With a convenient drive-thru and walk-up service, it's a perfect place to satisfy your cravings.
Asher’s Bar + Grill {353 Court St.} // This bar and grill does not have your average bar cuisine. Check out their great food, amazing staff, and cold drinks all while enjoying their cozy atmosphere.
BC BBQ {2601 S. 14th St.}} // BC BBQ in Pekin is some of THE best BBQ around! With all of the classic favorites like flavorful ribs, brisket, and unreal pulled pork.
Coffee Connection {404 Court St.} // Coffee Connection is the perfect place to meet new friends or connect with old ones. This charming shop is a local staple for a caffeine buzz and your daily dose of community!
Double D’s Ice Creme {1434 N. 8th St.} // This seasonal gem list for its homemade waffle cones and made-from-scratch ice cream. This retro ice cream stand has been a staple in Pekin since 1985, making Double D’s a generational family classic. Needless to say, you’ll never get sick of Double D’s frozen treat selections.
Ernie’s Family Restaurant {613 Derby St.} // Ernie's Family Restaurant is a family style restaurant that serves breakfast all day. Stop in for a home cooked meal and daily specials!
Hacienda Cantina + Grill {2912 Court St.} // Hacienda is family owned and operated. They pride themselves in cooking and serving authentic, fresh, and delicious Mexican food that is packed with flavor. Stop by for a delicious Mexican meal today!
Jimbo’s Jumbo {1007 N. 8th St.} // Submarine. Grinder. Hoagie. Spuckie. Simply an Italian sub. Whatever you call it, we are all speaking the same love language. This old-school takeout spot specializes in the salty, spicy sandwich of thinly sliced cold cuts, provolone cheese, pickles, and hots. Jimbo’s Jumbo knows its way around an Italian sub making it a true hidden gem for foodies in Tazewell Co.
Leaves ‘n Beans Cafe {3208 Court St.} // Head over to Leaves n’ Beans for a freshly brewed hot drink and a bite to eat. Enjoy this earthy and calming cafe with people who are just as passionate about a good cup of joe as you are.
Maquet's Rail House {221 Court St.} // Just down the tracks and on the edge of the Illinois River is a bar with one of the best craft beer selections in town. Maquet's Rail House boasts 170 craft and domestic beers, including 20 on draft. Taste the latest in beer trends and bar classics at this Tazewell jewel. Make sure to try the hand-breaded tenderloin sandwich, the amazing wood-fired pizza, or any of the signature burgers!
Mike’s Cobbler Corner {1534 N. 8th St.} // When you arrive, you'll surely be greeted by friendly staff and eat amongst regulars who can't get enough of Mike's homemade cobblers, which are usually offered on special rotation and worth the trip alone. A meal here feels like nostalgia—the care and craftsmanship is evident in each homemade dish—just like Grandma used to make.
Tadoughs {815 N. 8th St.} // Home to the regionally-famous Spudnut Donut, Tadoughs is the place to be in the mornings! Perfected over the past 40 years, the Spudnut Donut is a potato-based pastry that will change the way you view breakfast treats. We recommend arriving early to snag a box—notoriously, their popularity causes hundreds-of-dozens of Spudnut Donuts to sell out before 8am.
Whiskey Taco {507 Court St.} // Dive into a world of flavor with our street style food, paired perfectly with creative drinks in a trendy, laid-back setting. We bring together affordability, fun, and a unique dining experience that’s sure to delight.
Yesterday’s Bar and Grill {363 Court St.} // With historic charm and an expansive menu, YBG has kept foodies coming back again and again. Featuring multi-course tasting events that tantalize the taste buds, you get an international experience without the travel expense. It’ll be hard to save room for dessert but do it anyway.
Places to Stay
Hampton Inn & Suites {3445 Court St.} // Hampton Inn & Suites has 88 Guest Rooms complete with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center, meeting facility and complimentary breakfast. Count on Hampton to deliver quality, value, consistency and service with a smile.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites {3615 Kelly Ave.} // The newly renovated Holiday Inn Express in Pekin offers 70 guest rooms ranging from standard up to jacuzzi suites. We also offer 3 conference rooms.
Motel 6 {2801 Court St.} // Motel 6 Pekin, IL is conveniently located minutes away from the downtown Pekin, area attractions and dining. Enjoy fresh brewed morning coffee, and free WiFi and microfridge units in all modern guest rooms.
Super 8 Motel {3830 Kelly Ave.}
Shopping
Classy Girl Boutique {332 Derby St.} // This unique gift shop in downtown Pekin offers a variety of charming clothing like Grace + Lace and Mudpie, purses, Crossroad Candles, gift items, and more.
Corner Curio {716 Court St.} // Corner Curio has gifts, jewelry, natural products, Vanilla Bug Spray, and more.
Curvy Chic Boutique {1100 Derby St.} // With positive body image and self-love in mind, Curvy Chic Boutique showcases stylish and trendy women’s clothing and accessories for women of all sizes.
Kountry Nook {212 N. Capitol St.} // With over 50 talented vendors, Kountry Nook has unique gifts, home decor, furniture, crafts, candles, and more.
Little Ades Bicycles {305 N. 5th St.} // For 30 years, Little Ades Bicycles has been the community leader for all your bike questions, repairs, and gear. Find bikes for mountain, road, BMX, leisure, and children—You won’t be disappointed.
Pekin Bass + Bow {1304 Derby St.} // Since 1993, Pekin Bass + Bow has been the local spot for top quality archery and fishing equipment.
Pekin Gun + Sporting Goods {281 Derby St.} // For over 40 years and 3 generations, Pekin Guns + Sporting Goods is the largest gun dealer in Central Illinois with over 2,500 in-stock firearms and ammunition, thousands of knives, boots and clothing, reloading supplies and much more.
Pekin Shoe Repair {506 Court St.} // A family-owned and operated shoe repair and retailer for quality shoes and boots for over 50 years.
Udry Jewelry {1712 Court St.} // Having served the community for over 40 years, Udry Jewelry provides appraisals, repair, and quality, custom-designed pieces.
Things To Do
Artistic Community Theater {407 Court St.} // Artistic Community Theatre is a not for profit community theatre located in the heart of downtown Pekin. They provide high quality entertainment, educational opportunities, and culture for the community.
Avanti’s Event Center {3401 Griffin Ave.} // The Avanti's Event Center is a 33+ acre event complex that hosts sports tournaments, concerts, outdoor events, fundraisers, plus the 3k square foot Zeller Banquet Center, with full service kitchen, for your Wedding Reception and other party needs!
Blazin’ A Horseback Riding and Boarding {217 McNaughton Park} // Giddy-up and explore McNaughton Park’s 800+ acres atop a horse that’s perfectly suited for you! Kids and adults can test out their inner equestrian with 1-hour guided trail tours that take you through woods, creeks, and wide-open spaces.
Pekin Paintball Park {14444 Towerline Rd.} // With multiple games and packages to choose from, it won’t matter if you’re new to paintball or an experienced player. Play on one of six different fields for a new experience each time.
Pekin Park District {1701 Court St.} // The Pekin Park District is the perfect destination for adventuring and programs that will not only get you moving but will teach you new skills. With hiking and biking trails, ice skating, horseback riding, athletic fields and more, there’s plenty of opportunities for fun and discovery.
Pekin Park Trail {121 Court St.} // Skateboarders, cyclists, roller bladers, strollers, dogs on leashes, joggers, cross country skiers, and walkers are all welcome on this 4.3 mile, multi-use trail through the City of Pekin. This trail links together multiple parks, neighborhoods, and businesses, with parking available at the Pekin Riverfront, Mineral Springs Park, or Coal Miners’ Park.
McNaughton Park {217 McNaughton Park Rd} // McNaughton Park is an 850-acre nature park that is home to 15 species of animals and over 80 types of birds. This includes deer, foxes, muskrats, beavers, red hawks, eagles, cardinals, and more. The park also contains two lakes, a waterfall, several teepee shelters, an 18-hole professional disc golf course, a horse stable and horseback trails. The majority of the park is located within the Land and Water Reserve by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission.
Pekin Lake State Fish + Wildlife Area {8416 N. Galena Rd.} // This site offers a boat launch, giving you easy access to 1,181 acres of bottomland with sloughs, lakes, and low-timbered ridges. It’s also a natural birding hotspot, with reports of over 200 species observed. Deer and waterfowl hunting are allowed in a designated 305-acre area.
Pekin Riverfront + Miller Parks {Pekin} // Hikers can expect a paved riverfront path and trailhead access to Pekin Park Trail. The Pekin Riverfront—which includes Festival Plaza and has an event meadow—is the southernmost stop on the Greater Peoria Canoe and Kayak Trail. Kids will absolutely love the steamboat themed playground and splash pad. It’s a beautiful spot to have a picnic, play horseshoe, or just enjoy the wildlife. Dogs are welcome in this four-acre city park on the Illinois River, and it’s right next to Miller Park with five acres of fun, including a boat ramp, picnic grills, and a shelter.
Pekin Country Club {310 Country Club Dr.} // Known for having one of the best courses in Central Illinois, the Pekin Country Club is a pristine 18-hole course with four sets of tees and a state of the art practice facility. The club includes a full sized swimming pool and clubhouse dining, plus members can discover 11 other courses around the state.
Powerton Lake State Fish + Wildlife Area {Powerton Rd} // Powerton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Lake packs 1,426 acres of boating, fishing, and waterfowl hunting. It’s also a birding hotspot, with reported sightings of more than 170 species. The fortified fishing waters draw anglers from far and wide, seeking Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Stripers, Bluegill, Crappie, and the more popular species of Catfish.
Striketown Bowl {1690 Edgewater Dr.} // Bowling fun including leagues, birthday parties, and open bowling.
Sunset Hills Golf Course {1620 Summit Dr.} // With expertly manicured greens and lush scenery, Sunset Golf Course is an 18-hole course in an exceptional environment that provides challenge to more experienced players. This location features a disc golf course and Mashie’s Pub & Eatery, a restaurant with tasty American eats and a rotating beer selection. Yum!
Marigold Festival {1701 Court St.} // September // The Pekin Marigold Festival is a can't-miss community event featuring local vendors, artists, music, athletics, and more. Celebrate Senator Everett Dirksen with a parade, carnival, and the crowning of Miss Marigold in the Marigold capital of the world
Lick Creek Golf Course {1715 Dragon Dr.} // Enjoy some spring sunshine at this course opened in June of 1976 but has since been renovated and reopened in 2007 with new greens, cart paths and bentgrass. Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, Lick Creek is considered one of the best courses to play at in Central Illinois
Parkview Golf Course {1701 Court St.} // Putt putt and away! This course is 18 holes seven days a week, year-round with twilight fees available. Enjoy this course and its added hills for extra challenge at any time! Season passes are also available to enjoy both Lick Creek and Parkview courses in Pekin.
Dragonland Water Park {1701 Court St.} // Dragonland is immaculately kept with ample room to stretch out and soak up the rays! Dragonland is handicapped accessible and has an award-winning lifeguard staff. This waterpark has a sand beach play area with water equipment and an extended patio with lounge chairs making it a go-to summertime hangout.
Peek In Pottery {421 Court St.} // At this full service ceramics studio, choose from hundreds of ready-to-paint ceramics, made in house. Sign up for personalized instruction, schedule a birthday party, or create a personalized gift for someone special. This studio is a great way to give back to your community as the proceeds fund a number of nonprofit organizations.
Mineral Springs Park {1701 Court St.} // Mineral Springs Park features over 200 acres of quality, family-fun. This includes a playground, water park, lagoon with paddle boats and fishing, skate park, bike trail, dog park, mini-golf, tennis courts, softball/baseball fields, basketball courts, sand volleyball, picnic areas and shelters, fitness center, arena with ice rink and program space, and more.
Veterans Memorial Arena {250 Red Bud Dr.} // Pekin Park District has one of the best ice skating and hockey programs around. They offer everything from basic learning-to-skate classes to competitive skill classes that work on jumps, turns, and spins. The hockey program also teaches kids basic skills and offers tons of opportunities for kids to work on their ice and puck handling skills.
