Every crafted item carries a little bit of the place and people that make it. The Illinois Makers program celebrates the small businesses whose uniquely Illinoisan style and creativity set our locally made goods apart. The following businesses and makers in the Greater Peoria Area have been recognized by the Illinois Office of Tourism for the Illinois Made Makers Program.
Be sure to check out these award-winning local Makers to experience the true charm of the Peoria Area.
Ardor Breads + Provisions {Peoria} // Ardor Breads + Provisions is an artisan bakery and cafe in Peoria’s buzzing Riverfront District
American Popcorn Company {Morton} // America’s Popcorn Shop is a family-owned business that uses premium ingredients sourced entirely from the United States. The shop offers over 70 flavors of hand-crafted, gourmet popcorn, made daily.
BLACK BAND Distillery {Peoria} // BLACK BAND is located in Peoria’s historic Warehouse District. Specializing in craft spirits, BLACK BAND is certified Organic, utilizing farmers throughout Illinois.
JK Williams Distilling {Peoria} // Experience the smooth, warm flavor of JK Williams whiskey and bourbon made in small batches in pot stills. Just as you were converted to craft beers after sipping your first microbrew, you’re sure to be won over by the quality of craft whiskey. Group-friendly tours and tastings available.
Mackinaw Valley Vineyard {Mackinaw} // The 86-acre property is a working vineyard and winery situated on a glacial moraine with a 30 mile view from the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard tasting room and decks. The vineyard features daily wine tasting, a gift shop with wine themed gifts and local foodie favorites, concerts, festivals, murder mystery dinners, trivia game nights, and chocolate + wine pairings.
Obed + Issaacs Microbrewery {Peoria} // This historic, family-friendly is set inside a restored 1889 church in Downtown Peoria. Enjoy handmade craft beers and ciders paired with upscale pub fare with a twist. All craft beverages are produced right here in Peoria.
Riley’s Vegan Sweets + Eats {Peoria} // Riley’s Vegan Sweets focuses on creating customizable 100% vegan sweets from scratch. located in Peoria. Not only does this trendsetting bakery make vegan treats but they accommodate multiple dietary needs like gluten free, nut- and dairy-free restrictions as well.
Tanner’s Orchard {Speer} // Since 1947, four generations of the Tanner family have welcomed guests to an amazing country farm experience. The orchard sports over 11,000 trees and 17 varieties of apples. They grow over 20 acres of pumpkins along with various other fruits and vegetables. At Tanners Orchard you’ll find a family atmosphere where fun is the order of the day. Expect wagon rides, a corn maze, farm animals, a market filled with unique gifts, fresh produce, specialty foods, and baked goodies including their famous apple cider donut.
thirty-thirty Coffee Co. {Peoria} // thirty-thirty Coffee Co. is an independent, locally-owned coffee shop with a singular focus on providing perfectly roasted and brewed coffee. The team works tirelessly to provide a unique and inclusive atmosphere for customers.
Trefzger’s Bakery {Peoria Heights} // Established in 1861, Trefzger’s Bakery is a full-line bakery, providing the Peoria area with baked goods from breakfast pastries and cookies to cream pies to wedding and special party cakes. Fresh eggs, real butter, pure cane sugar, and the finest flours combine to give you the best bakery products available in Central Illinois.
The Nut House {Peoria} // After 100 years in downtown Peoria, The Nut House has closed its doors. However, the sister store, Jane’s Sweet Addictions, will remain open with The Nut House’s signature nut mixes and candies.
Triple Dipple’s {Chillicothe} // Triple Dipple’s, home of the Sweet Tater Cheesecake, is committed to creating triply delicious treats and delicacies designed to delight your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth. Every cheesecake is made entirely from scratch and from the finest ingredients. The secret ingredient to this AMAZING cheesecake is love: love for the craft and a love for making your day sweeter.
Whiskey City Architectural Salvage {Peoria} // Whisky City Salvage rescues architectural features and elements from buildings and saves them from the landfill. Consider this resale shop specializes in building materials and hardware from historic and iconic eras. Closed their doors in 2023.
Yeni’s Palarte Mexican Ice Cream {Peoria Heights} // Delicious homemade Mexican ice cream with unique flavors made with locally sourced ingredients.
