PEKIN Robert DeLaSalle is believed to be one of the first European explorers to visit the


area in 1680. Located along the eastern bank of the Illinois River, Pekin was named after Peking, China’s City of the Sun. Today visitors can enjoy many outdoor activities in Pekin’s remarkable park system. Experience the majesty of Bald Eagles along the river during the annual Eagle Census Festival.


FOR MORE INFORMATION: Pekin Chamber of Commerce 402 Court St. • Pekin • 309-346-2106


1 DIRKSEN PARK


GPS: n 40.60447; w 89.60500 Address: #1 Dirksen Park Road, Pekin Phone: 309-347-PARK Web: www.pekinparkdistrict.org Explore the extensive hiking/biking/cross- country trails that course throughout the park.


2 MCNAUGHTON PARK


GPS: n 40.60426; w 89.59933 Address: #1 McNaughton Park Road, Pekin Phone: 309-347-PARK Web: www.pekinparkdistrict.org Old and massive white oaks dot the landscape of this park and visitors may see a white-tailed deer or wild turkey. An on-site riding stable provides guided trail and hayrack rides.


McNaughton Park 23 PEKIN


www.ci.pekin.il.us www.peoria.org


3 INDEPENDENCE PARK


GPS: n 40.61998; w 89.60250 Address: #1 Independence Park Road, Marquette Heights


Phone: 309-347-PARK Web: www.pekinparkdistrict.org A 340-acre reclaimed landscape where nature is again taking root. A trail courses through the park. Spring (May-June) and Fall (September- October) are also peak times to catch the neotropical songbird migration.


4 FORT CREVECOEUR PARK


GPS: n 40.64469; w 89.60593 Address: 301 Lawnridge Drive, Creve Coeur Phone: 309-694-3193 Web: www.ftcrevecoeur.org This park is perched on the crest of a bluff overlooking the river valley and trails traverse a dissected landscape with small glacial drift hill prairies containing more than 50 plant species. Fort Crevecoeur was built by Robert Rene Cavalier de LaSalle on the nearby Illinois River floodplain in 1680.


www.illinoisriverroad.org


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