Peru

Peru is a city in Miami County, Indiana, where the Wabash River divides the community into two distinct sections along its banks. The downtown area contains blocks of local shops and historic buildings that reflect its development over time.

The settlement began as a trading post in the early 1800s and later developed into a center for circus companies that established winter quarters here. A major flood in 1913 destroyed factories and forced the community to rebuild its economy afterward.

The circus heritage shapes how the community sees itself, with the Circus Hall of Fame preserving the legacy of traveling shows that once made this place home to performers and animal acts. Walking through town, you sense how deeply this tradition runs through the local identity.

The city is walkable, with most attractions located in or near downtown where you can move around on foot easily. Spring through fall offers the best conditions for walking and exploring, as weather is mild and the community hosts more events.

A local circus school trains young people ages 7 through 21 in acrobatics and performance skills, keeping alive the training methods that shaped generations of performers. This operating school is uncommon, as most such institutions have closed elsewhere.

Location: Miami County

Inception: 1834

Elevation above the sea: 198 m

Website: http://cityofperu.org

GPS coordinates: 40.75780,-86.06780

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:11