East Peoria, city on the Illinois River in Tazewell County, Illinois, USA
East Peoria is a city in Tazewell County, Illinois, sitting directly east of the Illinois River and facing downtown Peoria. The city mixes older residential streets with newer commercial areas, and its riverfront Levee District concentrates shops, restaurants, and hotels in one walkable zone.
East Peoria grew around brick yards that used the local clay and shale deposits found along the river. In the early 20th century, the Caterpillar factory settled here and turned the city into a production center for tracked machinery and farm equipment.
The name East Peoria simply points to where the city sits, east of the Illinois River and across from Peoria. The Levee District, once an industrial zone along the riverfront, is now a gathering spot where locals and visitors share meals, shop, and attend outdoor events.
The CityLink bus network connects East Peoria's neighborhoods and links the city to nearby towns, making it a practical option for getting around without a car. The Levee District along the river is easy to walk and works well as a starting point for exploring the area.
The Festival of Lights, held each winter, features illuminated floats and displays across the city, and its official symbol is a small wooden figure called FOLEPI. Few visitors realize that the name FOLEPI is simply an acronym formed from the first letters of the festival's full name.
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