THE PEORIA ROUND - STOP BY STOP
The Landing
Prairie Home Alliance Theater
Cathedral of Saint Mary of The Immaculate Conception
Located in Peoria, Illinois, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a Catholic cathedral. The building was started in 1889 and is built in the Gothic Revival style. It is recognized as a contributing property in the North Side Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the seat of the Diocese of Peoria, it remains a central point of faith and history for the community.
John C. Flanagan House Museum
You will first notice the historic architecture of the John C. Flanagan House Museum here in Peoria. This house is a listed place on the National Register of Historic Places, which helps preserve its character for everyone to see. Today, the Peoria Historical Society operates the residence as a museum. I've found that the quiet streets around this spot make it a great place to slow down and look at the details of the building. It is a wonderful example of the local history that makes this part of the city feel so distinct and welcoming to visitors.
Morton Square Park
Let me show you Morton Square Park. You can pick out the greenery and open spaces that make this spot a park within the city. It is a place for visitors to stop and take in the surroundings. I find it is a nice spot to watch the world go by.
Peace and Harvest
This isn't a gallery exhibit, but a pair of limestone statues standing right in downtown Peoria. Peace and Harvest represent the male and female figures respectively. Sculpted by Mary Andersen Clark, the work began in 1939. These figures were created as part of the Works Progress Administration's Federal Art Project and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. You can see the scale of the work up close, as both statues stand 8 feet tall. I've seen plenty of things in this city, but these figures have a certain presence.
Liberty Park
Green grass and open air define this space. Liberty Park is a park that offers a place for visitors to get outside and experience the city. I usually see a few crumbs dropped near the benches here.
Dozer Park
Dozer Park opened on May 24, 2002, and is located in downtown Peoria, Illinois. Designed by architect HNTB, this sports venue has gone by several names over the years. It was originally called O'Brien Field and was later known as Chiefs Stadium. Today, the park is the home of the Peoria Chiefs. You can also find the Bradley Braves, the college baseball team of Bradley University, playing their home games here. I've seen plenty of excitement in the stands from my perch on the rafters.
Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Pettingill-Morron House
The Pettingill-Morron House is a house located in the Moss-High District of Peoria, Illinois. Designed by architect Charles Ulricson, the building is a City of Peoria Local Historic Landmark. You can pick out the specific details of the Second Empire architecture style as you walk by. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I've found that the neighborhood's layout makes for a great stroll, especially when you're looking for these kinds of historic gems in the city.
Hartmann Center
Family Life Christian Assembly
Heuser Hall
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Saint Mark's Church
Studios on Sheridan
Bradley Epworth United Methodist Church
Laura Bradley Park
A Japanese bridge is one of the distinctive features you can find at Laura Bradley Park. This Peoria park provides a variety of ways to spend an afternoon, including hiking opportunities on paved tracks. While the park historically contained flower gardens and a wading pool for children, it remains a functional community space. As of 2022, you can make use of the available sports facilities or relax at the picnic sites. I've seen plenty of folks enjoying the fresh air here.
