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Student Handbook

Peoria: Where to Go and What to Do

Peoria, initially settled in 1680, is the oldest community in the state. During its three centuries of civilization, Peoria has lived under four flags: Spanish, French, British, and American.

The name “Peoria” comes from the Peoria Indians who inhabited the region when the French first explored it. In 1673, Louis de Joliet and Pere Jacques Marquette were the first Europeans to record a visit to the region. Subsequently two French military establishments and three other French settlements were founded near to or on Peoria Lake (called “Pimiteoui” by the Native Americans).

Metropolitan Peoria today provides the stage for a perpetual celebration of the arts. Top-drawer talent and high standards consistently produce some of the best and most exciting offerings of the performing and visual arts that you’ll find anywhere. Music, theatre, and dance come alive on Peoria’s stages. Many of the performances feature local artists, while some import guest artists from around the United States and Europe.

Peoria’s galleries are filled with permanent and traveling art exhibits of international acclaim. Admission to all Peoria galleries is free, but the experience is priceless. You’ll also find exciting pieces of sculpture sprinkled throughout Peoria’s parks, streets, and neighborhoods.

There’s an old vaudeville line that’s all too familiar to native Peorians. It seemed that when a vaudeville act was new, they’d bring it to Peoria first to try it out–to find out the answer to that now-familiar question, “Will it play in Peoria?” It seems that Peoria had a reputation for being a city that demanded a lot from its performers. This discriminating taste endures in Peoria today and keeps our standards high.

Now even more entertainers are coming to “Play in Peoria” at the $64 million Civic Center. Peoria’s Civic Center is a complete, self-contained 20-acre convention and entertainment complex second to none.

Located in the heart of Peoria’s revitalized downtown, the Civic Center is within easy walking distance of fine hotels and restaurants with plenty of parking nearby. The complex is composed of three separate buildings: convention center, arena, and theater. Since its opening in June 1982, the Civic Center has hosted entertainers such as Tina Turner, Bon Jovi, Huey Lewis and the News, Bill Cosby, Elton John, Genesis, Eddie Murphy, and Van Halen. The Civic Center also hosts the Bradley Braves as well as professional hockey and ice shows.

Travel and Transportation

Alexander Travel Agency

A full service travel agency located in Metro Centre. Call 693-3511 for information

Amtrak

General Information and Reservations 1-800-872-7245.

Bus Service

Peoria Charter Coach provides round trip bus service from the Bradley Student Center to: Chicago: with daily service to Normal, Pontiac, Joliet, Midway and O'Hare (some Friday and Sunday service to Oakbrook and Schaumburg).

Complete schedules and tickets are available in the Out Takes in the Michel Student Center, 677-3061 and at Peoria Charter Coach, 688-9523. Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (CityLink) 2105 NE Jefferson, 676-8015

Airlines

For service from Greater Peoria Airport, refer to “Airline Companies” or “Airline Ticket Agencies” in the yellow pages of the Peoria telephone directory. Taxicabs. For Peoria area service, refer to “Taxicabs” or “Taxis” in the yellow pages of the Peoria or Bradley telephone directory.

Lodging

AmericInn
9106 N. Lindbergh Dr., 692-9200

Baymont Inn
300 E. Light Court, East Peoria, 694-4950

Baymont Inn
I-74 at War Memorial Drive,
686-7600; (800) 228-2800

Embassy Suites-East Peoria
100 Conference Center Drive,
694-0200

Hampton Inn East Peoria
11 Winners Way,
694-0711

Holiday Inn City Centre
500 Hamilton Blvd.,
674-2500

Hotel Père Marquette
501 Main,
637-6500

Jameson Inn & Suites
4112 N. Brandywine,
685-2556; (800) 822-5252

Mark Twain Hotel
225 N.E. Adams,
676-3600

Par-A-Dice Hotel
7 Blackjack Blvd.,
East Peoria, 699-7711

Peoria Castle Lodge
117 N. Western,
673-8040

Red Roof Inn
I-74 and US 150,
685-3911

Ramada Inn
4400 N. Brandywine,
686-8000

Sleep Inn
4244 Brandywine Dr.,
682-3322

SpringHill Suites
2701 W. Lake Ave,
681-2700

Stoney Creek Inn
101 Mariners Way,
East Peoria, 694-1300

Super 8 Motel of Peoria
4025 N. War Memorial,
688-8074

Restaurant Guide

Nearby Restaurants

*Delivery service

Avanti’s Italian Restaurant*
W. Main and University,
674-4923

Bacci Pizzeria
1222 W. Bradley,
676-2222

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders
1200 W. Main, Campustown,
671-0544

Domino’s Pizza*
425 N. Western,
637-3315

Fedora’s
University & McClure,
685-4976

Gorman's Pub
Campustown,
676-3401

The Great Wall
1219 W. Main,
637-1104

Haddad’s Lebanese Foods
1224 W. Main,
674-7344

Jimmy John's Subs
1121 W. Main St.,
673-9999

LaBamba
1200 W. Main,
637-6621

McDonald’s
627 N. Western, 676-1633
1017 W. Main, 671-1017

One World
1245 W. Main St.,
672-1522

Panda House
1200 W. Main,
637-9388

Pizza Hut*
424 N. Western,
674-3851

Sizzling India
1209 Main St.,
637-2700

Starbuck’s
1200 W. Main St.,
672-0674

Steak & Fries
Campustown, 676-2828

Subway
Campustown, 673-3505

Monroe Restaurant & Bar
1200 W. Main St., 676-1201

Pizza

Chuck E. Cheese’s
2601 W. Lake, 688-2873

Davis Bros. Pizza
4450 N Prospect Rd, 693-0990

Godfather’s Pizza
618 W. Glen, 688-5007

Monical’s Pizza
4408 N. Knoxville, 688-0747

Papa John’s Pizza
930 N. Bourland, 673-7272

Peoria Pizza Works
3921 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights, 682-5446

Pizzeria Uno
225 NE Adams, 282-7777

Family Style

Bob Evans Restaurant
4915 N. Big Hollow Rd., 692-3600
8821 N. Allen Rd, 691-1463

Chef Leo’s Cafe
1400 N. Monroe, 676-7790

Childer’s Eatery
3310 N. University, 688-1332

Culver's of Peoria
4612 N. University, 693-3300

Fairview Farms Restaurant
5911 Heuermann Rd., 697-4111

Hometown Buffet
5001 N. Big Hollow Rd., 689-1020

Panera Bread 2601 W. Lake Ave #B10, 682-3300

Casual Dining

Alexander Street Steakhouse
100 Alexander St., 688-0404

Applebee’s
3929 W. War Memorial

Basta Mangiare
7800 Sommer SE, 692-9393
4538 N. Prospect, Peoria Hts, 682-9393

Bennigan’s Grill
500 Hamilton Blvd, 674-2500

Carlos O'Kelly's
Lake & Sheridan St., 682-0606

Carnegie’s Restaurant, Hotel Père Marquette
501 Main, 637-6500

Chan’s, Westlake Shopping Center
2601 W. Lake St., 688-6688

The Chateau
Route 98, N. Pekin, 673-0190

Cheddar’s
4027 W. Memorial Dr., 685-7832

Chili’s
4825 N. University, 692-0468

Fish House
4919 N. University, 691-9358

Flat Top Grill
5201 W. War Memorial Dr, 693-9966

Hi Ho Mongolian Grill
4125 N. Sheridan, 688-5857

Hofbräu Restaurant
2210 N.E. Jefferson, 682-2450/686-9739

JJ Ryans Pub & Grill
4700 N. University #10, 693-3280

Jalapeno’s
Metro Center, 691-3599

Jim’s Steak House
110 SW Jefferson Ave., 673-5300

Joe’s Crab Shack
110 SW Water, 671-2223

Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
5101 Holiday Dr., 692-3887

Jonah’s Seafood House
2601 N. Main, East Peoria, (Rte. 116), 694-0946

Kelleher's Irish Pub & Eatery
619 SW Water St., 673-6000

Lariat Club
2232 W. Glen, 691-4731

Olive Garden
6828 War Memorial, 691-2216

Paparazzi
4315 W. Voss, Peoria Heights, 682-5205

Ponte Vecchio
4125 N. Sheridan Rd., 682-3994

Red Lobster Restaurant
4625 N. Sterling Ave., 686-7716

Rizzi's Italian Ristorante
112 State St., 673-2500
4613 N. Sheridan Rd., 689-0025

Steamers New Orleans Grille
225 N.E. Adams St., 676-4100

Sully’s Pub & Cafe
121 SW Adams, 674-0238

Vonachen’s Old Place
5934 N. Knoxville Ave., 692-7033

Yen Ching Chinese Restaurant
Tanglewood Plaza 6936B N. University, 692-9227

For a more complete listing, see telephone directory.

Shopping Centers

Campustown
Located at Main and University, this shopping center is adjacent to campus. It offers a variety of amenities to students including a CVS Drugs, Blockbuster Video, and several shops and restaurants including Grilled Steak and Fries, Panda House, Dollar Tree, Save-A-Lot and Subway.

Downtown Peoria
The Twin Towers Mall is in the center of town surrounded by small jewelry and shoe shops.

Evergreen Square
Next to Kroger’s and Kmart at Lake and Sheridan Roads, the Plaza presently includes a large office supply store, shoe stores, T.J. Maxx and Chicago Haircutting Co.

Glen Hollow Shopping Center
Located at North Big Hollow Rd., Glen Hollow includes Target, Pet's Mart, Cub Foods, Lowe's, Best Buy, Home Town Buffet, Barnes & Noble Bookstore and Wendy's.

Grand Prairie
Is an open-air shopping and lifestyle center that is Peoria’s most unique retail shopping destination anchored by Bergner’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Border’s and Old Navy.

Junction City
Located at Prospect and Knoxville, Junction City is patterned after the turn of the century. You can spend hours browsing in the bookstore, art gallery, gift, needlework, and clothing shops. Vonachen’s Old Place (great menu) serves food in an antique train car as well as in a large restaurant.

Madison Park Shopping Center
On the way to the airport at 3101 West Harmon Highway, Madison Park features a pharmacy, grocery, beauty, pet and craft shops, a laundromat, and liquor store.

Metro Centre
Located at University and Glen, Metro Centre has LaSalle Electronics, bookstore, a fabric shop, bridal shop, Ducky’s formal wear, luggage and jewelry shops.

Northpoint
At 8800 N. Knoxville (Route 88), Northpoint has a Big Lots Store, shoe repair, LaGondola.

Northwoods Mall
Located off I-74 on War Memorial Drive, anchored by Macy’s, Penney’s, and Sears, the mall has approximately 100 variety and specialty shops. Exhibits and entertaining shows are often set up in the center court.

Sheridan Village
Located at Sheridan and Lake across the street from Evergreen Square, the main attraction is Bergner’s Department Store, but there are a variety of clothing stores, bookstore, shoe shops, and a Baskin-Robbins—if you’re hungry for an ice cream cone.

Tanglewood
Located at North University just south of Willow Knolls Road, Tanglewood has a print shop, Dixon’s Fish Dock, and Yen Ching Chinese Restaurant.

Westlake Shopping Center
Across from Northwoods Mall on Sterling, Westlake has five movie theatres, drugstore, optical shop, travel agent, Toys ‘R’ Us and Chuck E. Cheese.

Peoria Area Parks and Recreation

Parks

Detweiller Park
North Galena Road (Route 29). Cross country ski trail, soccer, rugby, scenic drives, hiking trails, golf, 3 shelters, snowmobiling, sledding, 760 acres.

Fondulac Park District
East Peoria, 699-3923. Ten parks with 1,800 total acres, boat marina, boat launching ramps and slips, shuffleboard courts, ball diamonds, archery range, sledding, tennis, swimming, horseshoes, fishing, camping, shelters.

Forest Park Nature Center
5809 Forest Park Drive. A wildlife preserve with an interpretive nature center and museum. 6-1/2 miles of nature trails, 829 acres.

Fort Creve Coeur Park
Located on Route 29 south, between Pekin and East Peoria, this park is an authentic recreation of a French fort built by LaSalle in the 1680’s, 694-3193.

Glen Oak Park
2218 N. Prospect Road. Glen Oak Zoo, Botanical Garden, zoo, amphitheatre, and lagoon. Baseball diamonds, tennis and shuffleboard courts, shelter, physical fitness course, 117 acres.

Grandview Drive Park
Scenic overlooks border Illinois River. Ball diamond, open air pavilion, hiking trail access. 342 acres.

Jubilee College State Park
RR #2, Brimfield, 243-7683. A restored 1840 pioneer wilderness school in 2,500 acre state park; chapel, shaded picnic grounds, shelter, camping facilities, 10 miles of cross country ski trails. Every June it is the site of an authentic Olde English Faire. Fifteen miles northwest of Peoria, north of Route 150.

Lakeview Park
1019 W. Lake St. Owens Center with two indoor ice rinks, swimming pool & Rainbow Bend water slide, Lakeview Museum and Planetarium, Peoria Players Theatre, Peoria Public Library branch, YWCA & Girl Scout buildings. 38 acres.

McGlothlin Farm Park
The park, located on Neuman Drive off U.S. Route 150 in East Peoria, includes a petting zoo, antique farm equipment, country kitchen, school house, and general store. Open Tuesday through Sunday. 694-2195.

Pekin Park District
Pekin, 353-5330. Ten parks with 2,000 total acres, indoor ice arena, mineral spring water swimming pool, golf courses, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, lagoon with paddle boats, horseback riding, fishing, archery, model airplane field, ball diamonds, hiking trails, cross country ski trails, indoor health club facilities, racquetball courts.

Racoon Lakes
Twenty minutes from Peoria. Rt. 24 south from Bartonville, turn right on Cameron Lane, left on Stranz Rd. Campground and fishing area, picnicking, hiking. Open 8 a.m. to dusk year round. 697-2616. 140 acres.

Robinson Park
Mossville Road. A naturalistic park with rugged hiking trails and a shelter. 769 acres. W.H. Sommer Park. Koerner Road, 1/2 mile south of Route 150, NW of Peoria. Ideal for group rentals, all day/overnight camping rentals. 320 acres.

Tower Park
North Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, 682-8732. Observation tower with 360° panorama of Peoria and Illinois River Valley; antique toy museum. Open every day after June 1, noon until dusk; in winter, weekends only.

Trewyn Park
2219 S. Idaho. Pavilion, spray pool, playground equipment, picnic tables. 15 acres.

Wildlife Prairie Park
Located 12 miles west of Peoria: take I-74 to Exit 82 at Kickapoo and follow the signs. Hike along wood chipped trails, see native Illinois animals in large natural enclosures. Pioneer Farmstead, authentic log cabin, museum, gift shop, country store, picnic areas, restaurant, and concessions. The railroad (24-inch gauge) runs daily throughout the Park for rides. Open daily May through October, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Golf

Detweiller Golf Course
8412 N. Galena Road, 692-7518
9-hole course

Donovan Golf Course
5805 N. Knoxville, 691-8361
18-hole course

Kellogg Golf Course
7716 Radnor Road, 691-0293
18-hole course/Executive-9/Driving range

Madison Golf Course
2735 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 673-7161
18-hole course

Newman Golf Course
2021 West Nebraska Avenue, 674-1663
18-hole course

Weaver Ridge Golf Club
5100 Weaver Ridge Blvd., 691-3344
18-hole course

Tennis

Laura Bradley Park
688-3667 6 hard surface

Glen Oak Park
682-6713, 10 hard surface
(4 lighted), 7 rubico

Markin Tennis Courts
677-2677 Bradley Ave.
6 courts, lighted

Richwoods High School
688-3667, 6 hard surface

Athletic Fields

Logan Field
1414 S. Livingston
Playfield and softball diamond, horse shoes

Shea Stadium
1500 W.Nebraska
Lighted baseball diamond and track

Proctor Center
309 S. Allen
Softball diamond, tennis courts, playground

Peoria Stadium
War Memorial Drive,
Football field, 5 softball diamonds (4 lighted), soccer, Pony League diamond

Pools

Carver Pool
801 W. Second, 676-2891, outdoor

Central Park Pool
415 W. Richmond, 685-6207, 8 lane, 50 m., indoor

Lakeview Pool
1017 W. Lake Ave., 685-3696, outdoor

Logan Pool
1414 S. Livingston, 637-8312, 50 yd. outdoor

Proctor Center Pool
309 S. Allen, 673-9183, outdoor

Other Places of Interest

Boatworks
Spirit of Peoria steamboat excursions (673-2628), The Belle Reynolds museum, and The Katie Hooper restaurant and lounge (673-7707). On the river downtown at the foot of Main Street. Open May - October.

Caterpillar Inc
Visit the world headquarters across the street from the Court House Plaza. Call ahead for a tour. 100 NE Adams, 675-4578.

Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation
Phone to arrange short walking tours of historic areas in the Peoria area, 674-7121.

Journal Star
Tours of the newspaper’s facilities can be arranged Monday through Friday, 686-3020.

Judge John C. Flanagan House
The house, now a museum, was built in 1837 and is included in the National Register of Historic Places, 942 NE Glen Oak, 674-1921. Open by appointment.

Metamora Court House
Lincoln practiced law in this 1840 Court House. Open daily, Route 116, 15 miles NE of Peoria, 1-367-4470.

Mineral Springs
Peoria’s oldest landmark, located near the Moss-Bradley area at 701 W. Seventh. The purity of the water which has been free flowing from the source for over 14,000 years is what brought the distilleries into Peoria. Open by appointment, 676-7951.

Par-a-dice Riverboat Gambling Casino
21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, IL. 698-7711. A 1000+ passenger riverboat offering year-round gambling on the scenic Illinois River. Must be 21 years of age.

Peoria Chiefs Professional Baseball
Minor league baseball play at O’Brien Field at 730 SW Jefferson in downtown Peoria. For ticket information call 680-4000.

Peoria Civic Center/City Hall
The Civic Center complex includes a sports arena, theatre, and exhibition hall. The adjacent City Hall was built in 1897 in the Flemish Renaissance architectural style and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Fulton and Madison.

Pettengill-Morron House & Garden
Built in 1868, this mid-Victorian home is included in the National Register of Historic Places. Open Sundays March through December 2 to 4:30 p.m. and by appointment. Christmas season candlelight tours, 1212 West Moss, 674-4745.

St. Mary’s Cathedral
Built in 1889 under the direction of Archbishop John Lancaster Spalding, first bishop of the Peoria Diocese, the cathedral has twin Gothic spires 192 feet high, 607 NE Madison at Green St., 676-4607.

Wheels of Time
A "visitor-friendly" museum with many working displays. Features vintage automobiles, gasoline engines, airplanes, farm machinery, Caterpillar tractors, musical instruments, toys, clocks, real and model trains, steam engines, women's clothing, dolls and tools. The museum is located about eight miles north of downtown, on N. Knoxville. The Museum is open May 1 to October 31, 5 p.m. Located at 11923 N. Knoxville, call 243-9020 or 691-3470 for more information.

Movie Theaters

Landmark Cinema 3 (5)
3225 Dries Lane, 686-9168

Metro Cinema 1 & 2 (4)
4620 N. University, 692-3424

Rave Motion Pictures (18)
Grand Prairie Mall 5311 W. American Prairie Dr., 282-7308

Westlake Cinemas (5)
2601 W. Lake, 685-7633

Willow Knolls Cinemas (14)
4100 W. Willow Knolls Rd., 692-5885

Stage Theatre

The Barn II Dinner Theatre
The Barn offers a variety of shows located in Goodfield. 965-2545.

Bradley University Theatre
See performance schedule under “Calendars” or call ext. 2650.

Corn Stock Theatre
Tent theatre-in-the-round in Upper Bradley Park during the summer season. Winter playhouse at 815 SW Adams. 676-2196.

Eastlight Theatre
Located at 201 Veterans Dr., East Peoria. 699-7469.

Illinois Central College Performing Arts Center
Located on Route 24 between Peoria and Washington, Illinois. 694-5136.

Peoria Players Community Theatre
The country’s oldest continuously running community theatre, located in Lakeview Park. Winter season. Summer movie series June-July. 688-4473.

Zellmer’s Main Street Dinner Theatre
On Main Street in Farmington. 245-4415.