Pekin, Illinois

Pekin, located 9 miles south of Peoria, is home to 34,000 residents. Robert de LaSalle and his 33 fellow explorers landed in the present-day city of Pekin in January, 1680. They built a winter refuge in this area. This region was once inhabited by the Pottawatomie Native Americans. The area was named after the city of Sun – Pekin, China. While in Pekin, you can plan day trips to a huge variety of local parks, the Glen Oak Zoo, or the Illinois Antique Center. Golf enthusiasts can spend their leisure time at Parkview Golf Course and Sunset Hills Golf Course.