Several years before there was any Village of Peoria Heights, the Prospect Heights Land Company was formed. Several men promoted a new subdivision of land overlooking the Illinois River.  The view from the bluff was one of the most breathtaking scenes along the River.  The area was developed in 1898. It was incorporated and called Prospect Heights. It wasn’t until three years later when it was discovered there was a conflict in this name, as another community in the Chicago area had already chartered it; therefore, the name was then changed to Peoria Heights. 

Peoria Heights is famous for a number of reasons.  It is the home of Grand View Drive proclaimed by President Theodore Roosevelt as the world’s most beautiful drive in a visit he made here in 1910.  It is the birthplace of the first gasoline-powdered car in America in 1893 by Charles Duryea and the Duryea automobile.    

The car is housed in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.  Another exciting historical fact was Al Fresco Amusement Park built in 1906 and located on the Illinois River.  The park was one of the first amusement parks in the Midwest hosting a giant ferris wheel, figure 8 roller coaster, merry-go-around and boat dock averaging 10,000 people daily during the summer months.  It was discontinued shortly after WW II because of river flooding.

Displayed prominently next to Village Hall is a bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln.  The larger-than-life sculpture was completed in 1908 by Gutzon Borglum, a renowned Swedish sculptor.  Borglum subsequently became internationally known for creating the grandiose Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.  The Lincoln bust is one of three in the world; the other two are located at Lincoln's Tomb in Springfield, Illinois and the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C.

Another unique characteristic adjacent to Village Hall is Tower Park.  Tower Park, built in 1968, was totally renovated in 2003 with a large water fountain, 44’ pavilion for community events and a 200-foot water tower with a ten-foot woodpecker on its northern face. 

The unique characteristic about the park is the 500,000-gallon water tower has three observation decks.  Riding an exterior elevator 200 feet above Peoria Heights and the Illinois River Valley gives one a panoramic view of the entire area.  On a clear day you can see for 20 miles.  The theme for the park is View the Wonder. 

The original 9-hole golf course (the first in Peoria) has been transformed into a championship 18-hole, par-72 course with 6, 229 yards of beautiful rolling hills and valleys.  The club annually hosts the Maui Jim Invitational, featuring appearances from Senior PGA Tour Players, along with the Grand View Invitational, one of the oldest golf events held in Central Illinois.

The fine dining tradition at the Country Club of Peoria offers its members and guest enjoyable, informal summer meals and get-togethers on the tree-lined Terrace overlooking Upper Peoria Lake.  Whether it be an elegant or private dining occasion, they can accommodate from 2-300 persons leaving you with a pleasant, memorable dining experience.

The Club's first swimming pool was built in 1930 as a result of strong member demand.  Swimmers enjoy the main pool racing lanes, as well as, a diving pool with one- and three-meter boards.  A fully equipped sundeck and baby pool are available with a professional swimming coach for instruction.

Being a member of the Country Club of Peoria offers nine clubs for the price of one . . . Bloomington CC, Champaign CC, CC of Decatur, Danville CC, Illini CC in Springfield, Quincy CC and Soangetaha CC in Galesburg.

One additional exciting characteristic is the Central Business District hosting over seventy five retail stores and restaurants.  The business district consists primarily of private ownership catering to a variety of personal needs and interests.  The District will start the holiday season with the Annual Christmas Walk beginning at 6:00 pm on Friday, November 30, with the Mayor lighting the 26 foot tall Christmas tree with the help of Santa.  There are a variety of seasonal promotions setting the Village of Peoria Heights apart from many other communities.  Peoria Heights is definitely - A Good Place to Live and Do Business.