Located just outside of Peoria on the east side of the Illinois River, Tazewell County delivers both accessibility to an urban lifestyle and the more relaxed pace of rural living. As a result, it encompasses the small-town charm you’d expect to find in America’s heartland.
“Tazewell County is filled with communities that continue to offer the city amenities known for in Peoria but with stunning countryside views,” says MacKenzie Taylor, strategic communications manager of Discover Peoria. “Fifteen communities call Tazewell County home, and we encourage you to discover them all.”
As the largest community in Tazewell County, Pekin serves as the county seat with a population of more than 34,000 residents. Some of the county’s other communities include East Peoria, Mackinaw, Washington and Morton, which has a population of around 16,000 but is widely known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World.
Established in 1827, Tazewell County taps into its historical roots throughout the area. You’ll find brick-and-stone buildings more than a century old and family businesses that have been around for decades, giving off a hometown feeling that invites you in like an old friend.
Read on for eight reasons to plan a trip to Tazewell County this winter.
1. Washington Town Square
Established in 1834, historic Washington Square serves as the town hub and home to family businesses dotting the area. Wander through stores of home décor, antiques and collectibles at Step Back in Time. Peruse the kitchen wares (or take a cooking class) at Lori’s Kitchen Store. Check out the beautiful fabrics, machine embroidery supplies and notions at Peddler’s Way Quilt Co. Hungry? Treat yourself to gourmet popcorn from Holland’s Mercantile & Caramel Corn or homemade ice cream from Uncle Bob’s.
2. Cornerstone Inn
Located in a restored 1870s bank building, the historic Cornerstone Inn gives you easy access to the walkable square. After the building was restored to its original 19th-century Italianate glory, it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Located below the inn, The Blacksmith restaurant draws in diners looking for a relaxing ambiance, tasty culinary delights (think sesame-crusted ahi tuna and bourbon coffee steak kabobs) and a full-service bar.
3. Festive Fun
Coming off its 2020 win as champion of the Heavyweights Division in the ABC TV network’s The Great Christmas Light Fight, the annual East Peoria Festival of Lights showcases giant floats and scenes masterfully made with Christmas lights. Now in its 37th year, the festival kicks off with the Parade of Lights on Nov. 20. Its signature event, Folepi’s Winter Wonderland, commences Thanksgiving night and dazzles visitors annually with thousands of twinkling lights in a drive-through display. The event runs through Jan. 3.
4. Mackinaw Valley Vineyard
Founded by Paul Hahn in 1997, this picturesque vineyard and winery draws locals and tourists year-round with its award-winning local wines and proximity to Peoria, Lincoln and other neighboring towns. The 86-acres host a slate of events throughout the year, ranging from daily wine tastings to concerts, festivals and murder mystery dinners. Head to the tasting room to sample some of the 20-plus wines while soaking in views of the surrounding terrain and farms.
5. The Village of Morton
Located just 10 miles from Peoria, the Village of Morton is known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World thanks to the Nestlé USA/Libby’s plant that processes more than 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin right in the center of town. But while pumpkins might be Morton’s claim to fame, there’s plenty more to enjoy about this family-friendly village any time of the year. If you’re visiting in winter, check out the Morton Fine Arts Association’s Winter Concert Series for monthly musical performances running October through February. Or spend an afternoon outdoors at Birchwood Park, which offers softball fields, pickleball courts, a stocked fishing pond and a playground. Need a caffeine boost? Stop by Eli’s Coffee Shop on West Jefferson Street for espresso drinks, tea and homemade baked goods in the cozy local cafe.
See more: Larger-Than-Life Exhibits at the Morton Arboretum
6. Local Eats
In downtown Morton, don’t miss a visit to Kemp 208 for a relaxed and inviting dining experience in a century-old building that still features its original woodwork. Chef Jeff Madden’s rustic New American menu changes often to highlight the freshest ingredients alongside curated wines and carefully selected beers and spirits. Busy Corner in Pekin is a breakfast and brunch favorite among locals, serving up everything from pancakes and waffles to omelets, biscuits and gravy, burgers, salads and more. In Tremont, hungry visitors gravitate towards Perdue’s Grill, known for its mouthwatering Horseshoes – Texas toast mounded with meat, seasoned french fries and signature cheese sauce. Room for dessert? Head to LeBakery on The Square in Washington for some baked-from-scratch cookies, cakes or pastries.
See more: Where to Find Good Eats in Downtown Hillsboro
7. Walldogs Mural
The Washington Historical Society took an eye-catching approach to tell its city’s story. The Society commissioned the Walldogs, an internationally renowned creative group, to paint the town’s history on the exterior wall of the Brunk’s Building. The 8-foot-by-40-foot mural retells how William Holland, the town’s founder, taught Native Americans the blacksmithing trade. This stunning public art serves as a tribute to the town founder and a celebration of the city’s upcoming bicentennial celebration in 2025.
8. Head outdoors.
Itching to get outside in the crisp winter air? Visit Mineral Springs Park and Lagoon in the heart of Pekin. With 200 acres to explore, you can play 18 holes at Magic Dragon Mini-Golf, go ice skating in Veterans Memorial Arena, explore the Sunken Gardens or take a stroll along the 4.3-mile Pekin Park Bike Trail. Don’t miss the world’s greatest sundial in the Sunken Gardens.
To learn more about all the wonderful communities to visit in Tazewell County, head to peoria.org or call (800) 747-0302.
See more: 11 Reasons to Plan a Winter Getaway to Rockford, Illinois
