LaSalle-Peru

Peru is the more prominent of the two cities with a stronger economy, more modern businesses and the Peru Mall. LaSalle (often called La Salle) has lots of historic sites such as a replica canal boat, the Hegeler-Carus Mansion and the Hotel Kaskaskia. The towns have a combined population of 19,896 and a combined area of more than 20 square miles.

Interstate 39, Interstate 80, U.S. Highway 6

• I&M Canal Boat, 1307 7th St (A St &, Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail), ☏ +1 815-220-1848. A portion of the Illinois and Michigan Canal that was built to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River. Here you can ride on the Volunteer barge pulled by a mule to relive what it was like. 
• Hegeler Carus Mansion, 1307 7th St, ☏ +1 815-224-6543. lavish mansion built for the Hegeler family in 1874, then inhabited by Paul Carus, said to have the oldest private gym in America. 
• Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial, 207 Peru St, Troy Grove (north of La Salle by a few miles), ☏ +1 815-224-6543. marks the site of where the Civil War and western frontier scout was born. 
• Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, ☏ +1 815-667-4726. sandstone weathered canyons, prairie forest, nature study. 
• Don't forget the highlight of the area, Starved Rock State Park along Hwy 71 on the south side of the Illinois River, where Europeans and Indians crossed long ago on an ancient geologic bluff (see Northern Illinois page for map pin).

Chicago- 80 East to 55 North. About 1½-3 hours away. Make sure to allow lots of time during peak hours!

Bloomington- 39 South. About 1½-2 hours away.