Our Local Neighborhood
Peru is a wonderful town located in the heart of the Illinois Valley with many resources and amenities. The Illinois Valley covers 700 square miles and has a population of approximately 41,000 consisting of 23 cities/villages within the counties of LaSalle, Bureau and Putnam.
The Illinois Valley is well known for being home to 3 state parks: Starved Rock State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park and Maththiessen State Park. Additional recreational sites such include: Baker Lake, several century old mansions such as the Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle County historical Museum and Grand Bear Lodge. Peru is proud to be known as the birth town of Maud Powell, America's first great master of the violin. A statue of Maud Powell was created by the Artistic Rev. Joseph Heyd, OSB, whose monastery, St. Bede Abbey, is located in Peru. The dedication and unveiling of the statue was held on July 1, 1995 in Peru's Fourth Street Courtyard in the downtown area. Every year since its dedication, a Maud Powell Music Festival is held in the heart of downtown Peru.
The Illinois Valley is home to 5 golf courses, plentiful and convenient shopping, state of the art library facilities, Illinois Valley Regional airport and 2 major hospitals. Illinois Valley also is home to the 3 beautiful State Parks listed above which offer hiking, camping, lodging, dining and fishing.
The Illinois Valley area offers a variety of accommodations including hotels, motels and lodges. Illinois Valley has many dining options including fast food, sports bars and fine dining establishments. We are well known to area visitors for our wide variety of dining.
Our location offers “Simply the Finest” in retirement lifestyles. Our villages include:
- Villas (Single Family Homes & Duplexes)
- Estates (Elegant Retirement Apartments)
- Hawthorne Inn (Assisted Living)
- Manor Court (Skilled Nursing Care)