Peru, IL

united states

Peru sits along the Illinois River about 100 miles southwest of Chicago, accessible via Interstate 80 and State Route 251. The city anchors the Illinois Valley region alongside LaSalle and Oglesby. Most visitors use I-80 for long-distance travel, while Route 6 serves local traffic through downtown. The continental climate brings hot summers and snowy winters to this river valley location. Peru operates the largest municipal airport in the Illinois Valley, with a 5,500-foot runway that accommodates corporate jets.