Where is Peru, Illinois

Peru is a city in north-central Illinois, located in LaSalle County along the Illinois River. It is about 100 miles southwest of Chicago and 65 miles northeast of Peoria. Peru forms part of the Illinois Valley and is closely connected with nearby LaSalle and Oglesby. The city is known for its river setting, historic canal heritage, and access to Starved Rock Country.

Location Map of Peru, LaSalle County, Illinois

About Map: The map shows the location of Peru in LaSalle County, in the U.S. state of Illinois.

Peru Map, Illinois

Where is Peru Located?

Peru is a city located in LaSalle County, Illinois, the United States. It lies along the Illinois River in the Illinois Valley, about 100 miles southwest of Chicago and roughly 65 miles northeast of Peoria. LaSalle is around 3 miles east, while Oglesby is about 5 miles southeast. Peru is positioned near 41.327° North latitude and 89.129° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 9,896 residents. The city covers about 9.25 square miles, or 23.96 square kilometers. Peru developed as a river and canal community and later became an important transportation and industrial center in the Illinois Valley. The nearby Illinois and Michigan Canal helped connect the Great Lakes with the Illinois River and contributed to the area's early growth. Today, Peru is part of a larger urban area with LaSalle and Oglesby and serves as a regional center for shopping, business, and services. Starved Rock State Park is a major attraction nearby, with sandstone canyons, waterfalls, wooded trails, and overlooks above the Illinois River. A unique fact about Peru is its role in the history of the Illinois and Michigan Canal corridor. The city also benefits from easy access to Interstate 80 and nearby rail lines, connecting it with Chicago, the Quad Cities, and other parts of northern Illinois.

Most Viewed US Maps

Peru City Facts

Distance from Peru, IL to Nearby Cities

• LaSalle, IL – 3 miles (5 km)
• Oglesby, IL – 5 miles (8 km)
• Spring Valley, IL – 8 miles (13 km)
• Ottawa, IL – 15 miles (24 km)
• Streator, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Princeton, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Hennepin, IL – 25 miles (40 km)
• Princeton, IL – 20 miles (32 km)
• Morris, IL – 35 miles (56 km)
• Pontiac, IL – 50 miles (80 km)
• DeKalb, IL – 55 miles (89 km)
• Peoria, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Rockford, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
• Bloomington, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
• Joliet, IL – 65 miles (105 km)
• Aurora, IL – 70 miles (113 km)
• Naperville, IL – 75 miles (121 km)
• Chicago, IL – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Peru

• Illinois River – The river forms an important geographic and recreational feature near Peru, offering fishing, boating, birdwatching, and scenic views.
• Starved Rock State Park – A major nearby Illinois attraction known for sandstone canyons, waterfalls, wooded trails, overlooks, and seasonal scenery.
• Matthiessen State Park – A nearby park with canyons, streams, waterfalls, forests, and hiking trails connected to the area's distinctive sandstone landscape.
• Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor – The historic canal corridor preserves important transportation history and includes trails, historic sites, and waterways.
• Hegeler Carus Mansion – A historic Second Empire mansion in nearby LaSalle known for its architecture, original interiors, and connection to the area's industrial history.
• Peru Mall – A regional shopping center serving Peru and communities throughout the Illinois Valley.
• Buffalo Rock State Park – A nearby park overlooking the Illinois River with trails, wildlife habitat, and scenic river views.
• LaSalle Canal Corridor – A nearby historic area connected to the development of the Illinois and Michigan Canal and early Illinois Valley transportation.

Airports Near Peru, IL

• Illinois Valley Regional Airport (VYS) – 10 miles
• Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) – 70 miles
• Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) – 80 miles
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI) – 85 miles
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – 105 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Peru city website and local government records.

Illinois Related Maps and Info