Where is Peru, Indiana Located in the United States? Peru is a city located in the Miami County of Indiana, United States. Peru lies between 40.7537 Degrees North latitudes and -86.0686 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Peru in Miami County, Indiana
About Map: The map shows the location of Peru in the state of Indiana, United States. Peru is a city in Miami County, Indiana.
Peru Map, Indiana, USA
About Peru Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Peru in Indiana, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Peru.
About Peru, Miami County, Indiana
Peru is a city located in Miami County in the U.S. state of Indiana, United States. Situated in north-central Indiana along the Wabash River, the city serves as the county seat of Miami County and is known for its rich circus heritage. Peru was established in 1834 and was named after the South American country of Peru. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the city became an important center for traveling circuses and earned the nickname “Circus Capital of the World.”
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Peru is 11,073 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,800 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Peru covers a total area of approximately 5.18 square miles (about 13.42 square kilometers), including about 5.10 square miles (13.21 square kilometers) of land and about 0.08 square miles (0.21 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Peru is located in north-central Indiana within Miami County and lies along the Wabash River, approximately 70 miles north of Indianapolis. The surrounding region features rolling farmland, river valleys, and small communities that contribute to the agricultural character of the area.
Attractions and Recreation
Peru celebrates its historic circus legacy through attractions such as the International Circus Hall of Fame and the annual Peru Amateur Circus performances. Community parks and recreational areas along the Wabash River also provide opportunities for outdoor activities, local festivals, and cultural events throughout the year.
Transportation
Peru is served by U.S. Route 31 and U.S. Route 24, providing convenient connections to other cities across north-central Indiana. The nearest major airport serving the region is Fort Wayne International Airport, located about 70 miles northeast of the city.
Explore more cities and counties across Indiana or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official City of Peru Website.
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Peru, Indiana Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Peru |
| County | Miami County |
| State | Indiana |
| State Capital | Indianapolis |
| US Region | Midwestern United States (East North Central Region) |
| Latitude | 40.7537° N |
| Longitude | 86.0689° W |
| Elevation | 692 ft (211 m) |
| Land Area | 5.01 sq mi |
| Water Area | 0.18 sq mi |
| Total Area | 5.19 sq mi |
| Population (2020 Census) | 11,072 |
| Population Density | Approximately 2,209 people per sq mi |
| ZIP Code | 46970 |
| Area Code | 765 |
| Time Zone Standard | Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC−4) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD) |
| FIPS Code | 18-59418 |
| Congressional District | Indiana's 2nd Congressional District |
Transportation and Connectivity in Peru, Indiana
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Grissom Aeroplex |
| IATA Code | GUS |
| Major Highways | U.S. Route 31, U.S. Route 24, Indiana State Road 19, Indiana State Road 124 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Nearest Amtrak service in Wabash or Lafayette |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Regional transportation services |
- U.S. Route 31 – Major north–south highway connecting Peru with Kokomo, Indianapolis, and northern Indiana.
- U.S. Route 24 – Important east–west route connecting communities across northern Indiana.
- Indiana State Road 19 – Provides regional access through Miami County.
- Indiana State Road 124 – Connects Peru with surrounding communities and rural areas.
Top Places to Visit in Peru, Indiana
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Grissom Air Museum | Aviation Museum |
| Miami County Museum | History Museum |
| Miami County Circus Heritage Museum | Cultural Museum |
| Riverwalk Trail | Recreation Trail |
| Bicentennial Park | Community Park |
| Peru Riverside Park | Public Park |
| Mississinewa River | Natural Attraction |
| Mississinewa Lake | Recreation Area |
| Miami County Courthouse | Historic Landmark |
| Grissom Air Reserve Base Area | Military and Aviation Site |
Driving Distances from Peru, Indiana to Nearby Cities
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kokomo | Indiana | 25 | 35 minutes |
| Logansport | Indiana | 25 | 35 minutes |
| Marion | Indiana | 35 | 45 minutes |
| Wabash | Indiana | 25 | 35 minutes |
| Lafayette | Indiana | 70 | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Fort Wayne | Indiana | 75 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| South Bend | Indiana | 110 | 2 hours |
| Indianapolis | Indiana | 80 | 1 hour 20 minutes |
| Chicago | Illinois | 150 | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Detroit | Michigan | 200 | 3 hours |
Colleges and Universities Near Peru, Indiana
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana University Kokomo | Public | University | Business, nursing, education, sciences, and regional studies |
| Ivy Tech Community College – Kokomo Campus | Public | Community College | Technical education, workforce training, and associate degrees |
| Manchester University | Private | University | Arts, sciences, business, and health programs |
| Taylor University | Private | University | Liberal arts, education, and professional programs |
| Peru Community Schools | Public | K–12 District | Primary and secondary education |
Waterbodies Near Peru, Indiana
Mississinewa River, Wabash River, Mississinewa Lake, Salamonie River, Pipe Creek, Eel River, Deer Creek, Little Pipe Creek, Lake Cicott
Stadiums and Sports Facilities in Peru
Peru High School Athletic Facilities, Maconaquah High School Sports Facilities (nearby), Riverwalk Trail Recreation Area, Mississinewa Lake Recreation Facilities, Miami County Fairgrounds
Peru, Indiana — Key Historical Facts
- Peru was founded in 1834 and became the county seat of Miami County.
- The city was named after the South American country of Peru, reflecting a common nineteenth-century naming trend for new American settlements.
- Peru became nationally known as the "Circus Capital of the World" because many famous circus performers and winter training camps were located in the area.
- The city developed as an agricultural, industrial, and transportation center in north-central Indiana.
- Today, Peru is recognized for its circus heritage, aviation history, parks, and location near major transportation routes.
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