Where is Peru, Indiana, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 21, 2026, 14:20 ET

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

Where is Peru, 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

AttributeDetails
CityPeru
CountyMiami County
StateIndiana
State CapitalIndianapolis
US RegionMidwestern United States (East North Central Region)
Latitude40.7537° N
Longitude86.0689° W
Elevation692 ft (211 m)
Land Area5.01 sq mi
Water Area0.18 sq mi
Total Area5.19 sq mi
Population (2020 Census)11,072
Population DensityApproximately 2,209 people per sq mi
ZIP Code46970
Area Code765
Time Zone StandardEastern Standard Time (EST, UTC−5)
Time Zone DaylightEastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC−4)
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD)
FIPS Code18-59418
Congressional DistrictIndiana's 2nd Congressional District

Transportation and Connectivity in Peru, Indiana

CategoryDetails
Airport NameGrissom Aeroplex
IATA CodeGUS
Major HighwaysU.S. Route 31, U.S. Route 24, Indiana State Road 19, Indiana State Road 124
Train/Amtrak ServiceNearest Amtrak service in Wabash or Lafayette
Local Bus/Transit ServiceRegional 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 NameType
Grissom Air MuseumAviation Museum
Miami County MuseumHistory Museum
Miami County Circus Heritage MuseumCultural Museum
Riverwalk TrailRecreation Trail
Bicentennial ParkCommunity Park
Peru Riverside ParkPublic Park
Mississinewa RiverNatural Attraction
Mississinewa LakeRecreation Area
Miami County CourthouseHistoric Landmark
Grissom Air Reserve Base AreaMilitary and Aviation Site

Driving Distances from Peru, Indiana to Nearby Cities

CityStateDistance (mi)Approx. Drive Time
KokomoIndiana2535 minutes
LogansportIndiana2535 minutes
MarionIndiana3545 minutes
WabashIndiana2535 minutes
LafayetteIndiana701 hour 15 minutes
Fort WayneIndiana751 hour 20 minutes
South BendIndiana1102 hours
IndianapolisIndiana801 hour 20 minutes
ChicagoIllinois1502 hours 30 minutes
DetroitMichigan2003 hours

Colleges and Universities Near Peru, Indiana

Institution NameTypeLevelNotable For
Indiana University KokomoPublicUniversityBusiness, nursing, education, sciences, and regional studies
Ivy Tech Community College – Kokomo CampusPublicCommunity CollegeTechnical education, workforce training, and associate degrees
Manchester UniversityPrivateUniversityArts, sciences, business, and health programs
Taylor UniversityPrivateUniversityLiberal arts, education, and professional programs
Peru Community SchoolsPublicK–12 DistrictPrimary 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.

References

Indiana Related Maps and Info

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