Historic Brick Boulevard, Western Illinois Travel Guide

Experience Peoria's past on the Historic Brick Boulevard, a charming street with vintage architecture and a unique glimpse into the city's heritage.

Home
Travel Guides
Illinois
Western Illinois
Historic Brick Boulevard

Stroll along Peoria's Historic Brick Boulevard, a beautifully preserved street showcasing early 20th-century architecture and charm. Experience the city's rich history as you wander past vintage buildings and lush greenery.

A brief summary to Historic Brick Boulevard

W Armstrong Ave, Peoria, Illinois, US

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Historic Brick Boulevard.

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Take your time to explore the surrounding areas for hidden gems like local shops and cafes.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll want to explore every inch of this historic site.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site

Rockwell Mound Historic Site

Illinois Iron Furnace (National Historic Site)

Lewis and Clark (Camp River Dubois) State Historic Site

Jubilee College State Historic Site

Explore Historic Brick Boulevard on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Historic Brick Boulevard, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Peoria Riverfront Museum, walk east on SW Water St toward SW Adams St. Turn left onto SW Adams St and continue for about 0.3 miles until you reach N University St. Turn right onto N University St and walk for about 0.5 miles. Finally, turn left onto W Armstrong Ave, and Historic Brick Boulevard will be on your left. There are no costs associated with walking.
Public Transport

From the Peoria Public Library (Main Library), walk to the nearest bus stop on SW Adams St. Take the CityLink bus route #5 (North) towards North Peoria. Ride for about 15 minutes and get off at the stop at N University St & W Armstrong Ave. From there, walk west on W Armstrong Ave for about 0.1 miles, and you will see Historic Brick Boulevard on your right. A single ride on CityLink is $1.00. A day pass is available for $3.00, offering unlimited rides for one day.
Taxi/Ride-share

From downtown Peoria, a taxi or ride-share to Historic Brick Boulevard will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and surge pricing. The drop-off point is usually directly at the intersection of W Armstrong Ave and N University St.

Discover more about Historic Brick Boulevard

Historic Brick Boulevard, located on W Armstrong Avenue in Peoria, Illinois, offers a unique glimpse into the city's past. This charming thoroughfare is distinguished by its well-preserved brick streets and diverse architectural styles that reflect Peoria's evolution in the early 20th century. Designated as a local historic landmark, the boulevard evokes a sense of nostalgia and invites visitors to explore its rich heritage.The boulevard's history dates back to 1854 when John Armstrong donated the land for Armstrong Avenue. In 1904, the original gravel surface was replaced with Purington paving bricks, marking a significant upgrade. The Armstrong family's farmhouse, dating back to 1836, still stands at 303 West Armstrong, further connecting the boulevard to its historical roots. The 400-500-600 blocks of the street were officially landmarked in 1992, ensuring the preservation of its unique character.Walking along the Historic Brick Boulevard, visitors can admire the vintage buildings, lush greenery, and meticulously maintained brickwork. The boulevard provides a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, photography, and quiet reflection. Local shops and cafes add to the experience, offering delightful surprises and a taste of Peoria's local culture. The Central Illinois Landmark Foundation has played a role in preserving and promoting this historical treasure.