On October 9, 1911 the first aircraft landed at what is now Peoria Stadium.
On April 15, 1926 Lt. Charles A. Lindberg arrives with the first airmail.
In the 1926 1931 period, Peoria voters twice defeated a proposition to establish and maintain a municipally-owned airport. Airline service was discontinued on April 30, 1931 because the old Peoria Municipal Airport was too small.
On May 19, 1932 the citizens of Peoria voted to have an airport. On 195 acres, American Airways (American Airlines), Chicago and Southern Airlines brought in airmail and passenger service on 4 shale-surfaced runways. The land was purchased by 261 Peoria businessmen that formed the Peoria Airport, Inc.
In 1937, the airport was turned over to Peoria Pleasure Driveway and Park District (Peoria Park District).
In 1942 the airport terminal building and field was dedicated.
In 1950, the Greater Peoria Airport Authority was created, assuming the operation of the Airport from the Peoria Park District. Ozark Air Lines begins to serve Peoria.
In 1955, the first foreign aircraft (Trans-Canada) arrives without first stopping at a port of entry (customs).
In 1965, Mt. Hawley Airport opened.
Turbulent years of airline strikes and recessions have caused several airlines to come and go and come back and sometimes go again. Today we are proud to have 5 airlines that fly in and out of Peoria every day. They are, American Airlines, Delta ASA, Northwest Airlink, United Express and the most recent addition, Allegiant Air.
GPRA has 46 non-stop flights daily to and from Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis

Visitor’s Guide & Accommodations

Peoria, Illinois is a world-class city in the heart of the Midwest. Peoria is located near the center of Illinois—the crossroads of the United States. It’s a dynamic city experiencing unprecedented growth—especially along its prized riverfront, where new restaurants, shops, businesses and residential areas appear almost monthly.
Peoria is home to the world headquarters of Caterpillar, Maui Jim Sunglasses, RLI Insurance and LR Nelson. While manufacturing put Peoria on the map, business here is diversifying. From medical technology to other health care industries, agriculture to education, Peoria’s business culture is red hot!
Are you looking for information about a specific hotel or city? Do you want to see what great restaurants and attractions we have here in Peoria? Visit our Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website to learn more about attractions and accomodations in and around Peoria.

Contact Us:
Greater Peoria Regional Airport
and Greater Peoria Airport Authority
6100 W. Everett McKinley Dirksen Parkway
Peoria, IL 61607
Phone: (309) 697-8272
Fax: (309) 697-8132