Grandview Drive in Peoria, Illinois: The World's Most Beautiful Drive

"...When Theodore Roosevelt visited Peoria on October 10, 1910, he called Grand View Drive the "World's Most Beautiful Drive." Grand View is revered as one of the most beautiful drives in Peoria because of its breathtaking views of the river and the many historic and remarkable homes lining it. One such home, built by Walter H. Kirk, was known as Valley View. As it was one of the first homes built along the drive, today it has been carefully restored.

Construction of Grand View Drive began in 1903, and when it was completed in late 1904, the road consisted of gravel measuring 30 feet wide and 8 inches deep. In 1936, the drive was paved and trees were planted along the road. That year, tennis courts, softball fields, and picnic areas were also added..." (historicpeoria.com)

When you get a chance to come to Peoria Illinois you should attempt to visit a bluff drive that overlooks the Illinois River. It is called Grandview Drive and, additionally, it is in a neighborhood that showcases some of the most beautiful houses in the city.

As indicated, the road was dubbed so by Theodore Roosevelt who was so taken with the scenery he felt compelled to comment on it.

In addition to the beauty of the road, there are some interesting hairpin turns near the bottom of the hill.

"...Grandview Drive (sometimes spelled Grand View Drive) is a two and a half mile scenic road with adjacent park areas through Peoria and Peoria Heights, Illinois. Major portions of the road give a view of the Illinois River and its valley as well as clear views of the some of the most prestigious and historic homes in the area. Houses along Grandview Drive are among the best known in the city; the residential area on the west of Grandview Drive, opposite the river, was added to the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district in 1996. A large amount of land on the valley side of Grandview Drive is owned by the Peoria Park District and is undeveloped except for park benches. The district's legal name, "Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria", is a reflection of Grandview Drive's original prominence in the Peoria park system.