Majestic Homes and the World’s Greatest Sundial
Pekin has a long history dating into the 1800s. That means majestic old homes, schools, and public buildings that make for a fun historic drive around town. One of the oldest is the Rupert Park estate, an 11-room colonial-style mansion on Walnut. Nearby Washington Intermediate School is a sight to behold with its origins dating back to 1929. Washington Street is filled with many grand, well-preserved, historic homes, including the Carl Herget Mansion and a Queen Anne Victorian that was featured on House Hunters.
Continue to the Dirksen Congressional Center for even more interesting facts about the life of Sen. Dirksen and his impact in our community. Or snag a photo of our giant sundial — claimed to be the world’s most accurate (and greatest) — located in the Sunken Gardens. Here’s a driving tour with a little history about each site if you’re in the mood for a walk through time. Check out the Local History Room at the Pekin Public Library for even more tales of Pekin’s history and its people.
