Facility Overview

The 300-398 SW Water St Parking lot is a centrally positioned open-air surface parking facility situated in the vibrant Riverfront District of downtown Peoria, Illinois. Situated directly adjacent to the scenic Illinois River, this parking area features an asphalt surface layout designed for straightforward maneuvering and hassle-free vehicle placement. Because this is an open surface facility with no overhead deck structures or low clearance barriers, it comfortably accommodates a wide variety of vehicle types, ranging from compact passenger cars and family sedans to full-size SUVs, extended-bed pickup trucks, and high-roof transit vans.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

This car park puts visitors directly on the doorstep of Peoria\'s primary riverfront cultural, recreational, and entertainment destinations. Key highlights within immediate walking distance include:

• Peoria Riverfront Museum: A 2-minute walk (less than 500 feet) to world-class art, science exhibitions, and the giant-screen theater.
• Caterpillar Visitors Center: Located directly across Water Street, offering interactive displays and historic machinery.
• Peoria Riverfront Park & River Trail: Immediate direct access to paved walking, running, and biking paths alongside the Illinois River.
• CEFCU Center Stage at The Landing: A brief 3-minute stroll for outdoor live concerts, summer festivals, and community celebrations.
• Riverfront Dining & Nightlife: Seconds away from popular local spots including Kelleher\'s Irish Pub & Eatery, The Blue Duck Barbecue Tavern, Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, and Martinis on Water.
• Peoria Civic Center: An easy 8 to 10-minute walk (approx. 0.4 miles) northwest along Fulton or Liberty Street for major arena concerts, Peoria Rivermen hockey games, and conventions.
• Dozer Park: Home of the Peoria Chiefs (High-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals), situated roughly 0.6 miles to the southwest.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Drivers can conveniently enter and exit along Southwest Water Street, with smooth cross-street connections via Harrison Street, Liberty Street, and Fulton Street. The riverfront street grid allows for efficient dispersal after major events, avoiding the heavier chokepoints typical of enclosed multi-tier garages. Direct regional access is provided via Interstate 74 (Exit 93 for Downtown Peoria / Washington St) and the Bob Michel Bridge (IL Route 40), connecting seamlessly across the river to East Peoria. For public transportation, the central Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (CityLink) Transit Center is just four blocks away on SW Adams Street, providing bus connections across the entire metropolitan area.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Spacious open-air surface lot with straightforward perpendicular and angled stalls
• Zero height clearance limitations, ideal for lifted trucks, roof boxes, and vans
• Designated ADA accessible parking bays conveniently located close to pedestrian exits
• Well-illuminated premises with municipal and decorative riverfront street lighting
• Direct pedestrian connectivity to the Illinois River Trail and Riverfront boardwalk
• Self-service pay stations and mobile payment compatibility where applicable

Ideal For

• Museum and planetarium visitors heading to the Peoria Riverfront Museum
• Music lovers attending live concerts at CEFCU Center Stage or downtown entertainment venues
• Patrons dining out and enjoying evening drinks throughout the Riverfront District
• Recreational visitors, runners, and cyclists exploring the scenic Illinois River Trail
• Downtown business commuters and convention delegates seeking convenient surface parking

Visitor & Driver Tips

During peak community events such as River City Pride, the Peoria Fine Art Fair, 4th of July celebrations, and weekend festival nights at The Landing, spaces in this lot fill up rapidly; aim to arrive early to secure a prime position. While parking is often free or low-cost during standard off-peak and weekend periods, always verify posted signage and curb markings upon arrival for special event tariffs or time limits. When setting your GPS navigation, entering 350 SW Water St will guide you smoothly to the entrance lanes between Harrison and Liberty Streets.