Interactive museum and exhibit space showcasing heavy machinery, engineering innovation, and the legacy of a global manufacturing leader.
General Information
Closed Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays including New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve
Seniors (55+): $6
Veterans and Active Military: $6
Children 12 and under: Free (limit 4 per adult ticket)
Groups (25+): $6 per person
How to Get There
From Springfield, IL (75 mi): Take I-55 N to I-155 N, then merge onto I-74 W toward Peoria; take Exit 93 for Washington St and follow signs to the Caterpillar Visitors Center downtown.
Overview
The Caterpillar Visitors Center in Peoria offers an immersive journey into the world of heavy machinery and industrial innovation. Housed in a 50,000-square-foot LEED Gold-certified facility, the center features eight exhibit galleries, four theaters, and interactive displays that trace the evolution of Caterpillar from its early days to its global impact today. Visitors can climb aboard massive machines, test their skills on simulators, and even take a virtual ride in the bed of a two-story Cat 797F mining truck.
Beyond the machinery, the center highlights Caterpillar’s role in shaping infrastructure, sustainability, and community development around the world. The Heritage Gallery and Antique Tractor Walk offer a nostalgic look at the company’s past, while hands-on exhibits engage guests of all ages. Whether you're a fan of engineering, history, or just big machines, the Caterpillar Visitors Center delivers a dynamic and educational experience in the heart of Peoria.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Caterpillar Visitors Center, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0
