Caterpillar Visitors Center | Peoria

Caterpillar Visitors Center – Detailed Overview

Location:
110 S.W. Washington Street, Peoria, Illinois

Facility Size:
Approximately 50,000 square feet

1. Purpose & Mission

The Caterpillar Visitors Center is dedicated to showcasing the history, innovation, and global influence of Caterpillar Inc., a world leader in manufacturing heavy machinery and equipment. It offers an immersive educational experience, designed to inspire and inform visitors about the company’s technological advancements, engineering excellence, and commitment to sustainability.

2. Hours of Operation

Open: Tuesday through Saturday

Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM)

Closed: Sundays and major holidays including New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

3. Admission & Tickets

General Admission: $7 per adult

Seniors (55+), Veterans, Active Military: $6

Children 12 and under: Free (limit 4 children per paid adult ticket)

Group rates (25+): $6 per person

Caterpillar Employees and Retirees: Free with valid ID

Tickets can be purchased on-site or reserved online for convenience.

4. Main Exhibits and Experiences

Heritage Gallery

A comprehensive display of Caterpillar’s origins, tracing the company’s evolution from its founding in the early 20th century to its current global presence. Exhibits include vintage machinery, historical photographs, and artifacts illustrating major milestones in Caterpillar’s history.

Immersive Visualization Center

Utilizes advanced 3D visualization technology to give visitors an inside look at how Caterpillar designs and engineers its machines. Interactive displays allow guests to explore machinery components, simulate assembly processes, and understand product innovation.

Future Theater

A state-of-the-art theater presenting short films and multimedia experiences that explore how Caterpillar envisions the future of construction, mining, energy, and sustainability. It highlights the role of technology and innovation in building smarter, safer, and more efficient equipment.

Antique Tractor Walk

An outdoor or indoor display featuring a collection of rare and historically significant Caterpillar tractors and equipment. This exhibit showcases the mechanical progress and design evolution of the company’s products over the decades.

Interactive Simulators

Visitors can engage with hands-on simulators that mimic the operation of Caterpillar machinery such as excavators and loaders. These simulators provide a realistic experience of controlling heavy equipment, offering insight into the skills and technology used by operators worldwide.

Track-Type Tractor Experience

A full-size track-type tractor is available for visitors to climb into and explore. This interactive exhibit gives a tactile sense of the scale, controls, and design of Caterpillar’s iconic machinery.

5. Caterpillar Merchandise Center

The on-site gift shop offers an extensive range of Caterpillar-branded products, including:

Apparel (hats, shirts, jackets)

Footwear

Die-cast models of machinery

Accessories and collectibles

Books and educational materials related to heavy equipment and Caterpillar history

This merchandise center is popular among visitors looking for unique souvenirs and gifts.

6. Visitor Amenities

Parking: Free parking is available nearby in the Water Street parking garage, providing easy access to the Visitors Center.

Accessibility: The facility is fully accessible to guests with disabilities, with ramps, elevators, and accommodations throughout.

Guided Tours: Available for groups and special events by appointment, offering in-depth insights led by knowledgeable staff.

Food and Beverage: No on-site dining; however, nearby downtown Peoria offers numerous cafes and restaurants within walking distance.

7. Educational and Community Programs

The Caterpillar Visitors Center often partners with schools, local organizations, and community groups to offer educational programming focused on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Programs include:

Engineering workshops

Youth-focused tours and events

Special exhibits highlighting sustainability and innovation in heavy equipment manufacturing

8. Location and Contact

Address: 110 S.W. Washington Street, Peoria, IL 61602

Phone: (309) 675-0606

Summary

The Caterpillar Visitors Center is an immersive, educational, and interactive destination that highlights Caterpillar Inc.’s rich heritage and cutting-edge innovation in heavy machinery. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the company’s technological achievements, experience hands-on simulators, view historic equipment, and learn about the future of construction and mining industries. The center is ideal for families, students, engineering enthusiasts, and anyone interested in industrial history and innovation.