Discover Pekin
6 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
Mineral Springs Park
Small urban park centered on a historic mineral spring and pond with walking paths, mature trees and seasonal wildflowers. Photograph reflections, close-ups of spring outflow and park details. Best light at golden hour and blue hour; weekdays and early mornings avoid locals. Easy street parking; flat, wheelchair-accessible paths.
Pekin Sundial
Small civic landmark: an ornamental sundial set in a Park Ave plaza. Shoot close-up details of the gnomon and engraved dial, and wider shots showing the sundial within the streetscape and nearby historic buildings. Best at golden hour when low sun creates long, dramatic shadows on the dial; overcast days are good for detail and texture. Easy street parking, wheelchair-accessible paths, no entry fee. Weekday mornings are quieter. Local landmark used in community events—respect nearby residences.
Coal Miner's Park
Small memorial park honoring coal miners with monuments, interpretive plaques, mature trees and river-adjacent paths. Shoot intimate textures (bronze plaques, weathered stone), commemorative statuary and seasonal landscapes. Best light is golden hour and low sun for side-light on reliefs; autumn and late spring add color. Easy roadside parking on S Parkway Dr; paths are mostly accessible. No entry fee; weekdays and early mornings are quieter.
Sunken Gardens Fountain
Compact formal sunken garden centered on a decorative fountain, seasonal flowerbeds, manicured pathways and ornamental benches. Best photographed in spring–early fall when plantings peak; golden hour and blue hour add warm highlights and nice reflections in the basin. Easy street parking nearby and no entry fee; generally accessible and small enough for quick visits. Weekday mornings are least crowded. Great for intimate compositions, reflections and detail shots.
Kiwanis Park North
Small riverside park with trails, riverbank viewpoints and open lawns—good for sunrise/sunset reflections on the Illinois River, seasonal foliage, and casual landscape or birding shots. Easy, free access with on-site parking; paths are walkable and mostly flat. Best light is golden hour and calm mornings for reflections; weekdays are quieter. No entry fees; respect local picnickers and anglers.
Shade Park
Small community park with mature shade trees, walking paths and picnic areas—great for intimate nature scenes, tree-canopy compositions, environmental portraits and seasonal color. Best at golden hour or overcast for even light; autumn and spring offer peak texture. On-site parking on Reuter Ln; free entry and wheelchair-accessible paths in parts. Visit weekdays or early mornings to avoid locals and dog-walkers.